Word preposition
nearer
prep.
US /ˈnɪɹɝ/ UK /nˈiəɹɐ/ near·er
Definition
- 01 B1 Intermediate
at a shorter distance to a specific point or time.
positioned at a shorter distance or interval relative to a specified object or event.
Simple“As we got nearer the city, the traffic became much heavier.”
In context“The deadline is drawing nearer the end of the month, so we must accelerate our production schedule.”
UsageCan be used with or without the particle 'to' depending on the dialect and desired rhythm.
PitfallWe moved nearer to the fire. We moved nearer the fire.While 'nearer to' is common and acceptable, 'nearer' can function as a preposition on its own without 'to'.
Synonymscloser toAntonymsfurther from
This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Frequent
Updated