a useful time for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a useful time for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a period that is beneficial or advantageous for a particular purpose or activity. Example: "This weekend is a useful time for us to finalize our project plans before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The arrest comes at a useful time for the government, which is facing war-weariness at home.

The Economist

If they are right, it would come at a useful time for the Saudis, who are keen to attract foreign capital to help finance infrastructure projects.

The Economist

It plans to spend the cash on its revival plans including revamping grocery stores and improving its membership scheme The anticipated windfall comes at a useful time for the group, which is halfway through a three-year turnaround programme after its bank came close to collapse in 2013, threatening the existence of the entire group.

The Guardian - Business

"Every time you don't get three points you put yourself in a more difficult position," he lamented before a rallying call: "We are going to fight because we cannot miss Champions League qualification". This break perhaps comes at a useful time for a squad who need to regroup – time to buckle up for the nerve-racking final push.

The Guardian - Sport

Some cynics have also wondered about the timing of today's announcement by Duchovny, whose recent X-Files floppedopped at the box office, noting that the publicity it has generated comes at a useful time for Californication, which returns next month for its second series.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The SOB biosensor is simple; it can detect toxic levels of Cr6+ on the order of minutes to hours, a useful time scale for early warning detection systems designed to protect the environment from further degradation.

Journal of Environmental Management

Such a spike, if confirmed, could also be a useful time marker for dating purposes.

Earth and Planetary Science Letters

There is a maximum useful time for iontophoresis as if there is a finite reservoir of antibiotic, it is possible to drive all of the available ions through the bone and out into the external solution, reducing the amount retained in the bone.

Bone and Joint Research

"It was a very useful time for them.

The Guardian

It is a particularly useful time for America to reflect on those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom - for you are the first class to graduate since 9/11 who may not be sent into combat in Iraq or Afghanistan.

BBC

It is also a useful time to identify particularly promising teachers for development and focus on high-needs areas.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a useful time for", ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what benefits from this timing. For example, specify the beneficiary directly after the phrase for clarity: "This is a useful time for the company to invest in research."

Common error

Avoid using "a useful time for" in overly passive constructions. Instead of saying "It is a useful time for changes to be made", opt for a more active voice: "This is a useful time to implement changes". This makes your writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a useful time for" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, often suggesting that a particular period is advantageous or opportune. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a useful time for" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that indicates a period is advantageous or opportune for a particular purpose. Ludwig AI confirms this and exemplifies its usage in news and scientific contexts. While primarily found in News & Media and Science sources, the phrase maintains a neutral to professional register and may benefit from clear context indicating the beneficiary of the timing. Alternatives include "an opportune moment for" or "a beneficial period for". When employing this phrase, avoid passive constructions and ensure clear context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an advantageous moment for

Replaces 'useful' with 'advantageous' emphasizing the benefit.

a beneficial period for

Substitutes 'time' with 'period' and 'useful' with 'beneficial', highlighting the positive impact.

an opportune moment for

Replaces "useful" with "opportune", stressing the suitability of the moment.

a propitious occasion for

Emphasizes the favorability of the timing.

a suitable juncture for

Changes "time" to "juncture", indicating a critical point.

a strategic window for

Replaces the focus on "time" to a period of opportunity, emphasizing a strategic aspect.

a valuable opportunity for

Shifts focus to the potential reward gained from timing.

a well-timed chance for

Focuses on the good timing of the opportunity.

an effective phase for

Highlights the efficiency of the phase in question.

a productive stage for

Stresses the potential output during this stage.

FAQs

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

You can use "a useful time for" to indicate that a specific period is suitable or advantageous for something. For instance, "This break perhaps comes at "a useful time for" a squad who need to regroup."

What are some alternatives to "a useful time for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an opportune moment for", "a beneficial period for", or "a suitable time for", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a useful time for" formal or informal?

The phrase "a useful time for" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.

When might "a beneficial period for" be preferred over "a useful time for"?

While similar, "a beneficial period for" emphasizes the positive outcomes or advantages that arise during that time, making it more suitable when highlighting positive impacts.