at a reasonable time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a reasonable time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the timing of an event or action that is considered appropriate or acceptable. Example: "Please ensure that the meeting is scheduled at a reasonable time for all participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I clock off at a reasonable time because work-life balance is important to me.

The Guardian

I try to get away at a reasonable time – I'm a working father, after all.

The Guardian

Owls know they ought to go to bed at a reasonable time, but they can't — they're owls.

The New Yorker

Now I get my marking done at school and go home at a reasonable time without the book trolley.

The Guardian

But his involvement as a producer has led to judge Steven Locke requiring him to testify "at a reasonable time and place agreed to by the parties".

The Guardian - Film

I don't work on election night itself, so comfy sofa, bottle of wine, cake and bed at a reasonable time, so I can do the news on Friday, when the coalition horse-trading begins.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the majority leader, also sounded more hopeful, saying that he and Mr. McConnell intended to "come up with something that will get us out of here at a reasonable time in the next few days".

The New York Times

"It was just the inelegance of being asked in a room full of people … Now I'm happy to have a conversation, a discussion, at a reasonable time about anything.

The Guardian - Film

You think they were invented to give you somewhere to go with that couple you don't invite round for dinner because they never get the hint and leave at a reasonable time so you can go to bed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"So long as they ended at a reasonable time, say 10 p.m., and turned off the lights when they left, the Holsts were happy," said Jim Mogan, who retired as boys basketball coach at Sacred Heart High School and is now the recreation director for Brigantine.

The New York Times

"We may have all the perks and benefits of gyms and canteens but we need to see more organisations encouraging a healthy work culture where employees are taking their lunch breaks, going home at a reasonable time and switching off from their day".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When scheduling meetings or setting deadlines, specify what "at a reasonable time" means in your context to avoid misunderstandings. For example, "Please submit your reports by 5 PM, which is at a reasonable time before the end of the workday."

Common error

Avoid using "at a reasonable time" without providing specific parameters. This phrase is subjective; what is reasonable to one person may not be to another. Always provide a specific time or timeframe to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a reasonable time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify when an action should occur. It indicates a time that is considered appropriate or acceptable within a given context. Ludwig's examples show its use in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

34%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at a reasonable time" is a versatile phrase used to indicate an appropriate or acceptable moment for something to occur. As Ludwig AI correctly points out, it is grammatically sound and widely used. The phrase appears frequently in news, media, and wiki sources, demonstrating its broad applicability. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify the timeframe implied by "at a reasonable time" or use more precise alternatives like "at a decent time" or "at a suitable time". Understanding its communicative function and potential for ambiguity allows for more effective and considerate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a decent time

Implies a time that is socially acceptable or not too late/early.

at a suitable hour

Suggests a time that is convenient or appropriate for a specific purpose.

at an appropriate moment

Emphasizes the right or fitting point in time for something to occur.

at a convenient juncture

Highlights a time that is easily accessible or fitting within a schedule.

within an acceptable timeframe

Indicates a period of time that falls within certain limits or standards.

at a proper moment

Implies a time that is correct or in accordance with standards of etiquette or procedure.

when the time is right

Suggests waiting for an opportune or favorable moment.

at an agreed-upon time

Highlights a time that has been mutually decided or arranged.

at a fitting occasion

Stresses the relevance or suitability of the time to the event.

at a judicious moment

Highlights a time that is selected with care and good judgment.

FAQs

How can I use "at a reasonable time" in a sentence?

You can use "at a reasonable time" to refer to a point in time considered appropriate or acceptable. For example, "The meeting will be scheduled at a reasonable time to accommodate all attendees."

What are some alternatives to using "at a reasonable time"?

Some alternatives include "at a decent time", "at a suitable time", or "at an appropriate moment", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to be specific instead of saying "at a reasonable time"?

Yes, being specific is generally better. While "at a reasonable time" can be acceptable, it's often subjective. Providing a specific time, like "by 5 PM", removes ambiguity and ensures everyone is on the same page.

What does "reasonable" mean in the context of "at a reasonable time"?

In the context of "at a reasonable time", "reasonable" implies that the time is fair, appropriate, and takes into consideration other factors like work schedules, personal obligations, or general convenience. What's deemed reasonable can vary based on the situation and individuals involved.