the countdown is on

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'the countdown is on' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is about to come to an end, such as an event, a project, a deadline, or a race. For example: "With just two days to go until the end of the school semester, the countdown is on!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Just one year to go... the countdown is on!

Huffington Post

Classes ending in 4s and 9s.... the countdown is on!

Cornell University

Spring has arrived in Australia and it means just one thing: the countdown is on to the Melbourne Cup.

Huffington Post

"The countdown is on to his return and the club needs him.

The Guardian - Sport

"The countdown is on as to what Trump will do next," said Xie. Chinese analysts said the first round would be tough but manageable, and were bracing for more to come.

The Washington Post

"The countdown is on.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"Her eye is brok-ed!" she shrieked and the countdown was on to total thermonuclear temper tantrum, but I bought a few seconds by promising to fix broken eye.

The New York Times

The countdown is officially on for the big Facebook location backlash.

TechCrunch

And the countdown is now on until the Sons and Daughters opening concert on 20 January when Derry really will be the centre of attention.

BBC

Our car radio tells us the countdown is proceeding on schedule.

The New York Times - Science

Councillor Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "The countdown is well and truly on for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and as the proud host city we can't wait to kick-start them in style when we welcome the Queen's Baton Relay on the 20th July.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the countdown is on" to create a sense of excitement and urgency, particularly when referencing upcoming events, deadlines, or milestones.

Common error

Avoid using "the countdown is on" in situations that do not involve a time-sensitive event or deadline, as this can dilute its impact and sound out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the countdown is on" functions as an idiomatic expression used to signal the imminent arrival of a specific event, deadline, or moment. Ludwig AI suggests the phrase is correct and usable. It serves to build anticipation and highlight the limited time remaining.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

9%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the countdown is on" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic expression that signals an imminent event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Primarily found in news and media, it serves to build anticipation and is appropriate for neutral to informal contexts. When employing this phrase, aim to create excitement while avoiding overuse in contexts lacking a tangible deadline or time-sensitive event. Consider alternatives like "time is running out" or "the clock is ticking" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the clock is ticking

This highlights the relentless passage of time toward a deadline or event.

time is running out

This emphasizes the limited amount of time remaining.

the end is near

This focuses on the proximity of the conclusion.

the final stretch

This suggests the end is near, often in the context of a project or endeavor.

we're in the home stretch

Implies the final phase of an activity.

approaching rapidly

Highlights the quick nearing of an event or deadline.

the deadline looms

Emphasizes the imposing nature of an upcoming deadline.

getting closer

Indicates a steady and ongoing reduction in time or distance.

almost here

Highlights the imminent arrival of something.

nearing completion

Suggests that something is nearly finished.

FAQs

How can I use "the countdown is on" in a sentence?

You can use "the countdown is on" to indicate that a period of anticipation is underway before an event, deadline, or significant moment. For example, "With only a week left, "the countdown is on" for the project's completion".

What are some alternatives to "the countdown is on"?

Some alternatives include "time is running out", "the clock is ticking", or "the final stretch", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "the countdown is on" in formal writing?

While generally suitable, consider your audience and the specific tone of your writing. In very formal or academic contexts, more precise or descriptive language might be preferable. In most news or general interest pieces, it is perfectly acceptable.

What's the difference between "the countdown is on" and "the clock is ticking"?

Both phrases imply a time limit, but "the clock is ticking" often carries a greater sense of urgency or pressure, whereas "the countdown is on" is more neutral and can be used simply to indicate anticipation.