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If some event approaches, what do you call it? I thought I could use 'close in', but it seems I can't. For example
As the election day [approached], the candidates' confrontational rhetoric reached fever pitch.
It's not happened yet, but it's going to happen soon and it gets sooner and sooner, that's what I intend to convey. Please suggest something that works well in different contexts, for different types of events.
There are lots of ways of expressing that meaning. Your “approached” is one example. But which of the many options to choose depends on several factors, including: whether you want a verb, noun, or adjective; whether the fact that the event is approaching is to be seen as a positive or negative thing; just how close to the event we are; how fast the event is approaching; and so on. Some examples:
As election day loomed, the candidates’ rhetoric became increasingly depressing
He knew that his looming election defeat would be followed immediately by ridicule and scorn.
The fast-approaching exams had all the students on edge.
As McEnroe served for the match, his heart beat loudly in his chest in expectation of his imminent victory.
