a question of timing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question of timing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the importance of timing in a particular situation or decision-making process. Example: "The success of the project is really a question of timing; we need to launch it at the right moment to maximize impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"It's a question of timing".

The New York Times

"It's all a question of timing.

The New Yorker

It was a question of timing.

The Guardian - Sport

It is just a question of timing.

The New York Times - Sports

Finally, there is a question of timing.

The New York Times

It is a question of timing.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"It's primarily a question of market timing".

The New York Times

But such choices are also a question of cultural timing, and that's partly luck.

The New York Times - Arts

But there have emerged some dominant theories on the progress of Puerto Ricans as a group, some involving a question of bad timing, others centering on the question of whether their American citizenship has been a mixed blessing in this country.

The New York Times

"It's really just a question of the timing".

Science Magazine

The balance between public sector cuts and taxation needs to be looked at and it is not a question of the timing of the cuts, but "a question of having this level of cuts at all".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the significance of when something occurs, use "a question of timing" to highlight that the outcome depends on the specific moment or sequence of events. This phrase is particularly useful in strategic planning, negotiations, and project management.

Common error

Avoid using "a question of timing" when the actual issue involves factors other than timing. Ensure that timing truly is the primary determinant, not just a contributing element.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question of timing" functions as a noun phrase that highlights the significance of timing as a critical factor or consideration in a given situation. It frames timing as something that needs to be addressed or resolved, influencing decisions and outcomes. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question of timing" is a versatile phrase used to underscore the critical importance of timing in various scenarios. Grammatically sound and commonly employed, it is particularly prevalent in news and media, as well as in scientific and formal business contexts. Ludwig highlights its widespread use across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. When considering alternatives, phrases like "a matter of timing" or "an issue of timing" can offer nuanced variations, as determined by Ludwig AI. It's essential to ensure timing is the actual key determinant in your context. Use this phrase when you want to emphasize that the success or failure of something significantly depends on when it happens.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matter of timing

Replaces "question" with "matter", slightly deemphasizing the uncertainty.

an issue of timing

Substitutes "question" with "issue", highlighting it as a problem to be considered.

a problem of timing

Directly frames the timing as a problem that needs to be resolved.

dependent on the timing

Shifts from a question to a statement of dependence on the timing of events.

hinges on the timing

Emphasizes that the outcome is critically reliant on the correct timing.

the key is timing

Focuses on timing as the most important factor for success.

timing is everything

A more general and emphatic statement about the importance of timing.

all about timing

Highlights that the entire situation revolves around getting the timing right.

subject to timing

Indicates that the outcome is contingent on the timing of events.

a game of timing

Implies that timing is a strategic element that requires careful management.

FAQs

How can I use "a question of timing" in a sentence?

You can use "a question of timing" to emphasize that the success or failure of something depends on when it happens. For example, "Launching the product now is a question of timing to maximize its impact."

What phrases are similar to "a question of timing"?

Alternatives include "a matter of timing", "an issue of timing", or "timing is everything", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a question of timing" or "a matter of timing"?

Both phrases are correct, but "a matter of timing" might suggest less uncertainty than "a question of timing". The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize uncertainty or simply state the importance of timing.

In what situations is "a question of timing" most appropriate?

"A question of timing" is suitable when discussing decisions, strategies, or events where the specific moment or sequence significantly affects the outcome. It is particularly relevant in project management, negotiations, and strategic planning.