were around the corner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were around the corner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is imminent or about to happen soon. Example: "The holidays were around the corner, and everyone was busy preparing for the celebrations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Then he'd let go, until they were around the corner.

The New Yorker

But the long-term costs were around the corner.

The Washington Post

The street had fallen into its weekend torpor; the crowds were around the corner.

The Guardian - Books

This wouldn't be a big deal, if the election were around the corner.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their entrances were around the corner from Lori's, but they were connected to the restaurant by a back hallway.

Harvard University

Taking care not to encourage false hopes, he stopped well short of predicting that good times were around the corner.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Still, another recession could be "around the corner," he warned.

Los Angeles Times

Recession is around the corner.

The Economist

Democracy was around the corner.

Independent

Ours is around the corner.

The New York Times

The playoffs are around the corner.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were around the corner" to create a sense of anticipation or nearness, either in time or location. It's effective for describing events, deadlines, or even physical locations that are close but not immediately visible.

Common error

Avoid using "were around the corner" when referring to events that have already passed. Ensure the tense aligns with the context to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

Function: "Were around the corner" primarily functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its state of nearness or imminence. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Examples in Ludwig show it describing events, places, or conditions that are close in time or space.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were around the corner" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It serves to create anticipation and indicate that something is nearby or about to happen. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage, with numerous examples demonstrating its application across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While suitable for a range of registers, it maintains a neutral tone, making it versatile for different writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure correct tense usage to avoid potential errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were imminent

Focuses on the impending nature of an event, emphasizing its nearness in time.

were on the horizon

Implies that something is becoming visible or apparent in the future.

were close at hand

Suggests that something is easily accessible or within reach.

were in sight

Indicates that something is visible or can be anticipated.

were coming up soon

Emphasizes the short time frame until an event occurs.

were just ahead

Highlights the proximity and forward direction of something.

were nearly here

Stresses the almost complete arrival or occurrence of something.

were within reach

Focuses on the attainability of something.

were a stone's throw away

Uses a figurative expression to describe something physically nearby.

were breathing down our necks

Conveys a sense of urgency and pressure due to the imminence of something.

FAQs

How can I use "were around the corner" in a sentence?

Use "were around the corner" to indicate that something is imminent or nearby. For example, "The holidays "were around the corner", and everyone was making plans."

What's a more formal alternative to "were around the corner"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "were imminent" or "were on the horizon", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "were around the corner" to describe something abstract?

Yes, "were around the corner" can be used metaphorically to describe abstract concepts or events. For instance, "Breakthroughs in the field "were around the corner"" suggests that advancements were anticipated.

What is the difference between "were around the corner" and "were just around the corner"?

Adding "just" to the phrase "were just around the corner" emphasizes the immediacy or closeness of something. Both phrases are correct; "just" simply amplifies the sense of proximity.