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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

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CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

The countdown is on
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

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

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

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

News & Media

Huffington Post

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

Academia

Cornell University

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

News & Media

Huffington Post

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

News & Media

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.

News & Media

The Washington Post

"The countdown is on.

News & Media

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.

News & Media

The New York Times

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

News & Media

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.

News & Media

BBC

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

News & Media

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.

News & Media

BBC

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

Use "the countdown is on" to create a sense of anticipation or urgency, especially when announcing an upcoming event, deadline, or significant milestone. This phrase is effective in grabbing the audience's attention and signaling that something important is about to happen.

⚠ Common error

While versatile, avoid using "the countdown is on" excessively in very casual conversations. Simpler expressions might be more appropriate depending on the audience and situation.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the countdown is on" functions as an idiomatic expression used to signal the imminent arrival of an event, deadline, or significant moment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard English construction. The numerous examples confirm the expression's widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Wiki

⚠ Less common in

Formal & Business

Science

Reference

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the countdown is on" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that an event is approaching. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's versatile enough for various contexts, though primarily found in News & Media. The phrase effectively creates a sense of anticipation and urgency, making it a valuable tool in both formal and informal communication. Related phrases like "time is running out" or "the clock is ticking" offer similar ways to convey the nearness of an event.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time is running out

Emphasizes the limited time remaining before a deadline or event.

the clock is ticking

Highlights the continuous passage of time and the increasing urgency.

the final stretch

Indicates the last part of a journey, project, or process.

approaching deadline

Focuses specifically on the nearing end of a set timeframe.

the end is near

A general statement signifying the close proximity of an endpoint.

nearing completion

Highlights that something is almost finished.

More alternative expressions(6)

the countdown begins on

the bill is on

the bottom is on

the radio is on

the inventory is on

the timer is on

FAQs

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

You can use "the countdown is on" to express that a period of time is coming to an end or that an event is about to start. For example, "The countdown is on for the new product launch."

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

Some alternatives include "time is running out", "the clock is ticking", or "the final stretch". These phrases also convey a sense of urgency or anticipation.

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

Yes, "the countdown is on" can be used in formal writing, particularly in news or business contexts, to create a sense of excitement or anticipation. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of the writing to ensure it is appropriate.

What's the difference between "the countdown is on" and "the countdown has begun"?

"The countdown is on" implies that the counting process is underway and nearing its end, while "the countdown has begun" simply indicates that the counting process has started. "The countdown is on" suggests more urgency.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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The countdown is onGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

The countdown is on
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples