{"id":4241,"date":"2022-05-31T17:43:54","date_gmt":"2022-05-31T17:43:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/?p=4241"},"modified":"2022-05-31T17:43:54","modified_gmt":"2022-05-31T17:43:54","slug":"t-minus-meaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/t-minus-meaning\/","title":{"rendered":"T Minus \u2013 Meaning, Origin and Usage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you looking for a way to get people to hurry up? Why not throw in a countdown to the preparations? You can use the \u201cT minus<\/em>\u201d countdown system to put people on a deadline to take action. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.<\/p>\n

Meaning<\/h2>\n

The expression \u201cT minus<\/em>\u201d is a countdown system developed by NASA during the Space Race. It\u2019s a way of placing a sense of urgency on something. You could use it when trying to get people out the door to a reservation.<\/strong><\/p>\n

During NASA countdowns to a rocket launches, NASA Command uses the \u2018T-minus\u2019<\/em> system for the event, with the \u2018T\u2019<\/em> standing for the exact time until launch. It\u2019s common for \u201cT minus launches<\/em>\u201d to start ten or 20-seconds from launch.<\/p>\n

When the countdown reaches zero, NASA will launch the rocket. So, by using the T minus<\/em> system in a situation, you\u2019re telling everybody that the point of departure is moments away, and they need to hurry up.<\/p>\n

Using T minus<\/em> as a countdown usually means that you\u2019re frustrated with waiting for people to get ready, and you\u2019ve attached a countdown to the deadline to leave.<\/p>\n

Example Usage<\/h2>\n

\u201cThis is control. We\u2019re ready for liftoff. Baton the hatches and prepare for launch in T minus ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one, launch. All systems go. Good luck, crew. We\u2019re here for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, kids, the bus arrives in T minus three minutes. I hope you have everything packed and ready to go. Don\u2019t forget your homework again, okay, Tommy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cT minus four minutes and counting until launch captain. Do you want us to run the system diagnostic again to check on that issue?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re ready for the new year; the clock strikes twelve in T minus ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one. Happy New Year, everybody!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI get chills every time I hear NASA command make a countdown. As so as they say \u201cT minus,\u201d I can feel the hair on the back of my neck standing up. I\u2019m so thrilled.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe T minus system is the way NASA counts down to a launch, but you can use it in any life scenario where you want to countdown to the launch of an event.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Origin<\/h2>\n

The expression \"T minus\" comes from the countdown system adopted and implanted by NASA for the space program in the 1960s. The \"T minus\" system is the countdown system for launching projectiles and spacecraft into orbit.<\/p>\n

The \"Space Race\" of the sixties led to America putting the first man on the moon. We've all seen the launch videos where NASA's command makes the legendary countdown to start the Apollo program.<\/p>\n