year is approaching

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "year is approaching" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the upcoming end of a calendar year or the arrival of a specific year. Example: "As December draws near, the new year is approaching, bringing fresh opportunities and challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The new year is approaching fast, and with it, the promise of better health.

Harvard University

"The New Year is approaching, Miriam — traditionally a time of new beginnings.

The New Yorker

"The increased activity is more about the fact that the end of the year is approaching and capital market activity has been so limited to date".

The New York Times

Luckily for these unfortunate forgottens, New Year is approaching, a time when, despite the intuitions of the calendar, our thoughts often turn to the past.

The New York Times

The Jewish New Year is approaching — will you be turning to your great-aunt's brisket recipe, or this one from the chef Michael Solomonov, who braises the meat in pomegranate juice?

The New York Times

Worldwide, the number of text messages sent each year is approaching one trillion, and the major wireless companies report that users now do more texting than talking on their cell phones.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Journal: Mexico The last days of the year are approaching and it looks as if some economic change is shaping up.

The Guardian

The 1950 Holy Year was approaching, and the Roman Catholic Church jubilee promised to bring pilgrims and tourists to the Eternal City who would want not only spiritual uplift but also food - possibly fettuccine.

The New York Times - Travel

The busiest weeks of the year are approaching, as people hustle and bustle to get ready for the holiday season.

Los Angeles Times

Even before I read Chris McDougall's I-can't-recommend-this-book-enthusiastically-enough Born to Run last December, I had for the previous year been approaching outdoor exertion with the idea that I never wanted to push myself.

Huffington Post

As the new school year was approaching, Mali's Ministry of National Education and its partners, including UNICEF, stepped up efforts to provide access to education to half a million children affected by Mali's political and security crisis.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "year is approaching", consider the tone you want to convey. It can be neutral, expectant, or even slightly apprehensive depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "year is approaching" excessively in highly formal or technical documents. Opt for more precise language like "the end of the fiscal year is imminent" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "year is approaching" functions as a present continuous construction, indicating an ongoing process or event that is moving closer in time. It emphasizes the progressive nature of the year's progression, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

32%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "year is approaching" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to denote the nearing of a new year or the conclusion of an existing one. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general communication. While versatile, be mindful of the level of formality required; in highly technical or formal contexts, consider more precise alternatives. The most authoritative sources using this phrase are news outlets like The New York Times, BBC and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

year is drawing near

Emphasizes the nearing of the year's end, similar to the original phrase but with a slightly more figurative tone.

year is coming closer

Highlights the gradual reduction of distance to the end of the year, focusing on the ongoing approach.

end of the year is nearing

Specifically mentions the "end of the year", shifting the emphasis from the year itself to its conclusion.

year is on the horizon

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate that the year is about to start, adding a sense of anticipation.

year is fast approaching

Adds emphasis on the speed at which the year is approaching, indicating a sense of urgency or rapid progression.

new year is looming

Highlights the arrival of new year and possibly carries a sense of anticipation or even apprehension, depending on the context.

year is advancing

Focuses on the continuous progression of the year, emphasizing its forward movement.

year is getting closer

Similar to "year is coming closer" but uses a more colloquial tone.

close of the year is in sight

Expresses the nearing of the year's end in a more visual and descriptive manner.

year's end is approaching

Rearranges the original phrase to emphasize the end of the year.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "year is approaching" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "the end of the year is imminent", "the fiscal year is drawing to a close", or "the new year is on the horizon".

What are some alternative ways to say the "year is approaching"?

You can use alternatives like "year is drawing near", "year is coming closer", or "year is on the horizon" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "year is approaching"?

Yes, the phrase "year is approaching" is grammatically correct and widely used in English to indicate the nearing of a specific year or the end of the current year.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "year is approaching"?

It's appropriate to use "year is approaching" when you want to create a sense of anticipation or awareness about the upcoming end of a year or the beginning of a new one. It can be used in various contexts, from casual conversations to news articles.