a minute off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minute off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is slightly different or not exactly on time, often in reference to a schedule or timing. Example: "The train is scheduled to arrive at 3:00 PM, but it might be a minute off due to delays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Cooking

General Discussion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

In the last three years they've hardly had a minute off, although did get a six week break in 2003.

The Guardian - Music

"But on the other hand, right now I feel like I don't want to miss a minute off, being out there, being able to compete".

The New York Times - Sports

D-Hop was second, a minute off, so here's your namely namesake David Hopkin as a consolation, lurking at the end of a Chelsea wall in 1995, wearing an excellent orange kit to match his hair.

The Guardian - Sport

Gann heard a resonance of a truly fundamental E flat, the one that cycles just 18 times a minute, off the scale of what even Young's Böse can do, but the pitch from which all of the other notes in the piece derive as overtones; Keith Potter recalls hearing phantom French horns, saxophones and voices conjured from Young's keyboard.

The Guardian - Music

And the whole series takes less than a minute off the clock.

The New York Times

Stir in the spinach and let sit for a minute off the heat.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

A minute of drifting off can cause an accident or ruin your food.

WikiHow

If you feel stressed out, take a a few minutes off!

WikiHow

Nice to meet you, Relax a minute, Take off your clothes, get comfortable.

Vice

After a minute wipe off with a damp washcloth.

WikiHow

If you must leave the area for a minute, turn off the dryer.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minute off" in sports contexts, ensure it's clear whether you're referring to a time difference or a break in play. For example, "The racer was just a minute off the lead, pushing hard to catch up."

Common error

Avoid using "a minute off" when you mean "a minute of" something. "A minute off" typically refers to a deviation or pause, while "a minute of silence" refers to a duration dedicated to quiet contemplation or remembrance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minute off" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating a slight deviation in time or a brief interval. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which showcases its usage in contexts concerning schedule deviations and performance metrics.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minute off" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a slight deviation in time or a brief pause. As evidenced by Ludwig's analysis, it is commonly found in news and media, particularly in sports contexts, to describe performance metrics or schedule deviations. While it is not a highly frequent phrase, its meaning is clear and its usage is well-supported by examples. Writers should take care not to confuse it with similar-sounding phrases like "a minute of", and should ensure that its use accurately reflects a small discrepancy or short break.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor delay

Focuses on the small degree of postponement.

a tad late

Denotes a small amount of lateness.

slightly delayed

Focuses on the concept of being a little behind schedule.

just behind schedule

Implies being slightly off the planned timing.

marginally slower

Indicates a minor difference in speed or timing.

slightly ahead

Suggests being a bit early or faster.

a brief respite

Highlights a short break or pause.

a quick pause

Highlights a temporary cessation.

a short breather

Emphasizes a quick moment of rest.

momentary recess

Emphasizes a short, temporary break.

FAQs

What does "a minute off" mean?

The phrase "a minute off" typically means to be slightly early, late, or to have some time removed or taken as a break. For example, a runner might be "a minute off" the pace of the leader, or someone might get "a minute off" from work.

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

You can use "a minute off" to describe being slightly away from a target time or schedule. For example: "The train arrived "a minute off" schedule" or "He was "a minute off" his personal best time."

What are some alternatives to "a minute off"?

Alternatives to "a minute off" include "slightly delayed", "a brief respite", or "a minor delay", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a minute off" or "one minute off"?

Both "a minute off" and "one minute off" are grammatically correct, but "a minute off" is more common in informal speech and writing. "One minute off" might be used for emphasis or in more formal contexts.