a proper time

USAGE SUMMARY

"a proper time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can refer to a suitable or appropriate time for something and it can also be used to imply that something should be done or not done at a certain time. For example, "I'm not sure what time I'll arrive, but I'll come at a proper time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This seems a proper time to take that breather".

The Guardian - Music

A football match is not a proper time or place".

The Guardian - Sport

There was never a proper time to make that kind of comment.

The New York Times

"We think that we should wait until a proper time for such a meeting comes".

The New York Times

Results show that in a proper time scale, the decoupling operations suppress the decoherence effectively.

Optics Communications

For a particle moving with exactly the speed of light, one cannot define a proper time τ.

Britannica

"The reason behind these inflations is something else which I will explain at a proper time," he said.

The New York Times

Based on this phenomenon, two-stage fermentation by adding another carbon source at a proper time was designed.

Polymer Degradation and Stability

After a crash is occurred, airbags must be deployed in a proper time along the crash situation.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

DR. SIEMERS: Mr. President, it would take five or ten minutes, so may I ask whether this is a proper time to adjourn?

Yale University

As a party involved, I think it is necessary to publicize the context of this event through the appropriate media at a proper time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using "a proper time." In more formal settings, it can convey thoughtfulness, while in informal settings, it might sound overly cautious or hesitant.

Common error

Avoid using "a proper time" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "the right time" or "a good time" may sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a proper time" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an adverbial modifier indicating when an action should occur. It describes a suitable or appropriate moment for something to happen, signaling deliberation and planning. Examples from Ludwig indicate its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a proper time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that denotes a carefully considered and appropriate moment for an action or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s correct and usable. While it appears in a wide range of contexts—from science and news to academia—it's essential to consider the level of formality appropriate for your specific audience. When a more casual tone is fitting, consider using alternatives such as "the right time" or "a good time".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an opportune moment

Emphasizes the favorability and advantage of the timing.

a suitable moment

Highlights the appropriateness and fitness of the timing.

an appropriate time

Focuses on the correctness and suitability of the timing.

the right moment

Stresses the correctness and ideal nature of the timing.

the ideal time

Highlights the perfect and optimal nature of the timing.

a fitting occasion

Implies that the timing aligns well with a specific event or circumstance.

a convenient time

Highlights the ease and accessibility of the timing for someone.

a strategic moment

Emphasizes the calculated and advantageous nature of the timing.

the due time

Indicates a time that is expected or predetermined.

an auspicious occasion

Suggests a time that is favorable and promising for success.

FAQs

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

You can use "a proper time" to indicate that something should be done when the conditions are most suitable. For example, "I will address these concerns at "a proper time" after I've had a chance to gather more information."

What is a good alternative to "a proper time"?

Alternatives include "a suitable time", "an opportune moment", or "the right moment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a proper time" and "the right time"?

"A proper time" suggests a more considered and planned approach, while "the right time" often implies a more intuitive or immediate sense of suitability. Both phrases can be interchangeable in many contexts, but "a proper time" might be preferred when emphasizing thoughtfulness.

When is it best to use "a proper time" instead of "a good time"?

Use "a proper time" when you want to emphasize that careful consideration and planning are involved in choosing the moment. "A good time" is more general and can simply refer to a pleasant or convenient occasion. For instance, "I will discuss this with you at "a proper time"" sounds more deliberate than "I will discuss this with you at "a good time"".