year is upon us

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "year is upon us" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular year is approaching or has arrived, often in a reflective or anticipatory context. Example: "As December approaches, the new year is upon us, bringing fresh opportunities and challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

One of the most exciting match-ups of the year is upon us.

Independent

2 Elliott Carter's centenary year is upon us, and the tributes are only just beginning.

The New Yorker

The end of the year is upon us; its short days drawing themselves in to a soundtrack of choirs on TV and Phil Spector in supermarket aisles.

The Guardian - Film

The new year is upon us, and I want to wish the readers of this blog- a very Happy New Year 2019.

University of California, Berkeley

THAT time of year is upon us: the sticky season, when the only suit a man can get excited about has one of two words in front of it: "swim" or "birthday".

The New York Times

"The new school year is upon us and tax bills are ready to go out, but we still do not have a final increase in state school aid," Senator Bruno said in a statement.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

According to the WEF, the fourth big structural change in the past 250 years is upon us.

The Guardian - Business

But it's becoming clear that the teen years are upon us all, and we really want to move out.

The Guardian - Opinion

Families picnic; children play hard, knowing the school year is upon them.

HuffPost

And so with a dull thud of excitement the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award is upon us again.

The Guardian - Sport

"[Fiscal Year 2011] is upon us and we have to work with the administration and Congress to understand what flexibilities we have.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: this phrase works well in both formal and informal settings, but ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "year is upon us" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement; use alternatives like "the new year has arrived" or "as the year begins."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "year is upon us" functions as an announcement or observation about the imminent arrival or current state of a year. It often sets the stage for reflections, resolutions, or plans related to that year. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts, from personal reflections to broader societal observations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "year is upon us" is a grammatically correct and generally acceptable expression used to mark the beginning or near arrival of a new year. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While not exceedingly frequent, it is commonly found in news and media, setting a reflective or anticipatory tone. Consider related phrases like "the "year has arrived"" or "we are entering the year" for variety, and avoid overuse to maintain reader engagement. It is important to remember, as examples from Ludwig showcase, "year is upon us" serves as a signal to reflect and act upon the change in time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the year has arrived

This alternative directly states the arrival of the year, offering a more concise and definitive tone.

the year is dawning

This phrase uses a metaphorical expression to convey the beginning of the year.

the year is approaching

This suggests the year is drawing near, focusing on the anticipation of its arrival.

the start of the year is here

This alternative emphasizes the beginning of the year, providing a clearer and simpler expression.

we are entering the year

This phrase implies a transition into a new year, highlighting the act of moving forward.

the year looms

This gives a sense of the year being large and potentially imposing as it approaches.

the season is upon us

This alternative is broader, referring to any season rather than specifically the year.

the time is nigh

This phrase is more archaic and dramatic, suggesting the imminent arrival of a significant time.

the occasion is at hand

This implies that a specific event or occasion is very close in time.

the moment is near

Similar to 'the time is nigh', but less dramatic and more general.

FAQs

How can I use "year is upon us" in a sentence?

You can use "year is upon us" to introduce a discussion about the approaching or current year, such as, "As the new "year is upon us", it's time to reflect on the past and plan for the future."

What's a more formal way to say "year is upon us"?

A more formal alternative could be "the commencement of the year is at hand" or "the advent of the year is imminent". These options provide a more elevated tone.

What can I say instead of "year is upon us" to sound less cliché?

To avoid sounding cliché, try alternatives like "the "year has arrived"", "the start of the year is here", or "we are entering the year", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "year is upon us"?

Yes, "year is upon us" is grammatically correct and widely used. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in written English, indicating the approach or arrival of a specific year.