a time for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a time for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a specific moment or period designated for a particular activity or purpose. Example: "There is a time for everything, and now is the time for change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A time for giving.

Independent

It's a time for engagement.

The Guardian

It's a time for resolve.

The New York Times

It is a time for unerring judgment.

The New York Times - Books

Let this be a time for rhapsody.

The New York Times

"And there is a time for that.

The New York Times - Sports

Are your holidays a time for joy?

The New York Times - Arts

There is a time for that again".

The New Yorker

Christmas is a time for family.

The Guardian

This was not a time for escapism.

Independent

There is a time for laughter.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a time for" to clearly indicate that a particular period or moment is appropriate or designated for a specific activity or purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "a time for" excessively in close proximity, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "an occasion for" or "an opportunity for" where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a time for" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a noun or gerund, indicating a period or moment designated for a specific activity or purpose. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its wide usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a time for" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates a specific moment or period suitable for a particular activity or purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. While alternatives like "an occasion for" or "an opportunity for" exist, "a time for" remains a straightforward and effective way to convey the appropriateness of a given moment. It's important to avoid overuse and maintain variety in writing by incorporating synonyms where suitable. The phrase serves to communicate the idea that there is a designated moment for specific activities, feelings, or purposes, contributing to clarity and emphasis in written and spoken language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an occasion for

Focuses on a specific event or instance rather than a general period.

a moment for

Emphasizes a brief duration or specific point in time.

an opportunity for

Highlights the availability of favorable circumstances.

a season for

Refers to a recurring period associated with particular activities or events.

a period for

Implies a more extended duration or phase.

a chance for

Similar to opportunity, but can also suggest a less formal setting.

the moment to

Highlights immediacy and the necessity of acting now.

the occasion to

Similar to "an occasion for", with a slight shift in emphasis.

the opportunity to

Similar to "an opportunity for", focusing on the chance to do something.

the hour for

Suggests a specific and often critical point in time.

FAQs

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

You can use "a time for" to introduce an activity or state that is appropriate for a specific moment or period. For example, "Christmas is "a time for celebration"".

What are some alternatives to "a time for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an occasion for", "a moment for", or "an opportunity for", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a time for"?

It's appropriate to use "a time for" when you want to emphasize that a particular moment or period is suitable or designated for a specific activity, feeling, or purpose. For instance, "This is "a time for healing"".

Is there a difference between "a time for" and "the time for"?

"A time for" refers to a general instance or period when something is appropriate, while "the time for" typically refers to a specific, often critical, moment. For example, "There's "a time for pay", there's a time for play" versus "Now is the time for action".