is only half-time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is only half-time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to sports, events, or situations where something is only partially completed or in progress. Example: "The game is intense, but remember, it is only half-time, and anything can happen in the second half."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"It is only half-time".

Independent

It is only half-time but it is a very important result for us".

The Guardian - Sport

However, it is only half-time and we will not take anything for granted".

The Guardian - Sport

He said: "We are obviously disappointed to be going there a goal down but, as we said to the boys after the game on Sunday, it is only half-time and rather than just 45 minutes we have 90 minutes to claw it back.

The Guardian - Sport

"I am very pleased with this result but it is only half-time," added the Italian.

BBC

"So for John Terry I'm afraid that this is only half-time".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It's only half-time and it will be a totally different game.

The Guardian - Sport

"Hopefully we can do that on Wednesday night and when we come to the end of the game it's only half-time at that stage".

Independent

Easter, for one, is keenly aware the return fixture in Dublin this Saturday will be an even trickier assignment – "It's only half-time … It's going to be another war next week with the quality they've got" – but Conor O'Shea, Harlequins' director of rugby, is hopeful a week of rest will be enough to allow Marler's sore shoulder time to recover prior to the all-important Aviva Stadium encounter.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's only half-time.

BBC

"But it's only half-time.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is only half-time" in a sports context, follow up with specific strategies or expectations for the remaining portion of the game to maintain audience engagement and convey a sense of anticipation.

Common error

Avoid using "is only half-time" to describe situations where the outcome is already predetermined or nearly certain. This phrase is best suited for scenarios where significant change or progress is still possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is only half-time" functions as an idiomatic expression used to convey that a situation or process is incomplete and that the final outcome has yet to be determined. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is only half-time" is a correct and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig, predominantly used to indicate that a situation is still in progress and the final outcome is yet to be determined. It is commonly found in news and media, especially in sports contexts, but can be applied more broadly. Grammatically sound, this phrase serves to manage expectations and encourage continued effort, with alternative expressions available to convey similar meanings. While generally neutral in register, it’s crucial to avoid misapplying the phrase in situations where the result is nearly certain. Overall, it's a useful idiom for emphasizing the potential for future changes or developments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's just the halfway point

Uses 'halfway point' to emphasize the mid-stage of an event or process.

the game is far from over

Highlights the remaining possibilities and uncertainties, specifically within competitive scenarios.

there's still a long way to go

Focuses on the significant amount of progress needed to reach a conclusion.

it's not over until it's over

Emphasizes that the final outcome is uncertain until the very end.

the situation is ongoing

Describes something as actively continuing, without a set endpoint yet.

we're only part of the way there

Highlights the distance covered so far, implying additional effort is required.

it's merely an interim stage

Positions current circumstances as a temporary phase within a larger process.

the process is incomplete

Directly states that the task or operation has not yet reached its finished state.

we are just getting started

Suggests that initial steps have been taken, but the main activity is still to come.

this is only the beginning

Implies future developments will be more significant or impactful than current ones.

FAQs

How can I use "is only half-time" in a sentence?

You can use "is only half-time" to indicate that a situation is not yet complete and that the final outcome is still to be determined. For example, in a sports game, after the first period you might say, "It's a close game, but remember, it "is only half-time", and anything can happen in the second half."

What does "is only half-time" mean?

The phrase "is only half-time" signifies that an event or process has reached its midpoint, but the final result or conclusion has not yet been achieved. It implies that there is still potential for significant changes or developments.

What can I say instead of "is only half-time"?

Alternatives to "is only half-time" include phrases like "it's just the halfway point", "there's still a long way to go", or "the game is far from over", depending on the specific context.

Is "is only half-time" specific to sports?

While commonly used in sports contexts, "is only half-time" can also be applied to other situations where progress is ongoing and the outcome is uncertain. It's applicable to projects, negotiations, or any scenario with a defined midpoint but an unresolved conclusion.