countdown has begun

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "countdown has begun" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that a period of waiting is over, and a process of counting down has started. For example, you could write: "The countdown has begun! We only have one week left until the launch of our new product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

The countdown has begun.

The New York Times

The back-to-school countdown has begun.

The New York Times

So the countdown has begun and every training session counts.

The Guardian - Sport

"The countdown has begun," he told Republicans in East Rochester.

The New York Times

Despite being in the early stages of writing, the countdown has begun.

The Guardian

That is what is coming the way of solicitors, for whom the big countdown has begun.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Aaron's countdown had begun after his 712th homer in Houston on a Saturday night.

The New York Times - Sports

The countdown had begun: it was two and a half weeks before the opening of the 26th annual holiday exhibition and sale.

The New York Times

Within the last week, it appeared that the final countdown had begun, when the administrator in charge of the voluntary reorganization, Guy Lofalk, recommended to the court overseeing the case that the effort be halted.

The New York Times

The countdown had begun, and he prepared to dive into Dean's Blue Hole, hoping to reach 72 meters on a single inhalation, with no fins or supplemental oxygen.

The New York Times - Sports

A countdown had begun to signal the start of an extravagant laser light show called "Light to the Sky". One second before fireworks were set to explode, a young man burst onto the stage and stabbed Mr. Adamowicz several times, including in the heart.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "countdown has begun" to create anticipation for an event or deadline. It's a clear and concise way to signal that a period of preparation or waiting is over.

Common error

Avoid using "countdown has begun" in extremely informal settings. While versatile, it can sound slightly formal in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "we're starting" or "here we go" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "countdown has begun" functions primarily as an announcement, signaling the commencement of a period of anticipation or preparation. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples, demonstrating its widespread acceptance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "countdown has begun" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to announce the start of an anticipated period. According to Ludwig, it's versatile enough for news, business, and general contexts, though it may be slightly formal for very casual conversations. While alternatives like "the clock is ticking" exist, "countdown has begun" clearly signals the commencement of a countdown. The diverse examples provided by Ludwig confirm its widespread and consistent usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the clock is ticking

Focuses on the passage of time, emphasizing urgency or impending deadlines.

the race is on

Implies a competitive start with a clear goal.

the final phase is underway

Highlights that the ultimate stage of a process has commenced.

the starting gun has fired

Suggests that a process has officially commenced.

the die is cast

Indicates that a decision has been made, and events will proceed irrevocably.

we are off to the races

Idiomatic expression signaling a busy and active period ahead.

the game is afoot

Signals the start of an exciting or challenging pursuit.

the ball is rolling

Implies that a process has started and is progressing.

the wheels are in motion

Suggests that plans are actively being implemented.

the process is initiated

Formally indicates that the commencement of the steps is happening.

FAQs

How can I use "countdown has begun" in a sentence?

You can use "countdown has begun" to signal the start of a period of anticipation, such as "The "countdown has begun" for the holidays" or "Since the "countdown has begun" for the project, let's ensure all tasks are completed on time".

What are some alternatives to "countdown has begun"?

Some alternatives to "countdown has begun" include "the clock is ticking", "the race is on", or "the final phase is underway". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "countdown has begun" formal or informal?

"Countdown has begun" strikes a neutral to slightly formal tone, suitable for news reports, business announcements, or general event anticipation. It is versatile and widely understood.

What's the difference between "countdown has begun" and "countdown is starting"?

"Countdown has begun" suggests the countdown process is already in progress, while "countdown is starting" implies the countdown is about to begin immediately. The difference is subtle but "countdown has begun" signals an active phase.