countdown is on

USAGE SUMMARY

"countdown is on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means that the time remaining until a certain event or deadline is approaching or has begun. Example: The countdown is on for the start of the Olympics, with only 100 days to go until the opening ceremony.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Just one year to go... the countdown is on!

Huffington Post

Classes ending in 4s and 9s.... the countdown is on!

Cornell University

Spring has arrived in Australia and it means just one thing: the countdown is on to the Melbourne Cup.

Huffington Post

Countdown is on Weekdays at 2.10pm on Channel 4. PA.

Independent

"The countdown is on to his return and the club needs him.

The Guardian - Sport

"The countdown is on as to what Trump will do next," said Xie. Chinese analysts said the first round would be tough but manageable, and were bracing for more to come.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The Ryder Cup countdown was on during tha visit, and one of the tournament's sponsors, Rolex, had rounded up Team USA captain Corey Pavin and European captain Colin Montgomerie for a chat during the Wales Open, also held here.

Forbes

The show that replaced "Countdown," "The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell," has averaged 252,000 in that demographic, down just 3 percent from the same period last year, when "Countdown" was on.

The New York Times

"Her eye is brok-ed!" she shrieked and the countdown was on to total thermonuclear temper tantrum, but I bought a few seconds by promising to fix broken eye.

The New York Times

In this mode, every player spawns in a different place on the map and after the 10 second countdown, the hunt is on!

WikiHow

The countdown is officially on for the big Facebook location backlash.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Enhance this sense of anticipation, by using this phrase towards the end of a discussion, as a way to summarize a buildup.

Common error

Avoid using "countdown is on" without specifying what the countdown refers to. Ensure clarity by explicitly stating the event or deadline that is approaching. Otherwise, the phrase can be confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "countdown is on" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that the period before an anticipated event or deadline has begun. Ludwig confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "countdown is on" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to signify that the period leading up to a significant event has commenced. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts. It effectively communicates a sense of anticipation, excitement, or urgency. While versatile, it's important to specify the subject of the countdown to ensure clarity. While it is most frequently found in News & Media sources, it can be used in Academic and Wiki domains as well. Alternatives such as "the clock is ticking" and "time is running out" can provide similar meaning with slight nuances in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the clock is ticking

This alternative emphasizes the passage of time and the urgency of the situation.

time is running out

This option highlights the limited amount of time remaining before a deadline or event.

the final stretch is here

This phrase suggests that the end of a process or period is near.

the days are numbered

This alternative creates a sense of finality and anticipation.

approaching rapidly

This suggests that an event is getting closer and will happen soon.

the moment draws near

This gives a formal tone that the time is almost here.

getting closer

Simple alternative that suggests event is approaching.

the heat is on

This alternative conveys a sense of increasing pressure and intensity.

it's just around the corner

This phrase means that something is expected to happen very soon.

we're in the home stretch

Suggests the end is near and is commonly used in sports.

FAQs

How can I use "countdown is on" in a sentence?

You can use "countdown is on" to express that the time remaining until a certain event is decreasing. For example, "The "countdown is on" for the release of the new movie."

What's a more formal alternative to "countdown is on"?

While "countdown is on" is suitable for many contexts, more formal alternatives include "the period of anticipation has begun" or "the final phase is underway" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "countdown is on" in professional writing?

Yes, but use it judiciously. It's best suited for situations where you want to create a sense of excitement or urgency. In very formal documents, a more neutral phrase like "the final phase is approaching" may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "countdown is on" and "the clock is ticking"?

"Countdown is on" specifically refers to a period of anticipation before an event, while "the clock is ticking" refers to a limited time to do something.