A predetermined time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A predetermined time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific time that has been decided in advance for an event or action. Example: "The meeting is scheduled for a predetermined time to ensure all participants can attend."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The timing device enabled it to be fired at a predetermined time without anyone's being in the Long Island City lot at that moment.

The New York Times

At a predetermined time, the bomb could be exploded in the basement.

The New York Times

Most follow a rule that at a predetermined time — rarely later than noon — all climbers still moving up should retreat.

The New York Times - Sports

Like pills, the particles are swallowed, but unlike pills, they release drugs only at a predetermined time and location.

MIT Technology Review

The reset restores the system to the normal operating mode after a predetermined time in the event that it is tripped accidentally.

The New York Times

After providing a name and phone number, the customer could choose to be called immediately or at a predetermined time, from five minutes later to a different day.

The New York Times

After nucleation is carried out for a predetermined time, the crystals are allowed to grow to maturity at an elevated temperature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It can be made to open for a predetermined time to expose the film to the image formed by the lens.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the end of a mission or when danger threatened, they scattered, only to link up once again at a predetermined time and location.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In an interview, Mr. Karmazin said he did not know how long the rates would stay in effect and that he did not have "an end date or a predetermined time" in mind.

The New York Times

The computer required that each word fit into a predetermined time slot - about three-tenths of a second except for a few long words which could be spread over two time slots.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a predetermined time", ensure it's clear who made the determination and what factors influenced the decision.

Common error

Avoid using "a predetermined time" without specifying the criteria or authority behind the determination. Lack of context can leave the reader wondering who decided the time and why.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a predetermined time" functions as a noun phrase, where "predetermined" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "time". As Ludwig AI shows, it commonly specifies when something is scheduled to happen.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a predetermined time" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that indicates a specific time decided in advance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various domains. Its primary function is to provide clarity and precision, making it suitable for contexts requiring planning and coordination. While the phrase maintains a neutral to formal tone, ensure its clarity by specifying the determination criteria and authority. Remember, while alternatives like "scheduled time" or "fixed time" exist, "a predetermined time" is a versatile option in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A scheduled time

Replaces 'predetermined' with 'scheduled', emphasizing the planned nature of the time.

A prearranged time

Substitutes 'predetermined' with 'prearranged', highlighting that the time was agreed upon beforehand.

A fixed time

Uses 'fixed' instead of 'predetermined', focusing on the immutability of the time.

A designated time

Employs 'designated' to indicate that the time was specifically chosen for a particular purpose.

A set time

Replaces 'predetermined' with 'set', a more concise way of saying that the time has been established.

A pre-set time

Uses 'pre-set', similar to 'prearranged', emphasizing the action of setting the time in advance.

A planned time

Replaces 'predetermined' with 'planned', focusing on the act of planning the time.

At a specific time

Uses a broader term, 'specific', suggesting a particular point in time without explicitly stating it was predetermined.

An appointed time

Employs 'appointed', indicating the time was assigned or designated, often with a formal connotation.

A pre-ordained time

Uses 'pre-ordained', suggesting the time was determined by fate or a higher power, adding a layer of inevitability.

FAQs

How can I use "a predetermined time" in a sentence?

You can use "a predetermined time" to indicate that an event will occur at a specific time that was decided in advance. For example, "The experiment will conclude at "a predetermined time" to ensure consistent data collection."

What are some alternatives to saying "a predetermined time"?

Alternatives include "a scheduled time", "a prearranged time", or "a fixed time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "predetermined time" or "pre-determined time"?

"Predetermined" is generally preferred as a single word, without the hyphen. "Pre-determined" is also acceptable, but less common in contemporary usage.

What is the difference between "a predetermined time" and "an estimated time"?

"A predetermined time" indicates a specific time that has been firmly decided, while "an estimated time" refers to an approximate or projected time that is subject to change. One is set and the other is subject to variable or inaccurate projection.