counting the hour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "counting the hour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of measuring or keeping track of time, often in a metaphorical sense, such as anticipating an event or reflecting on the passage of time. Example: "As I sat in the waiting room, I found myself counting the hour until my appointment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

(That's not counting the hour-long Mekong Hotel, which emerged in 2012).

The Guardian - Film

Neither does counting the hours that one hasn't slept.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's May 25," Mr. Mackie said, counting the hours.

The New York Times

And I found that the broccoli plant seems to be counting the hours".

The New York Times - Food

We ended up sitting together flying home, counting the hours to touchdown in the world.

The New York Times

I can imagine how useful that might be, but mostly I'm just counting the hours until I can leave.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He would spend all day smelling his own sweat and counting the hours until his next shower.

The New Yorker

I, like many other people, have been enthralled by the show's first seven episodes, and am counting the hours until the haunting mystery is resolved.

The New Yorker

She finds herself staring at the clock, counting the hours and, eventually, the minutes, until she has to get up to go to work.

The New Yorker

Far from decrying the show, he said, "I'm counting the hours till I can see it -- for good reasons and low".

The New York Times

She read 356 books on the subject and wrote five drafts of her novel, meticulously counting the hours she worked: 4,967.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "counting the hour" to create a sense of anticipation or suspense, particularly when describing a period of waiting or expectation. It subtly emphasizes the passing of time.

Common error

Avoid using "counting the hour" when you simply mean checking the time. The phrase is more evocative and should be reserved for contexts where the passage of time is emotionally significant or anticipated with some level of intensity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "counting the hour" functions as a verb phrase, often part of a larger clause that describes a state of anticipation or observation of time's passage. While there are no exact matches in Ludwig, similar examples suggest this usage aligns with tracking or measuring time.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "counting the hour" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the anticipation or slow passage of time. Though examples are currently missing in Ludwig, making a determination of the frequency challenging, its slightly evocative tone renders it suitable for various contexts, ranging from creative writing to news reporting. When using this expression, remember to emphasize the emotional weight or anticipated significance associated with the time being tracked.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marking the hour

Focuses on the act of noting or signifying the passage of each hour, emphasizing a more deliberate observation.

tracking the hour

Implies a more active and ongoing monitoring of the hour as it progresses.

measuring the hour

Suggests a precise or quantitative assessment of the duration of the hour.

awaiting the hour

Emphasizes anticipation and waiting for a specific hour to arrive, shifting the focus to expectation.

anticipating the hour

Similar to awaiting, but with a stronger sense of expectation and perhaps preparation for what the hour will bring.

watching the hour pass

Highlights the act of observing the hour go by, often implying a sense of passivity or boredom.

observing the hour

More formal and detached than 'watching', suggesting a careful and perhaps scientific observation of the hour.

timing the hour

Implies a focus on the duration or scheduling of events within the hour.

calculating the time

Focuses on determining time rather than waiting.

checking the time

Implies a quick verification or confirmation of the current time, rather than a prolonged measurement or anticipation.

FAQs

How can I use "counting the hour" in a sentence?

You can use "counting the hour" to express anticipation or the slow passage of time, as in "As the deadline approached, I found myself "counting the hour" until submission".

What's a good alternative to "counting the hour"?

Alternatives include "marking time", "awaiting the moment", or "watching the clock", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "counting the hour" formal or informal?

The phrase "counting the hour" leans towards being slightly more literary or evocative, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts where you want to emphasize the passage of time with a hint of anticipation or anxiety.

Can "counting the hour" be used in a positive context?

Yes, "counting the hour" can be used in a positive context, such as "She was "counting the hour" until she could see her loved ones again", conveying excitement and joyful anticipation.