counting the seconds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "counting the seconds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the act of measuring or keeping track of time, often in a context of anticipation or anxiety. Example: "As I waited for the results, I found myself counting the seconds, feeling the tension build with each tick of the clock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"I just lay here counting the seconds".

The Guardian - Books

In short, he is counting the seconds until life after politics.

The New York Times

[New York Times] Counting the seconds until Mayor Bloomberg leaves office?

The New York Times

I counted the seconds backward until he fell asleep, and then started counting the seconds backward until he woke up.

The New Yorker

The astronaut, 45, remembered lying on his back last February in the space shuttle Atlantis, counting the seconds to liftoff.

The New York Times - Style

I realized, while holding my grandmother's hand and counting the seconds between her breaths, that I, too, still wanted that freedom.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

This most recent is a fourth marriage for Anderson, counting the first one with Salomon.

Los Angeles Times

This Sunday, Belgrade Pride celebrated its third birthday counting the first openly gay Serbian MP, Ana Brnabić, – as well as 5,000 policemen – among its attendees.

Vice

We emphasize that dwell time was excluded when counting the first movement time and the second movement time.

Plosone

Values show percent hits of query sequences counting the first best hit in each comparison.

BMC Plant Biology

This happens because the person did not count the cards on the handle when counting the second time.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "counting the seconds" when the precise measurement of time is important to the situation you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "counting the seconds" in situations where a general sense of time passing is sufficient. It's better to use a phrase like "as time passed" or "eventually" instead of forcing a second-by-second focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "counting the seconds" functions as a verbal phrase, often used as part of a continuous verb tense. It depicts an action related to time measurement, emphasizing the duration or anticipation associated with it. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "counting the seconds" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression. It is employed to describe the action of meticulously tracking the passage of time, frequently highlighting feelings of anticipation, anxiety, or impatience. As Ludwig AI correctly points out, it is a versatile phrase found across various contexts, including news media, informal conversations, and even scientific texts. While generally neutral in tone, the emotional context should be carefully considered to ensure appropriate usage. Related phrases such as "timing the moments" or "watching the clock" can serve as suitable alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

timing the moments

Focuses on the action of measuring time, emphasizing specific instances rather than a continuous process.

measuring the time

Emphasizes the act of determining the duration, often with instruments or specific methods.

marking time

Highlights the simple passage of time, often while waiting for something else to happen.

keeping track of the time

Implies monitoring or logging the progress of time, usually for practical purposes.

watching the clock

Suggests boredom or impatience while waiting for a specific time or event.

awaiting the moment

Focuses on anticipation and expectation for a particular event in time.

anticipating the deadline

Highlights the nervous expectation and counting down to a specific end time.

calculating the interval

Emphasizes the process of determining the length of a time period, possibly in a technical context.

metering out the moments

Suggests a deliberate and measured allocation of time.

ticking away the hours

Emphasizes the relentless and inevitable passage of time.

FAQs

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

You can use "counting the seconds" to describe the act of closely monitoring the passage of time, often with anticipation or anxiety. For example, "She was "counting the seconds" until the clock struck five."

What can I say instead of "counting the seconds"?

You can use alternatives like "timing the moments", "measuring the time", or "watching the clock depending on the context".

Is it always appropriate to use "counting the seconds" literally?

While "counting the seconds" can be used literally to describe the act of actually counting seconds, it's often used figuratively to express anticipation, anxiety, or boredom. Consider the context to ensure it fits your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "counting the seconds" and "marking time"?

"Counting the seconds" implies a more active and focused awareness of time passing, often with an emotional component. "Marking time", on the other hand, suggests a passive experience of the passage of time, often while waiting for something else to happen.