time is almost up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time is almost up" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to a time period almost coming to an end. For example, "The deadline for this project is approaching; time is almost up!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Time is almost up.

The New York Times - Sports

Time is almost up for the Blades.

The Guardian - Sport

That time is almost up, he believes.

The New York Times

TWO syndromes often beset governments whose time is almost up.

The Economist

"They kind of like the old ones; they sense that their time is almost up".

The New York Times

Our time is almost up — just when I'm getting the hang of this.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

His time had come and gone.' Galotti had no inkling that his own time was almost up.

The Guardian

Allen said that their time was almost up, but Gingrich wasn't in any rush to finish.

The New Yorker

But the therapist cast a meaningful gaze at the clock and the man understood that his time was almost up, and so he started again.

The New Yorker

The book nerds were salivating over the new categories — "Happy & Unhappy Families," "Before, During & After," "Harsh Words, Hoaxes & Put-Ons," "Fill in the Blanks" — but, unfortunately, time was almost up, and the host cut straight to Final Jeopardy.

The New Yorker

Evert's career was naturally drawing to an end – her retirement only a year away – and the 1988 French Open was another sign that her time was almost up.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time is almost up" to create a sense of urgency when communicating about deadlines, expiring offers, or the conclusion of an event.

Common error

While "time is almost up" is suitable for general communication, avoid using it excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "the deadline is approaching" or "the period is nearing its end".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time is almost up" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate the approaching end of a specified or understood time period. It serves as a declarative statement, informing the audience about the limited time remaining. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time is almost up" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to signal the nearing end of a specified period, often to create urgency. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage, and it appears most frequently in News & Media, Wiki and Science contexts. While suitable for various situations, be mindful of its appropriateness in formal settings. Consider related phrases like "time is running out" or "the deadline is approaching" depending on the context. This analysis provides guidance on its best practices and potential pitfalls to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time is running out

Emphasizes the decreasing availability of time, similar to the original phrase but with a focus on the action of time passing.

time's running short

A more concise way to say that the amount of time left is limited.

we're nearly out of time

Similar to the original phrase but emphasizes the lack of time from the speaker's perspective.

there's not much time left

Directly states the scarcity of remaining time.

the deadline is approaching

Highlights the approaching deadline, focusing on the event rather than the time itself.

our time is limited

Emphasizes the finite nature of the available time from the speaker's perspective.

the clock is ticking

Uses a metaphor to convey urgency, indicating that time is passing quickly.

the end is near

Suggests an impending conclusion, which can be more dramatic depending on the context.

the final moments are approaching

Highlights the imminence of the end, often used in sports or competitions.

the hour is late

Suggests that the opportunity is almost gone, often used in a more formal or literary context.

FAQs

How can I use "time is almost up" in a sentence?

You can use "time is almost up" to indicate that a deadline or event is nearing its end. For example, "The auction is closing soon; "time is almost up"!"

What can I say instead of "time is almost up"?

You can use alternatives like "time is running out", "the deadline is approaching", or "the end is near" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "time is almost up"?

It's appropriate to use "time is almost up" in situations where you want to create a sense of urgency or inform someone that a deadline is close. This is commonly used in sales, project management, or any situation with a defined time limit.

Is "time is almost up" formal or informal?

"Time is almost up" leans towards informal but is generally acceptable in many contexts. In more formal settings, consider using alternatives such as "the period is nearing its end" or specifying the exact remaining time.