a minute away

USAGE SUMMARY

'a minute away' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a time frame that is very close. For example, "We'll be leaving in just a minute away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sports

Business

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

After a minute away, he returned to the line.

The New York Times

Maybe not, but you also wouldn't be a minute away from the Met.

The New Yorker

You were rarely more than a minute away from a plug for a bookie.

The Guardian - Sport

They were less than a minute away from the Super Bowl.

The Guardian - Sport

"I haven't the heart to take a minute away from the men," she once explained.

The New Yorker

Transport Stoke station is a minute away and has pretty good links in all directions.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

The Western Bulldogs are five-and-a-half minutes away from the greatest story in football.

The Guardian - Sport

More businesses and grocers are in Cannon Beach, a town a few minutes away.

The New York Times

A municipal park is a few minutes away; Shenandoah National Park is within an hour.

The New York Times

Now the restaurant has reopened in a pleasant corner location a few minutes away.

The New Yorker

Her father lives a few minutes away and still works as a milkman.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a minute away" to convey a sense of immediacy or close proximity in time or distance. It's suitable for both literal and figurative contexts, adding a touch of anticipation to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a minute away" in situations where the actual time or distance is significantly longer. Overusing it can dilute its impact. If something is truly far, choose phrases that accurately reflect the distance to avoid misleading the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minute away" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate proximity in time or distance. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it describes how close something is to occurring or being reached. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

10%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Business

7%

Music

7%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minute away" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that indicates something is very close in either time or distance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for both literal and figurative usage, adding a sense of immediacy and anticipation. Predominantly featured in news and media, this versatile phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain its impact, and consider alternatives like "nearly there" or "just around the corner" for variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly there

Emphasizes the proximity to a destination or goal.

almost upon us

Highlights the imminent arrival of something, typically an event or deadline.

just around the corner

Suggests a close physical location, often used metaphorically for upcoming events.

in close proximity

Stresses the nearness in terms of physical space.

within earshot

Indicates the possibility of being heard due to closeness.

in the vicinity

Similar to 'in close proximity', but slightly more formal.

close at hand

Implies that something is easily accessible or obtainable because it's nearby.

on the verge of

Highlights the imminence of an event or state.

inches away

Denotes a very small distance separating two points.

just a stone's throw

Indicates a short distance, easily traversable.

FAQs

How can I use "a minute away" in a sentence?

"A minute away" indicates something is very near in time or distance. For example, "The train is "a minute away" from arriving" or "The store is just "a minute away" from my house".

What can I say instead of "a minute away"?

You can use alternatives like "nearly there", "almost upon us", or "just around the corner depending on the context".

Is it better to say "a minute away" or "close by"?

The best choice depends on the context. "A minute away" implies a short time or distance, while "close by" simply indicates proximity without specifying time. If time is critical, use "a minute away"; otherwise, "close by" might suffice.

Can "a minute away" be used figuratively?

Yes, "a minute away" can be used figuratively to express that a goal or event is very close to being achieved. For example, "We were "a minute away" from winning the game".