an opportune time

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "an opportune time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is appropriate at a specific point in time. For example: "It was an opportune time to launch the new product given the current state of the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The offering comes at an opportune time.

The New York Times

The research comes at an opportune time.

Stanford University

Carlyle's push comes at an opportune time.

The New York Times

It came at an opportune time, too.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's not an opportune time," he said.

The New York Times

The findings come at an opportune time.

The Guardian

It is an opportune time for the shift.

The New York Times - Tech

Autumn is an opportune time to fish for browns.

The New Yorker

The release of the report comes at an opportune time.

Yale University

The deal also comes at an opportune time for Medco.

The Economist

Boulware arrived in Mauritania at an opportune time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an opportune time" to emphasize that taking action now will likely lead to a desirable outcome. For instance, "The current economic climate presents an opportune time to invest in renewable energy."

Common error

Avoid using "an opportune time" when describing negative situations. "Opportune" implies a favorable or advantageous circumstance, so using it in a negative context can create confusion or sound sarcastic. For example, don't say "It was an opportune time for the company to go bankrupt." Instead, use phrases like "worst possible time" or "inopportune moment."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an opportune time" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig, it is used to describe a moment or period that is particularly suitable or advantageous for a specific action or event. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

14%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an opportune time" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a favorable moment or period for a particular action. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is used across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Academia. When using it, ensure that the situation you're describing genuinely benefits from the timing, avoiding negative connotations. Consider alternatives like "an ideal moment" or "a favorable juncture" for nuanced meaning. Using "an opportune time" effectively can add clarity and emphasis to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ideal moment

Replaces 'time' with 'moment', emphasizing a very short period considered perfect for something.

a perfect moment

Simple replacement with "perfect", highlighting the flawless timing.

the right moment

Uses a simpler phrasing, highlighting that the timing is appropriate.

a propitious moment

Uses 'propitious' to add a sense of divine favor or good fortune to the timing.

a well-timed opportunity

Emphasizes the good timing of the chance to do something

a favorable juncture

Replaces 'time' with 'juncture', indicating a critical point in time or a convergence of events.

a timely occasion

Focuses on the appropriateness of the event happening at a particular time.

a strategic opportunity

Highlights the advantageous aspect of the timing, focusing on achieving a specific goal.

a golden opportunity

Emphasizes the rarity and value of the favorable timing.

an advantageous period

Highlights that the timing provide a chance to get advantages.

FAQs

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

Use "an opportune time" to describe a moment or period that is particularly suitable or advantageous for a specific action or event. For example, "The lull in the market created "an opportune time" to buy stocks".

What is the difference between "an opportune time" and "a convenient time"?

"An opportune time" implies that the timing offers a specific advantage or benefit, while "a convenient time" simply suggests that the timing is suitable or easy to manage. Opportune suggests an advantage, convenient suggests easiness.

What are some phrases similar to "an opportune time"?

Similar phrases include "an ideal moment", "a favorable juncture", and "a strategic opportunity". These alternatives also convey the idea of a particularly suitable or advantageous moment.

Is it always positive to describe something as "an opportune time"?

Yes, "an opportune time" typically has positive connotations, suggesting that the circumstances are favorable. If the situation is negative, it's more appropriate to use phrases like "an inopportune moment" or "an unsuitable time".