time is getting short

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time is getting short" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when indicating that there is limited time left to complete a task or make a decision. Example: "We need to finalize our plans soon; time is getting short." Alternative expressions include "time is running out" and "time is limited."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General discussions

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But time is getting short — this is not something that is of infinite duration".

The New York Times - Sports

If you haven't filed your tax return yet, time is getting short.

The New York Times

Time is getting short; Romney is behind in the polls the surveys now, but soon, possibly, the real polls.

The New Yorker

Bettman said that "time is getting short" for the Glendale, Ariz., City Council to approve the sale of the Coyotes to a Canadian-based ownership group.

The New York Times - Sports

Time is getting short for the president to take the steps necessary to bring about meaningful change that will benefit the country.

The New York Times

Unless there is significant western military intervention to support the opposition and ensure Muammar Gaddafi's overthrow – and time is getting short – it seems increasingly likely he will survive the revolt.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

As she advances in age into her late 80s, that time is getting shorter.

The New York Times

"I haven't set a deadline, but time is getting shorter".

The New York Times - Sports

"One reason the wait time is getting shorter is that there are fewer and fewer great plays," said Sonia Friedman, the London-based producer of "La Cage".

The New York Times

"Because I'm getting so close to all these records, I think, well, these guys before me didn't make it longer than this age or that age; so for me, time is getting shorter to some degree," Federer said.

The New York Times - Sports

"He was having a tough time getting his student visa, and time was getting short," said Bob Callahan, the Princeton University men's squash coach.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time is getting short" when you want to create a sense of urgency, especially when a deadline or critical point is approaching. For formal writing, consider alternatives such as "time is of the essence" or "the deadline is approaching".

Common error

While "time is getting short" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more professional alternatives like "the remaining time is limited" or "the period is diminishing" to maintain a higher level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time is getting short" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that the available time for something is decreasing rapidly. It emphasizes the urgency of a situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Sports

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time is getting short" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a sense of urgency. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is widely accepted and applicable in various contexts, primarily in News & Media and sports. While generally neutral, consider more formal alternatives for academic or highly professional settings. When you need to convey that a deadline is rapidly approaching and prompt action is necessary, this phrase effectively communicates the need for urgency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time is running out

This alternative uses a different metaphor to convey the same sense of dwindling time.

the clock is ticking

This phrase emphasizes the continuous and irreversible passage of time.

we're running out of time

This alternative shifts the focus to a group that is experiencing the time constraint.

time is of the essence

This phrase highlights the critical importance of acting quickly.

the deadline is approaching

This alternative directly mentions the impending deadline.

we're on a tight schedule

This phrase emphasizes the strictness of the timeline.

there's not much time left

This alternative is a more direct and literal expression of the limited time available.

time is slipping away

This phrase uses a more poetic expression to emphasize the loss of time.

the window of opportunity is closing

This alternative is suitable when referring to a limited period of opportunity.

we need to act fast

This phrase focuses on the need for immediate action due to the limited time.

FAQs

What does "time is getting short" mean?

The phrase "time is getting short" means that there is not much time left to complete a task, make a decision, or achieve a goal. It implies a sense of urgency.

How can I use "time is getting short" in a sentence?

You can use "time is getting short" to emphasize the need to act quickly. For example: "We need to finalize the contract soon; "time is getting short"."

What can I say instead of "time is getting short"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "time is getting short" in formal writing?

While understandable, "time is getting short" may sound too informal for some formal contexts. Alternatives such as "time is of the essence" or "the remaining time is limited" are more appropriate for formal writing.