an appropriate time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an appropriate time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a suitable or fitting moment for an action or event. Example: "We will discuss the project details at an appropriate time during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An appropriate film, for an appropriate time.

HuffPost

Is this an appropriate time?

The New York Times

So what is an appropriate time?

The Guardian

"Like anything else in life, there's an appropriate time".

The New York Times - Sports

So perhaps these emails are arriving at an appropriate time.

The Guardian

"Those issues will be dealt with at an appropriate time.

The Guardian - Music

Late seating will occur at an appropriate time.

Cornell University

This may help parents choose an appropriate time for flights.

The New York Times - Travel

"At 12, 13, 14, making lasting drastic decisions based on faith isn't an appropriate time".

The New York Times

"If other things are being pursued, they will be announced at an appropriate time," he said.

The New York Times

Leaders of that union say it is not an appropriate time to battle over wages.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an appropriate time", consider the specific context and audience to ensure the level of formality and tone are suitable. For instance, "an opportune time" might be more fitting in a business context, while "the right moment" could be better for informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "an appropriate time" as a placeholder without a clear plan. If possible, provide a specific timeframe or condition to give your audience a better understanding of when the action will occur. Instead of saying "We will address this at an appropriate time", try "We will address this during next week's meeting" or "after we have gathered sufficient data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an appropriate time" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as an adverbial to indicate when an action should or will take place. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability, supported by numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an appropriate time" is a versatile noun phrase used to indicate a suitable moment for an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts. While its generality makes it broadly applicable, providing specific context or timelines can enhance clarity. Alternatives like "a suitable moment" or "an opportune time" can add nuance. Its neutral register and frequency in news, academic, and general writing make it a reliable choice for diverse communication needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a suitable moment

Replaces "appropriate" with "suitable", implying a moment that fits well.

the right moment

Uses "right" instead of "appropriate", conveying a sense of correctness or suitability.

an opportune time

Replaces "appropriate" with "opportune", suggesting a moment particularly advantageous or favorable.

a convenient time

Focuses on ease and accessibility, suggesting a time that is practical.

the ideal moment

Suggests the very best time for a particular action or event.

a fitting occasion

Shifts from "time" to "occasion", implying a specific event or circumstance.

a strategic moment

Implies that the timing is chosen to achieve a particular goal or advantage.

a well-chosen time

Emphasizes the selection process, suggesting the time was carefully considered.

a propitious moment

Replaces "appropriate" with "propitious", indicating a favorable or auspicious time, often used in more formal contexts.

a judicious time

Highlights the wisdom and good judgment involved in selecting the time.

FAQs

How can I use "an appropriate time" in a sentence?

You can use "an appropriate time" to indicate a suitable moment for a particular action. For example, "We will discuss the details at "an appropriate time" during the meeting".

What phrases can I use instead of "an appropriate time"?

Alternatives include "a suitable moment", "an opportune time", or "the right moment", depending on the context.

Is it always clear what constitutes "an appropriate time"?

No, the definition of "an appropriate time" can be subjective and context-dependent. It's often necessary to provide more specific details or conditions to avoid ambiguity.

What's the difference between "an appropriate time" and "an opportune time"?

"An appropriate time" generally means a suitable or fitting moment, while "an opportune time" suggests a moment that is particularly advantageous or favorable.