every minute counts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "every minute counts" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize the importance of time and the need to make the most of it. Example: "As our project deadline approaches, every minute counts and we must work efficiently to meet our goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At that point, every minute counts.

Harvard University

Every minute counts from here on out.

The New York Times - Sports

And every minute counts to be able to check in.

Cornell University

Specialists point out the obvious: every minute counts.

The New York Times

Well, you know, every minute counts and all that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When it comes to earthquakes, every minute counts.

MIT Technology Review

Every minute counts for people whose hearts stop beating effectively.

The New York Times

In this brave new world of serialized television dramas every minute counts.

The New York Times

She must be at work at 6 a.m., so every minute counts.

The New York Times

Every minute counts, and it is the hottest day of the year.

The New York Times

"What Israel needs to realize is that in today's media world, every minute counts".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "every minute counts" to emphasize the urgency and importance of efficient time management in project management and deadlines.

Common error

Avoid using "every minute counts" in situations where time is not a critical factor, as it can sound overly dramatic or insincere. Instead, opt for phrases that reflect the actual pace and demands of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "every minute counts" functions as an emphatic statement to highlight the critical importance of time in a given situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it stresses the need to make the most of available time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

16%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "every minute counts" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to underscore the importance of time and prompt immediate action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, this phrase serves to emphasize urgency. While alternatives like "time is of the essence" or "every second matters" exist, "every minute counts" remains a powerful and widely recognized way to convey that time is a critical resource.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time is of the essence

This phrase emphasizes that time is a critical factor and should not be wasted, similar to the original phrase.

minutes are precious

This highlights the value of each minute, suggesting they should be used wisely, focusing on the inherent worth of time.

every second matters

This intensifies the importance of time, focusing on even smaller units, implying urgency and significance.

time is valuable

A straightforward statement emphasizing the importance and worth of time, suitable for various contexts.

urgency is paramount

This alternative places the emphasis on the need for immediate action, suggesting that quick action is most important.

haste is essential

This emphasizes the need for speed and quickness in a situation, denoting that prompt action is needed.

speed is critical

This alternative highlights the need for fast action, with the emphasis on velocity.

no time to lose

This phrase indicates a situation where time is limited and immediate action is necessary, suggesting swift action.

time cannot be squandered

This emphasizes the importance of not wasting time and implies careful use of the available time.

quick action is vital

This focuses on the necessity of swift response and the importance of fast-paced steps to be taken.

FAQs

How can I use "every minute counts" in a sentence?

You can use "every minute counts" to emphasize the importance of using time efficiently in situations where time is limited or crucial. For example, "In a medical emergency, every minute counts."

What are some alternatives to "every minute counts"?

Alternatives to "every minute counts" include "time is of the essence", "every second matters", or "urgency is paramount" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "every minute count" instead of "every minute counts"?

No, "every minute count" is grammatically incorrect. The phrase "every minute" is singular, so it requires the singular verb form "counts". The correct phrase is "every minute counts".

What is the difference between "every minute counts" and "every moment matters"?

While both phrases emphasize the importance of time, "every minute counts" often implies a sense of urgency or that time is limited. "Every moment matters" emphasizes the significance of each moment, but does not necessarily imply a time constraint.