an inconvenient time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an inconvenient time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a moment that is not suitable or appropriate for a particular action or event. Example: "I would love to meet for coffee, but this week is an inconvenient time for me due to my work schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

The flurry of new subpoenas comes at an inconvenient time for SAC.

The New York Times

But this was an inconvenient time to make such an argument.

The New York Times

Still, the settlement comes at an inconvenient time for Finra, which is seeking to expand its regulatory authority.

The New York Times

That way if it's an inconvenient time to talk, you can still respond in a text message.

The New York Times

"And it's come at kind of an inconvenient time," she added, still holding him, seeming to prop him up.

The New Yorker

This case comes at an inconvenient time for Hofstra, which recently eliminated its long and honorable football program because it was losing money.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

For a relationship that has oscillated for decades between collaboration and breakdown, this has been an extraordinarily bad year, at an especially inconvenient time.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's coming at an extremely inconvenient time for the fund," said Michael Mussa, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and a former chief economist of the fund.

The New York Times

These are the questions that Julia Laura Regann), a high-strung graduate student in psychology, must face at an especially inconvenient time.

The New York Times

That is happening at an especially inconvenient time.

The Economist

The standards ban fashion that one year ago was accepted with no question, and came at an extremely inconvenient time by forcing some female students to spend hundreds of dollars modifying dresses that they spent hundreds of dollars on to begin with.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event as occurring at "an inconvenient time", be specific about why the timing is problematic. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "an inconvenient time" as a vague placeholder. Always explain the specific reason the timing is problematic; otherwise, consider a stronger, more descriptive alternative such as "untimely" or "inopportune".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an inconvenient time" functions as a noun phrase, where "inconvenient" modifies the noun "time". Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an inconvenient time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a moment that presents difficulties or is ill-suited for a particular purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across diverse contexts, notably in News & Media. To enhance clarity, always contextualize why the time is inconvenient. While versatile, be mindful of overuse and explore synonyms like "a bad time" or "an inopportune moment" for variety. Avoid vagueness by detailing the specific reasons for the inconvenience to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bad time

This alternative is a more general and less formal way to indicate that the timing is not ideal.

a poor time

This is a simpler, more direct way of saying that the timing is not good.

an inopportune moment

This phrase is a slightly more formal alternative, emphasizing the lack of suitability of the moment.

an unsuitable moment

This option focuses on the inappropriateness of the timing for a particular event or action.

a difficult time

This alternative highlights the challenges or problems that arise due to the timing.

an awkward moment

This suggests the timing creates social discomfort or unease.

a regrettable time

This implies that the timing is unfortunate and may lead to negative consequences.

a premature time

This suggests the timing is too early or before the appropriate moment.

an unpropitious time

This is a formal and somewhat archaic way to say the timing is unfavorable or unlucky.

a strategically unsound time

This implies that the timing is not beneficial from a strategic or tactical perspective.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "an inconvenient time"?

You can use alternatives like "a bad time", "an inopportune moment", or "an unsuitable moment" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "an inconvenient time"?

Yes, "an inconvenient time" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English. It follows standard English grammar rules.

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

You can use it to describe a situation where the timing of an event or request is not ideal. For example, "The meeting was scheduled at "an inconvenient time" for most of the team."

What makes a time "inconvenient"?

A time is considered "inconvenient" when it clashes with other commitments, disrupts routines, or creates difficulties for those involved. It implies a lack of suitability or appropriateness.