another time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "another time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase that can be used when someone is referring to an additional or future occurrence. For example: "I'd love to join you for tea, but unfortunately I'm busy today. Maybe another time?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another time?

The New York Times

Another time, another time".

The Guardian - Sport

Another time they fight.

The New York Times

Maybe another time.

The New York Times

Another time, perhaps.

Independent

We'll set up another time".

The New Yorker

But that's for another time.

The New Yorker

"Another time, though," I said.

The New York Times

More on that another time.

The New York Times

Stoller belongs to another time.

The New York Times - Arts

She's just from another time".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "another time" to politely decline an invitation or suggest postponing an activity without completely rejecting the idea. It keeps the door open for future engagement.

Common error

While "another time" is useful for postponing, be mindful not to overuse it without providing some context or indication of when that "another time" might be. This can leave the other party feeling uncertain or dismissed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "another time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something will occur. It suggests a future or alternative occasion for an event. Ludwig AI confirms its general correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

19%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "another time" functions as an adverbial phrase used to politely postpone or defer an action or event. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. As a very common phrase with a neutral register, it's suitable for many contexts, particularly in News & Media sources. When using "another time", ensure you provide enough context to avoid vagueness and maintain clarity. Related phrases like "on another occasion" or "at a later date" can be used as alternatives, depending on the desired nuance. Remember to follow the best practices and avoid common mistakes to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on another occasion

Replaces "time" with "occasion", emphasizing a specific event or instance rather than a general period.

some other time

Emphasizes the indefinite nature of the postponed event; interchangeable in many contexts.

at a later date

Focuses on postponing something to a future, unspecified point in time.

in the future

Broadly refers to any point after the present; less specific than "another time".

a different moment

Substitutes "time" with "moment", suggesting a particular point rather than a duration.

a future opportunity

Highlights the chance to do something later; suitable when discussing possibilities.

next time around

Suggests a recurring event or process where another chance will arise.

a separate instance

Refers to a distinct occurrence, useful when discussing multiple events.

at another stage

Implies a progression or sequence where something can be addressed later.

down the line

Indicates a point further in the future, often used for long-term plans or considerations.

FAQs

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

You can use "another time" to suggest postponing an activity or discussion. For example, "I can't make it today, but perhaps "another time"?"

What is a more formal alternative to "another time"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "at a later date" or "on a future occasion" instead of "another time".

What's the difference between "another time" and "some other time"?

"Another time" and "some other time" are largely interchangeable, but "some other time" may subtly emphasize the indefinite nature of the postponement compared to "another time".

Is it appropriate to use "another time" in professional emails?

Yes, using "another time" is appropriate in professional emails when you need to postpone a meeting or activity. Ensure your tone is polite and consider providing a timeframe for rescheduling if possible.