a timely lesson

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a timely lesson" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a lesson that is both important and relevant to the current situation or context, or to a lesson that occurred at an opportune or fortuitous moment. For example, "The crash course in safety protocols taught me a timely lesson about the importance of being prepared."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

And Macintyre offers a timely lesson for any nations interested in pre-emptive strikes.

The New York Times - Books

It was a timely lesson that, even in this brave new craft beer world, there is still some fantastic beer hidden away behind fusty, traditional packaging.

The Guardian - Travel

Still, here is an ambitious and culturally sensitive new American opera about three strong, complex women who painfully learn a timely lesson: that our identity is embedded in our very bones.

The New York Times - Arts

Together with "The Montesinos Media Buy," seven minutes of surveillance video depicting the Fujimori regime's media bribery, "State of Fear" is a timely lesson on the hazards of choosing security over democracy.

The New York Times

It's a timely lesson to those of us who might otherwise despair of the current global political climate, the rise of intolerance and the temporary triumph of unfounded assertion over fact.

The Guardian - Books

The nation may not have noticed his adieu, but surely other members of Congress can draw a timely lesson as they approach an important vote on whether to create an independent Office of Congressional Ethics.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Meanwhile her boyfriend Harvey Kinkle Ross Lynchh) gets a very timely lesson when he learns his family stole the land they mine at great profit from indigenous witches back in the day.

Vice

It was a timely history lesson, but it didn't answer the question.

The New Yorker

A timely putting lesson from Stricker on the eve of the tournament has invigorated Woods's game.

The New York Times - Sports

COCO FUSCO Fusco offers a timely history lesson on the Moro Insurrection, of 1911, when Muslims in the Philippines rose up against the U.S. occupation — the first time America faced an Islamic foe.

The New Yorker

Now, now, now: "Lincoln" is both a timely history lesson and stirring entertainment.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context clearly establishes why the lesson is considered "timely". The connection should be evident to the reader for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a timely lesson" simply as a filler. Make sure the lesson genuinely connects to current events or the specific situation you are describing. Otherwise, consider a more general phrase like "an important lesson".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a timely lesson" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a lesson that is particularly relevant or opportune, aligning with Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a timely lesson" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a learning experience that is particularly relevant or opportune. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly establishes why the lesson is considered "timely" to maximize its impact. While there are several alternatives, such as "an opportune lesson" or "a relevant lesson", the best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an opportune lesson

Emphasizes the advantageous timing of the lesson.

a relevant lesson

Highlights the connection between the lesson and the current context.

a pertinent lesson

Stresses the direct importance and applicability of the lesson.

an appropriate lesson

Focuses on the suitability of the lesson in the given circumstances.

a well-timed lesson

Similar to 'opportune' but puts more weight on the specific timing.

an insightful lesson

Highlights the depth and understanding gained from the lesson.

a crucial lesson

Underlines the critical nature and importance of the lesson.

an important lesson learned at the right time

More descriptive and highlights the learning aspect.

a lesson that couldn't have come at a better time

Expresses the idea of perfect timing in a more emphatic way.

a lesson whose time has come

Implies the lesson is especially needed or relevant now.

FAQs

How can I use "a timely lesson" in a sentence?

You can use "a timely lesson" to describe a learning experience that is particularly relevant or important in the current context. For example, "The economic downturn provided "a timely lesson" about the importance of financial planning".

What are some alternatives to "a timely lesson"?

Alternatives include "an opportune lesson", "a relevant lesson", or "a pertinent lesson". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a timely and important lesson"?

While not strictly redundant, it can be. The word "timely" already implies relevance and therefore some degree of importance. Consider whether "important" adds significant extra meaning or if it's better to simply use ""a timely lesson"".

Can "a timely lesson" refer to a negative experience?

Yes, ""a timely lesson"" can refer to a learning experience derived from a negative situation. For example, "The company's failure served as "a timely lesson" about the dangers of overexpansion".