In due course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In due course" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something will happen at the appropriate or expected time in the future. Example: "You will receive your results in due course, so please be patient."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In due course, she will die.

The Economist

In due course, the cleaning people come.

The New Yorker

In due course, Rahbar, too, was fired.

The New Yorker

In due course, I will.

The New York Times - Sports

In due course, they have a baby.

The New York Times

In due course the timber itself will be properly dated.

The Guardian

In due course she was appointed vice-president.

The Guardian

In due course, Bexar County returned to lever machines.

The New Yorker

In due course, he made them friends of psychoanalysis too.

The New York Times

They returned in due course.

Independent

The subject came up in due course.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. While "in due course" is generally suitable for formal and semi-formal situations, less formal alternatives like "eventually" or "in time" might be more appropriate for casual settings.

Common error

Avoid using "in due course" in very informal or casual conversations, as it can sound overly formal or even slightly pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "later" or "eventually" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in due course" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action will occur. It specifies the timing of an event, suggesting it will happen at the appropriate or expected time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in due course" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves to indicate that an event will occur at the appropriate time, offering assurance without committing to a specific deadline. Its formality level is generally neutral to formal, rendering it suitable for professional and news-related contexts. While highly common in "News & Media", it's less prevalent in academic or informal settings. Alternatives such as "eventually" or "in time" might be considered for less formal situations. The expert rating affirms its consistent and authoritative usage across various domains, emphasizing its reliability in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in time

Shorter and more general, implying something will happen eventually without specifying timing.

eventually

Focuses on the certainty of an event happening, rather than the timing.

sooner or later

Implies the event may take some time but is inevitable.

at some point

Indicates an unspecified time in the future.

in the fullness of time

More formal and literary, suggesting a longer timeframe and a sense of inevitability.

when the time is ripe

Emphasizes the importance of timing and readiness for an event.

as time goes on

Focuses on the gradual passing of time leading to an event.

by and by

An older, somewhat archaic phrase with the same general meaning.

down the line

Suggests a future point in a process or sequence of events.

in the long run

Highlights the eventual outcome after a period of time.

FAQs

What does "in due course" mean?

"In due course" means at the appropriate time; eventually. It implies that something will happen when the time is right or when all the necessary conditions are met.

How can I use "in due course" in a sentence?

You can use "in due course" to indicate that something will happen at an unspecified time in the future. For example, "You will receive your payment "in due course"."

What are some alternatives to "in due course"?

Alternatives to "in due course" include "eventually", "in time", "at some point", and "sooner or later". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "in due course" formal or informal?

"In due course" is generally considered a semi-formal to formal phrase. It's suitable for professional communication, writing, and situations where a degree of politeness or deference is desired. In very casual settings, simpler alternatives might be preferred.