The tone changed, however, as the date of the march approached.

As he proceeded along the corridor the dates approached the present.

As the date approached, her attention was more focused.

As the date of the operation approached, training became more intensive.

That date was rapidly approaching less than a week away!

As the date approached, the intensity of work increased.

As the date approached, the Democrats started plotting legal strategies.

Instead, as the date approached, he slapped me on the back.

But as that date approached, the two sides returned to the table to find a more nuanced middle ground.

As the date approached, those due to give evidence became increasingly nervous and depressed.