In the fullness of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In the fullness of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something will happen eventually or in due course, often implying patience or the passage of time. Example: "In the fullness of time, we will understand the true impact of our decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

In the fullness of time.

The New York Times - Books

In the fullness of time, a beneficent Court will give the people this new right".

The New Yorker

In the fullness of time he will probably become prime minister.

The Guardian

"In the fullness of time, I think I will end up back home," he said.

The Guardian

"In the fullness of time," he predicted, "the research will go forward.

The New York Times

In the fullness of time declarer lost one spade, three hearts, three diamonds and one club to go down three.

The New York Times

In the fullness of time, it is likely that this era will be viewed as an outstanding success story.

The New York Times

"In the fullness of time," he continued, "educated people will believe there is no soul independent of the body, and hence no life after death".

The New York Times - Science

In the fullness of time, markets opened -- two of them, the Wednesday and Saturday Markets, are still there -- and the laity built their houses.

The New York Times - Travel

In the fullness of time America will be proud that in our hour of testing we chose the bold path of action, not the hollow comfort of appeasement.

The New York Times

In the fullness of time, or so Bailey believed, the local Congregationalists would raise enough money to build a chapel all of their own.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "In the fullness of time" when you want to convey a sense of patience or acceptance that something will happen when the circumstances are right, not necessarily immediately.

Common error

Avoid using "In the fullness of time" if you need to communicate urgency or a specific timeframe. It implies eventual resolution, not immediate action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In the fullness of time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something will occur. It signifies a future event, emphasizing that it will happen at the appropriate or destined moment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "In the fullness of time" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that expresses the belief that something will happen eventually and at the right moment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and found in a range of contexts, especially news and media, with a neutral to slightly formal tone. While it carries a sense of patience and acceptance, avoid it when expressing urgency. Consider alternatives like "eventually" or "in due course" for varied emphasis. Remember to use it when you wish to highlight that an event will unfold appropriately over time, according to its own natural progression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In due course

Suggests a natural or expected progression towards an event.

Eventually

A general term indicating that something will happen at some unspecified future time.

In the long run

Focuses on the ultimate outcome after a considerable period.

With time

Highlights the role of time in achieving a certain result.

Sooner or later

Implies inevitability over an indefinite period.

As time goes on

Emphasizes the gradual progression of events.

Down the line

Refers to a point further in the future.

Ultimately

Stresses the conclusive and decisive nature of an outcome.

In the end

Indicates the final result or conclusion.

At a later date

Refers to a non-specific point in the future.

FAQs

How can I use "In the fullness of time" in a sentence?

You can use "In the fullness of time" to express the belief that something will happen eventually, often when the moment is most appropriate. For example: "In the fullness of time, we will understand the true impact of our decisions."

What does "In the fullness of time" mean?

The phrase "In the fullness of time" means that something will happen when the time is right or when circumstances are most favorable. It implies patience and acceptance that events will unfold as they should.

Which is a more formal phrase, "In due course" or "In the fullness of time"?

"In the fullness of time" is generally considered more formal and somewhat more poetic than the phrase "in due course". Both suggest something will happen eventually, but the former has a slightly grander feel.

What are some alternatives to saying "In the fullness of time"?

Alternatives include "eventually", "in due course", or "sooner or later", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each has a slightly different emphasis on the timing and certainty of the event.