racing against time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "racing against time" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a situation in which someone is in a hurry to do something before the time they have available runs out. For example, "The firefighters were racing against time to get everyone out of the burning building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are racing against time," he says.

The Economist

Yet we are truly racing against time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are racing against time.

The Guardian

"She was racing against time.

The Guardian

The mission is now racing against time.

Nature

"I feel like I'm racing against time".

The New York Times

The league was racing against time and lost.

The New York Times - Sports

Republicans must know that they are effectively racing against time.

The New York Times

For those racing against time, the clock stops.

The New York Times - Arts

He ate with total concentration, as if racing against time.

The New Yorker

As a result, archaeologists are racing against time to find and save these newly exposed wonders.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "racing against time" to convey a sense of urgency when actions must be completed quickly to avoid negative consequences.

Common error

While "racing against time" is a vivid phrase, overuse can diminish its impact. Use it sparingly for situations where the time constraint is genuinely critical. Consider alternative phrases like "pressed for time" or "under a tight schedule" for less intense situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "racing against time" functions primarily as an idiom, describing a situation of urgency where actions are hurried to meet a deadline or avoid negative consequences. Ludwig confirms this common usage, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science & Research

8%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "racing against time" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to describe situations requiring urgent action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely found in News & Media, Science & Research, and Academic contexts. While versatile, it's best used when genuinely emphasizing urgency. Consider alternatives like "struggling against time" or "pressed for time" when less intensity is needed. Be mindful of overuse to preserve its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

races against time

A verb-based version of the phrase, maintaining a close meaning.

running against time

Similar to the original, but with a slightly more literal sense of movement.

struggling against time

This alternative emphasizes the difficulty of the situation.

against the clock

A shorter, more idiomatic expression conveying the same idea.

fighting against time

Implies a more active and forceful effort to meet a deadline.

competing against time

Suggests a competitive scenario where time is the main opponent.

under a time crunch

Highlights the stressful nature of the time constraint.

pressed for time

Focuses on the limited amount of time available.

facing a deadline

Emphasizes the impending deadline that must be met.

in a time-sensitive situation

A more formal way to describe a situation where time is a critical factor.

FAQs

How can I use "racing against time" in a sentence?

You can use "racing against time" to describe any situation where there's a strong sense of urgency to complete something before a deadline or before a negative consequence occurs. For instance, "The doctors were "racing against time" to find a cure."

What are some alternatives to "racing against time"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "struggling against time", "fighting against time", or "pressed for time" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "races against time" instead of "racing against time"?

While "racing against time" is an idiom, "races against time" is a grammatically correct alternative that highlights the competition aspect and maintain a close meaning. It can also be used.

What's the difference between "racing against time" and "under pressure"?

"Racing against time" specifically emphasizes the limited time available to complete a task, while "under pressure" is a more general term that indicates stress or demands, which may or may not be related to time constraints.