every second counts

USAGE SUMMARY

"every second counts" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means that every moment or opportunity is important and should be taken advantage of. You can use this phrase in various contexts, such as in motivational speeches, discussions about efficiency and time management, or even in everyday conversations. Here are some examples: - "In a race, every second counts. You have to give your all until you cross the finish line." - "Let's make the most of our time together. Every second counts." - "When it comes to emergency situations, every second counts. We need to act quickly and efficiently." - "In business, every second counts. It's all about making the most out of each moment and opportunity." - "Remember, every second counts. Don't waste your time on things that don't truly matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

9 6 4 EVERY SECOND COUNTS, by Lance Armstrong with Sally Jenkins.

The New York Times - Books

4 1 EVERY SECOND COUNTS, by Lance Armstrong with Sally Jenkins.

The New York Times - Books

The contest asks photographers to submit a picture inspired by the phrase "every second counts," which could easily serve as a tag line for the dystopian Robin Hood story.

The New York Times

As the saying goes, every second counts.

The New York Times

With cardiac arrest, every second counts.

The New York Times

In the race to be president, every second counts.

The New York Times

"When conditions are right for a fire, literally every second counts".

The New York Times

Tells about a trick used to get them to land promptly because every second counts.

The New Yorker

As a voiceover kept reminding in commercial breaks, "Every second counts".

The New York Times

We live in manic times, you may argue, and every second counts.

The Guardian - Arts

When it comes to cardiac arrest and defibrillators, every second counts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "every second counts" to underscore the urgency or importance of a situation, especially where time is a critical factor.

Common error

Avoid using "every second counts" when the situation doesn't genuinely involve time sensitivity. Overusing it can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "every second counts" functions as an idiomatic expression used to emphasize the critical importance of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s commonly used. It highlights that each moment is valuable, particularly when quick action is needed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "every second counts" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the importance of time and motivate immediate action. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use. Predominantly found in news and media, formal business, and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register. If it's crucial to highlight urgency in a specific scenario this phrase is an excellent option. Remember, the synonyms like "time is of the essence" or "every moment matters", can provide variations while retaining the core message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Time is of the essence

Replaces "every second" with "time" and uses a more formal idiom.

Every moment matters

Substitutes "second" with "moment", broadening the scope.

Seconds are precious

Replaces "counts" with "precious", emphasizing the value of each second.

There's no time to waste

Highlights the lack of available time.

Time is critical

Focuses on the criticality of time rather than counting seconds.

The clock is ticking

Uses a metaphor to convey the passage of time and the need for urgency.

Don't delay

A more direct imperative focusing on avoiding delays.

Prompt action is crucial

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey urgency.

Act immediately

Emphasizes the need for immediate action.

Hurry is essential

Emphasizes that haste is necessary.

FAQs

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

You can use "every second counts" to emphasize the importance of time in situations like emergencies, competitions, or urgent deadlines. For example, "In a cardiac arrest situation, "every second counts"."

What does "every second counts" mean?

The phrase "every second counts" means that each moment is valuable and should not be wasted, especially in situations where time is limited or critical.

What can I say instead of "every second counts"?

You can use alternatives like "time is of the essence", "time is critical", or "every moment matters" depending on the context.

Is there a situation where "every second counts" is not appropriate?

Yes, it might be inappropriate in situations where there's no real time constraint or urgency. Using it in a leisurely or relaxed environment could sound out of place.