against time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "against time" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to indicate a situation where someone is working quickly and urgently in order to complete a task within a specific amount of time. For example, "The team raced against time to finish the project before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But it's a fight against time".

The New York Times

I know we are fighting against time".

The New York Times

"We are racing against time," he says.

The Economist

We're in a race against time".

Independent

I'm always working up against time.

The New York Times

It was a race against time.

The New York Times

Yet we are truly racing against time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Introduction: a race against time?

Stanford University

They are racing against time.

The Guardian

"She was racing against time.

The Guardian

These are stock prices plotted against time.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "against time", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being raced against. For instance, specify the deadline, event, or process causing the time pressure.

Common error

Avoid using "against time" when simply describing an activity that takes time. It's specifically for situations where time is a critical constraint or when there's a risk of failing due to lack of time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "against time" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that something is done with urgency and under pressure due to a limited timeframe. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, supported by numerous examples of the phrase functioning in this way.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "against time" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that signifies urgency and working under a strict deadline. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and functions as an adverbial phrase. Predominantly found in news, media and scientific contexts, it conveys the critical importance of speed in achieving a goal. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly communicates the constraint being faced. While versatile, it's important to avoid using it in situations where there's merely a passage of time without an element of pressing urgency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

racing against the clock

Emphasizes the competitive aspect of trying to meet a deadline; more figurative.

fighting the clock

Suggests a struggle to finish something before time runs out; slightly more dramatic.

up against a deadline

Highlights the pressure of an approaching deadline.

under time pressure

Directly states the existence of temporal constraints.

in a time crunch

Informal way of expressing a lack of sufficient time.

pressed for time

Highlights the scarcity of time and the resulting urgency.

constrained by time

Focuses on the limiting effect of time on actions or decisions.

working to a deadline

Specifies that the effort is oriented towards completing a task by a certain time.

under a tight schedule

Emphasizes the rigidity and demanding nature of the timeframe.

with limited time

Acknowledges the restriction on the amount of time available.

FAQs

How can I use "against time" in a sentence?

You can use "against time" to express urgency or a race to meet a deadline. For example, "The doctors were working "against time" to save the patient's life."

What does it mean to work "against time"?

Working "against time" means you are in a situation where you need to act quickly because you have a limited amount of time to achieve something. It implies a sense of pressure and urgency.

What's the difference between ""against time"" and "in time"?

"Against time" suggests a race or struggle to meet a deadline, while "in time" means something happens before a deadline or before it's too late. They have opposite meanings.

What can I say instead of ""against time""?

Alternatives include "racing against the clock", "under pressure", or "in a hurry", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.