appropriate time

USAGE SUMMARY

"appropriate time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the correct or suitable moment, date, or period for a particular event or action. For example, "We must plan carefully to make sure we visit our friends at an appropriate time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"At the appropriate time".

The New York Times

This was the appropriate time frame.

The New York Times

At the appropriate time, I'll stop".

The New York Times

but only at the appropriate time.

The Guardian - Opinion

I thought now was the appropriate time".

The New York Times

So what is an appropriate time?

The Guardian

I want to in the appropriate time, but now it's not the appropriate time.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We'll address that at the appropriate time".

The New York Times - Sports

I am going to go at the appropriate time".

The Guardian - Business

"At the appropriate time," he said, "I will clarify everything".

The New York Times

It's not appropriate time to speak about that".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the register. While "appropriate time" is generally neutral, consider whether a more formal or informal alternative would better suit your audience and purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "appropriate time" without providing context. Saying "We will address it at the appropriate time" without explaining what determines appropriateness can frustrate your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appropriate time" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as an adverbial modifier to indicate when an action should occur. It specifies the suitability of a particular moment for a given purpose, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appropriate time" is a common and versatile noun phrase used to indicate the most suitable moment for an action. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct, with high frequency across news, media, and various other sources, including Wiki and business contexts. While generally neutral in register, the context often determines the specific level of formality. For clarity, provide specific context to define what makes the time "appropriate". Consider alternatives like "opportune moment" or "suitable moment" for nuanced meaning. When using this phrase, vagueness should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opportune moment

Replaces "time" with "moment", emphasizing a specific point in time that is particularly suitable.

suitable moment

Substitutes "appropriate" with "suitable", indicating a time that is right or fitting.

right time

Uses "right" instead of "appropriate", suggesting a time that is correct or ideal.

proper time

Replaces "appropriate" with "proper", indicating a time that is in accordance with what is accepted or required.

ideal moment

Replaces both "appropriate" and "time" to emphasize the perfect timing for something.

fitting moment

Synonymous replacement focusing on the suitability of the moment.

golden opportunity

This phrase indicates an ideal time to capitalize on something; it's more emphatic than "appropriate time".

strategic moment

Highlights the tactical advantage of a specific time.

prime opportunity

Uses "prime opportunity" to emphasize that the time is perfect for a particular action.

auspicious occasion

This suggests that the time is favorable or fortunate, especially for important events.

FAQs

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

You can use "appropriate time" to indicate the right moment for a specific action. For example, "The company will release the new product at the "appropriate time", after all market research is completed."

What can I say instead of "appropriate time"?

You can use alternatives such as "opportune moment", "suitable moment", or "right time" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "appropriate time" or "suitable time"?

"Appropriate time" and "suitable time" are often interchangeable. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey and the overall tone of your writing.

What does it mean to do something at the "appropriate time"?

Doing something at the ""appropriate time"" means doing it when the circumstances are most favorable or suitable to achieve the desired outcome. It implies careful timing and consideration of relevant factors.