when nearing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when nearing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or event that occurs as one approaches a certain point or situation. Example: "When nearing the summit, the hikers felt a surge of excitement and anticipation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

When nearing retirement, they could have constructed a vacation home that fit their own version of paradise.

The New York Times

Previously, the standard procedure when nearing a low altitude stall was to raise the nose by around 5 degrees and maintain thrust.

The New York Times

UNLIKE those people who move to the South when nearing retirement, Bob Trenta headed to the warmth of Florida early in his career.

The New York Times

Shostakovich lent them a sympathetic ear more than 400 years later when, nearing death in 1974, he set his "Suite on Words of Michelangelo".

The New York Times - Arts

When nearing the line with its 20% enrichment, Iran converted most of the excess amounts to oxide form, which could be reprocessed back in a matter of weeks.

The Guardian - Opinion

Planes may be more cautious when nearing Turkish airspace and performing low-flying missions but the Kremlin's commitment to backing its ally, President Bashar al-Assad, seems unlikely to change.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It feels jarring, then, when, near the end, something happens and her character hurtles toward epiphany.

The New Yorker

You wrote that being "high on hope" kept you from giving up, even when near death.

The New York Times - Health

I had long wanted that particular species and, when near enough, I struck.

The New Yorker

When, near his seventy-fifth birthday, depression struck again, it found an older, softer, and much less defensible target.

The New Yorker

The win over Norwich saw the Reds pick up three points on a weekend when nearest rivals Chelsea could not.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when nearing" to clearly indicate that an action or state occurs as something approaches a specific point or condition. It helps establish a temporal relationship between the approach and the subsequent event.

Common error

Avoid using "when nearing" when the intended meaning is simply 'when near'. "When nearing" implies a process or state of approaching, not just proximity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when nearing" functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating the temporal relationship between the approach to a certain point and the occurrence of a related event. This is supported by Ludwig examples, where the phrase introduces circumstances that arise as something is getting closer to a particular state or location.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when nearing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that acts as an adverbial clause, specifying the timing of an event in relation to approaching something. It's suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news reports to scientific articles, and it's important to use it when you want to emphasize that the event is happening because of or during the approach, and not just when in proximity. According to Ludwig, the phrase is well-received and widely used across varied publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon approaching

Replaces "when" with "upon" creating a more formal tone and maintaining the sense of immediacy.

as one approaches

Replaces "when" with "as", and "nearing" with "approaches", focusing on the act of getting closer.

as you come closer to

Emphasizes the subject's movement and proximity to a particular point.

getting closer to

Focuses on the continuous action of reducing the distance to a specific point.

on the approach to

Emphasizes the act of approaching as a journey or process.

as it neared

Uses the past tense of 'near', creating a sense of past action or event.

in anticipation of reaching

Highlights the expectation and preparation for reaching a certain point.

on the verge of reaching

Implies a point very close to being reached, highlighting the imminence.

as it draws closer

Uses "draws closer" to convey the sense of proximity and arrival.

in close proximity to

Focuses on the state of being close rather than the action of approaching.

FAQs

How can I use "when nearing" in a sentence?

Use "when nearing" to describe an event that happens as something approaches a specific point. For example, "The plane reduces its speed "when nearing" the airport."

What phrases are similar to "when nearing"?

Alternatives include "upon approaching", "as one approaches", or "as it draws closer", all of which convey a similar sense of approaching a specific point or situation.

Is it correct to say "while nearing" instead of "when nearing"?

While both can be used, "when nearing" is more precise in indicating that an event occurs specifically during the approach. "While nearing" might imply the event occurs throughout the entire duration of the approach, which may not always be the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "when nearing" and "as nearing"?

"When nearing" is the more standard and grammatically accepted phrase. "As nearing" is less common and may sound awkward to native English speakers. It's generally better to stick with ""when nearing"".