action in time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "action in time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the execution of an action within a specific timeframe or the timing of an event. Example: "The success of the project depends on our ability to take action in time to address any issues that arise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The next step is full practice, and then perhaps a return to game action in time for the postseason.

The New York Times - Sports

He is a writer of ideas, who fills the stage with a kind of lush dramatic literature, unifying character with thought and action in time and space.

The New Yorker

Knowing how important live images are to their competitive edge, some television stations say they simply choose not to cover events, like bomb scares at Los Angeles airport, if they cannot get pictures of the action in time.

The New York Times

But after he got his headaches under control, he returned to action in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, played Super Rugby this year and has been the fly-half for Australia in its internationals so far this year.

The New York Times - Sports

Though Schleck is expected to return to action in time for the Olympic road race July 28, this is a devastating setback in what has already been a disappointing season for the Luxembourger.

The New York Times - Sports

Essien and Mikel missed out on the World Cup finals with Ghana and Nigeria respectively because of knee injuries, but the extra fitness work carried out during the summer break has put them both in contention for a return to action in time for the 14 August kick-off.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

3. Should religious holidays be a factor in determining military action in times of war?

The New York Times

Agreeing with Justice Black, Justice Felix Frankfurter emphasized that "action is not to be stigmatized as lawless because like action in times of peace would be lawless".

The New York Times

Instead, Alistair Darling is pressing on with proposals for "living wills" which require firms to "establish clear contingency plans for action in times of failure".

The Guardian - Business

When women are called to action in times of turbulence, it is often on account of their composure, sense of responsibility and great pragmatism in delicate situations.

The New York Times

The vision is to translate sympathy into action in times of crisis".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "action in time" to emphasize the importance of timing when describing an intervention or response. For example, "Early diagnosis allows for action in time to prevent the spread of the disease."

Common error

Avoid using "action in time" when you mean "action on time". "In time" refers to acting before it's too late, while "on time" simply means acting punctually.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "action in time" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, specifying the temporal aspect of an action. It emphasizes the importance of the action's timing, suggesting it must occur before a deadline or critical moment. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Sports

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "action in time" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that emphasizes the importance of timely intervention. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and sports. It signifies that the timing of an action is crucial for achieving a desired outcome or preventing a negative consequence. While alternatives such as "timely intervention" or "prompt response" exist, "action in time" uniquely stresses the confluence of action and opportune timing. When using this phrase, remember to differentiate it from "on time", which indicates punctuality rather than strategic timing. The prevalence of "action in time" across authoritative news sources underscores its widespread acceptance and practical utility in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

timely intervention

Focuses on the act of intervening at the right moment.

prompt response

Emphasizes the speed and immediacy of the reaction.

well-timed action

Highlights the good timing and appropriateness of the action.

opportune moment

Stresses the favorable circumstances for action.

strategic timing

Emphasizes the planning and calculated nature of the timing.

critical juncture

Points to a decisive moment requiring action.

decisive moment

Highlights the importance of the timing for a significant outcome.

swift action

Underlines the quickness and rapidity of the measure taken.

expeditious action

Indicates a fast and efficient approach to handling a situation.

seasonable action

Highlights action that is appropriate for the particular occasion or time.

FAQs

What does "action in time" mean?

The phrase "action in time" refers to taking steps or intervening at an opportune or critical moment to achieve a desired outcome or prevent a negative consequence.

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

You can use "action in time" to emphasize the importance of acting quickly or strategically. For example, "The company's success depended on taking "decisive action" in time to address market changes."

What are some alternatives to "action in time"?

Some alternatives to "action in time" include "timely intervention", "prompt response", or "well-timed action". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

When should I use "action in time" versus "acting promptly"?

"Action in time" suggests a sense of urgency and the importance of seizing a particular moment. "Acting promptly" simply means acting quickly. Use "action in time" when the timing itself is crucial to the outcome, rather than just the speed.