a timely question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a timely question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a common question which has been asked at an appropriate time. For example: "What are your plans for the future? That's a timely question for a college student."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

This is a timely question given the recent "Pacific Standard Time," the Getty funded initiative documenting and celebrating southern California art from 1945-1980, twenty of which years I was living and working there.

HuffPost

JC: This is a timely question given the recent "Pacific Standard Time," the Getty funded initiative documenting and celebrating southern California art from 1945-1980, twenty of which years I was living and working there.

Huffington Post

She wrote: "The question for me is why Boeing shares continue to soar when plant and personnel continue to decline". It is a timely question, as Boeing shares hit a new all-time high of 142.80 on Friday.

Forbes

57A: A "Timely question?" is one that is asked at the right time.

The New York Times

Where are some places that one could volunteer one's time and skills (tutoring, college preparedness)? - Posted by John Mac It's a timely question.

The New York Times

"This is a key risk to the outlook, and a timely question that we have looked at extensively in this report.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

As it turns out, this is a particularly timely question, since there is a debate going on now in Washington over air-conditioners which bears directly on what happens during heat waves.

The New Yorker

Given the many challenges of developing a S. aureus vaccine [ 22], a natural timely question arises regarding its potential added value to positively impact the burden of MRSA infection at the hospital level.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Nominally, the show seems to want to explore how people will go beyond their usual morality in the name of religion, which feels like a pretty timely question.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A more timely question would be: How did the story of the West Virginia Hatfields and the Kentucky McCoys become a six-hour television drama?

The New York Times - Arts

It's a very timely question right now because European industry has told Esa that if the production line for the freighters is to be kept open and economical then fresh orders must be placed very soon.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a timely question", ensure that the context clearly establishes why the question is particularly relevant or important at the moment. Providing context enhances the phrase's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a timely question" merely to introduce any question. It should only be applied when the question's significance is directly linked to current events, ongoing discussions, or immediate circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a timely question" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "question". It serves to characterize the question as particularly relevant or appropriate at the current time. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a timely question" is a phrase used to describe a question that is particularly relevant or pertinent given the current context. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in various forms of writing. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, and scientific publications. When employing this expression, ensure that the question’s relevance to the current moment is clearly established. Remember that while alternatives like "a relevant question" and "an opportune question" exist, the strength of "a timely question" lies in its emphasis on the present moment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a relevant question

Focuses on the pertinence of the question to the matter at hand.

an opportune question

Highlights the favorable timing of the question.

a pertinent question

Emphasizes the direct relationship of the question to the topic.

a well-timed question

Stresses the appropriateness of the moment the question is asked.

a fitting question

Indicates the question is suitable or appropriate given the context.

a current question

Focuses on the question's relevance to present circumstances.

an appropriate inquiry

Uses a more formal term for question, indicating suitability.

a seasonable question

Emphasizes the question's timeliness and relevance to the current season or period.

an apt question

Highlights the suitability and relevance of the question.

a topical question

Highlights the question's relevance to current news or popular topics.

FAQs

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

Use "a timely question" to refer to an inquiry that is particularly relevant or appropriate given the current situation. For example, "Given the recent economic downturn, asking about job security is "a timely question"."

What are some alternatives to saying "a timely question"?

You can use phrases like "a relevant question", "an opportune question", or "a pertinent question" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "the question is timely" instead of "a timely question"?

Yes, both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different usages. "A timely question" typically introduces the question, while "the question is timely" comments on its relevance after it has been asked. The best phrasing depends on the specific context.

What makes a question "a timely question"?

A question is considered "a timely question" when it arises from or is highly relevant to current events, ongoing discussions, or immediate circumstances. Its significance is directly linked to the present moment.