Random thoughts on language: Things take longer in Hartlepool. In NYC I would say “at the moment” as an expression of current time; here they say “at the minute.”
It’s not a British vs. American difference according to google.
“+at +the +moment” = 88,700,000 entries generally; 2,490,000 on sites from the UK
“at +the +minute” = 566,000 entries generally; 196,000 on sites from the UK
A large proportion of the total “+at +the +minute”s are coming from the UK. I wonder if it’s a city vs. town divide with people from [small] towns in the UK being online more than their American counterparts.
We still say “Up to the minute” [for breaking news], and “up to the moment” doesn’t sound right…I think I use “at the moment” for personal thoughts and individual actions, minutes for something external that requires some time.
Interesting Language Blogs:
