What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
approaching
Example
I saw my friend approaching from a distance. [approaching: verb]
Example
The train is approaching the station. [approaching: present participle]
nearing
Example
We are nearing the end of our journey. [nearing: present participle]
Example
The deadline for the project is nearing. [nearing: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Approaching is more commonly used than nearing in everyday language, especially when talking about physical movement towards a person or object. Nearing is more commonly used when referring to the approach of a time or event.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between approaching and nearing?
While approaching is generally more formal, nearing is more commonly used in informal contexts and everyday language.
