a minute or so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minute or so" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express a short duration of time, and is usually an approximate amount of time. For example: "I'll be ready in a minute or so."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After a minute or so, they switch.

The New York Times - Sports

Cook rapidly for a minute or so.

Independent

Beat again for a minute or so.

The New York Times - Food

It takes a minute or so.

The Guardian

Cook, stirring for a minute or so.

The New Yorker

Peas need a minute or so more.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Rest for a minute or so and repeat the set.

Harvard University

Try again in a minute or so, though.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

453, 80 L.Ed. 669, announced a minute or so earlier.

Cornell University

And then, after a minute or so, it wasn't.

The New Yorker

After a minute or so, he broke the silence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a minute or so" when you want to indicate a short, indefinite period. It is best suited for informal contexts or when precision is not necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "a minute or so" in formal or professional writing where precise timing is important. In those situations, provide an exact time frame.

Linguistic Context

Adverbial phrase of time. The phrase "a minute or so" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating when an action occurs. Ludwig confirms the phrase's acceptability. The phrase indicates an approximate and brief duration of time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

20%

Wiki

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a minute or so" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate a short, approximate period. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, academia, and on wikis. While versatile, remember that it suits informal communication best and might not be ideal for situations demanding precise timing. For formal writing, consider more specific alternatives. Keep in mind that while the phrase is acceptable, clarity and context dictate the best choice for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a moment

Suggests near-instant action.

in a short while

This suggests an event will occur soon, similar to "a minute or so".

for a little while

This suggests a slightly longer, but still indefinite, short time.

briefly

This term suggests a short duration, possibly shorter than "a minute or so".

for a short period

It is a more formal way of indicating a brief duration.

shortly

A more formal adverb, indicating something will happen soon.

momentarily

This is a single-word adverb expressing something happening briefly.

soon

Suggests a slightly less precise timeframe.

just a bit

This indicates a small amount of time or degree.

in a jiffy

An informal way to say something will be done very quickly.

FAQs

How can I use "a minute or so" in a sentence?

You can use "a minute or so" to indicate a short duration of time. For example, "I'll be there in "a minute or so"" suggests you will arrive shortly.

What are some alternatives to saying "a minute or so"?

Alternatives include "shortly", "in a moment", or "briefly" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "a minute or so" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a minute or so" is generally more suitable for informal communication. In formal writing, consider using more precise language or alternatives like "shortly" or "in the near future".

What does "a minute or so" imply about the duration of time?

"A minute or so" suggests a brief, approximate period around one minute. It indicates the duration is not exact but is relatively short.