got a minute

USAGE SUMMARY

"got a minute" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to ask someone if they have a spare moment to talk or help with something. Here are some examples: - "Hey, John, got a minute? I need your help with this report." - "Excuse me, do you have a minute to fill out this survey?" - "Hey, could we talk for a minute? I have a question about the project." - "I'll call you back in a little while, I just need to finish something up. Do you have a minute then?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"Got a minute?

The New Yorker

"Got a minute?" it asks.

The New York Times

You know, if you've got a minute.

The New Yorker

Have you maybe got a minute?" "Well......

The New Yorker

Have you maybe got a minute?" "Well... ..... "Just one minute".

The New Yorker

"I don't think he even got a minute in SA.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

This is not very imaginative; at least the game's got a minute-by-minute report to match.

The Guardian - Sport

When he gets a minute, obviously.

The Guardian

More of this stuff TK when I get a minute.

The New Yorker

Ezra Klein has it right: Each representative gets a minute to speak before they yield the floor.

The New Yorker

I'll swing by as soon as I get a minute.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "got a minute", be mindful of the context and the person you are addressing. It's generally suitable for informal or neutral settings. In formal settings, consider alternatives like "do you have a moment".

Common error

Avoid using "got a minute" in highly formal business communications or academic settings. Opt for more professional phrasing such as "do you have a moment to spare" to maintain an appropriate level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "got a minute" is to serve as an interrogative phrase, specifically a question. It's used to inquire whether someone has a short amount of time available to dedicate to the speaker. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "got a minute" is a very common and grammatically correct informal phrase used to ask if someone has a short amount of time available. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely recognized and accepted. While primarily found in news and media contexts, its informality suggests it's best reserved for casual settings. For more formal situations, alternatives such as "do you have a moment" are recommended. Always consider the context and audience when deciding whether "got a minute" is the most appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do you have a moment

Replaces "got" with "have" and uses "moment" instead of "minute" for a slightly more formal tone.

have you got a second

Uses "second" instead of "minute" to imply an even shorter time commitment.

can I have a word

Focuses on initiating a brief conversation, suitable for a quick question or request.

do you have time to chat

Directly asks about availability for a conversation.

are you free for a moment

Asks about availability using "free" instead of focusing on the time needed.

is this a good time

Inquires whether the current moment is convenient for the other person.

could I steal a moment of your time

Politely asks for a brief interruption of someone's activities.

may I speak with you briefly

More formal way to ask for a short conversation.

can I bend your ear

Informal idiom for asking to talk to someone for a short time.

is now a convenient time

Formal inquiry about the suitability of the present time.

FAQs

What does "got a minute" mean?

"Got a minute" is an informal way of asking someone if they have a short amount of time available, usually to talk or help with something.

What can I say instead of "got a minute"?

You can use alternatives like "do you have a moment", "can I have a word", or "is this a good time" depending on the context.

Is "got a minute" grammatically correct?

While "got a minute" is widely used and understood, it is an informal contraction. In more formal contexts, it's better to use "do you have a minute".

When is it appropriate to use "got a minute"?

"Got a minute" is appropriate in informal settings, such as talking to colleagues, friends, or family. Avoid using it in formal business communications or academic settings.