countdown has started

USAGE SUMMARY

This sentence is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a phrase to indicate that time is running out for a certain event to occur. For example, "The countdown has started; we only have two weeks left to finish this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It is like the countdown has started.

The Guardian - Sport

"The countdown has started; the US/Iranian plan is about to be implemented.

The Guardian

Yes, the final Countdown has started but the Countdown Conundrum is still what impact UKIP will have.

The Guardian

The New Year countdown has started, and you are about to pop the cork on something sparkling.

The New York Times - Food

The Christmas countdown has started, and to avoid the usual last-minute fluster, I'm trying to plan ahead.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The countdown has started and it would be fair say that I have done pretty much no real work in the last few weeks.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Talking of the World Cup, there's a real feel of the countdown having started in earnest now the NRL has kicked off in Australia and New Zealand to underline the array of talent heading our way.

The Guardian - Sport

Shanghai is an example of the demographic time-bomb facing China: its fertility rate, at 0.7, is among the world's lowest.Wang Feng, a demographer and director of the Brookings-Tsinghua Center for Public Policy in Beijing, believes that public sentiment will eventually force the end of the policy and that the government's reshuffle has started the countdown.

The Economist

Bill's Gay Nineties, at 57 East 54th Street, which opened during Prohibition and never shut since, has started a final countdown and will be closing on March 24.

The New York Times

The countdown for Egypt's first multi-candidate presidential elections since the January 2011 revolution has started.

BBC

The countdown has already started for Bekele: he has three years left to complete this concrete colossus.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "countdown has started" to create a sense of urgency or anticipation when referring to an event or deadline. For example, "The "countdown has started" for the product launch, so the marketing team is working overtime."

Common error

Avoid using "countdown had started" when referring to a countdown that is currently in progress. "Countdown has started" is appropriate for ongoing situations, while "countdown had started" implies the countdown concluded in the past.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "countdown has started" functions as an announcement or declaration, indicating that a period leading up to a significant event or deadline has commenced. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature. It sets the stage for anticipation and urgency.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "countdown has started" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate the beginning of a period leading up to an event. Ludwig AI validates its usability. Predominantly found in news, business, and general contexts, it serves to create anticipation and inform audiences that a specific timeframe is now in motion. Although variations exist, such as "the clock is ticking", the core message remains consistent: time is of the essence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the clock is ticking

This alternative uses a metaphorical clock to emphasize the limited time remaining.

time is running out

This phrase directly states that the available time is decreasing.

the process has begun

This alternative indicates the initiation of a sequence of actions.

the race is on

This phrase implies a competitive aspect to the limited time available.

the final phase has commenced

This alternative denotes the beginning of the concluding stage.

we're on the home stretch

This idiom suggests nearing the end of a journey or task.

the ball is rolling

This phrase implies that things are in motion and progressing forward.

the wheels are in motion

Similar to "the ball is rolling", this indicates that the necessary actions are underway.

the die is cast

This idiom signifies that a decision has been made and cannot be changed.

things are underway

This alternative simply states that progress is being made.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says, "The countdown has started"?

It means that a period leading up to a specific event or deadline has begun, and time is now being tracked or counted down.

What can I say instead of "The countdown has started"?

You can use alternatives like "the clock is ticking", "time is running out", or "the process has begun" depending on the context.

How to use "countdown has started" in a sentence?

You can use it to indicate the beginning of a period before an event. For example: "The "countdown has started" for the Olympics."

Which is correct, "countdown has started" or "countdown is started"?

"Countdown has started" is correct. "Countdown is started" is grammatically incorrect because "start" in this context requires a verb that indicates completion, not a passive state.