What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
approached
Example
He approached the group of people standing by the entrance. [approached: past tense]
Example
I approached my boss to discuss the new project. [approached: verb]
near
Example
The store is near our house, so we can walk there. [near: adjective]
Example
We are nearing the end of our journey. [nearing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Near is more commonly used than approached in everyday language. Near is versatile and can be used in various contexts to describe proximity, while approached is less common and typically used in more specific situations where the action of getting closer is emphasized.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between approached and near?
While approached is more formal and commonly used in professional or serious contexts, near is more casual and commonly used in everyday conversations. Near can be used in both formal and informal settings, making it a more flexible choice for ESL learners.
