at a suitable time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'at a suitable time' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a time that is appropriate for an activity or event. For example: "We can discuss the details of the project at a suitable time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Mr. Tung, a cautious shipping tycoon appointed by Beijing, demurred, saying he would make a trip at a "suitable" time.

The New York Times

Spokesman Zabiullah Mujahed said the suicide bomber, purportedly named Zahidullah, had been observing the foreign forces in the area and had struck at a suitable time.

The Guardian

"There is no doubt that the assassinations of Rantisi and Sheik Yassin are losses to the Hamas movement," Ahmed Baher, another Hamas leader in Gaza, said at the funeral, "But the response will come at a suitable time.

The New York Times

Please ensure he goes to bed at a suitable time and take the devices out of the bedroom – do not let him stay on phones or tablets all night.

The Guardian

It recommended that parents should be told exactly what was happening and what the benefits would be from organ removal, as well as making sure that parents were told in an appropriate manner and at a suitable time.

The Guardian

As for second generation, intense research is still needed for a fully functional industry at a suitable time.

Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

To test whether TG and cholesterol levels were affected at this early stage, which is a suitable time window for drug screening and genetic manipulation by injection of antisense morpholino oligonucleotides, we stained embryos at 1-6 dpf with Oil Red O (ORO), which stains neutral lipids, including TG and cholesterol esters (CEs).

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

If any man in this assembly thinks differently from me in this matter, and feels able to disprove my statements, I will gladly confront him at any suitable time and place he may select.

Huffington Post

Courtesy is everything: If a rep knocks on your door while you're busy, be frank and polite and simply ask for an appointment at a more suitable time.

Science Magazine

Will he return with a more suitable storyline, at a more suitable time?

Independent

"BHP Billiton made an offer to the Nyaru Menteng Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre to potentially assist with their planned relocation at a more suitable time in August, and have also assisted in the identification of suitable relocation sites," the company commented.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at a suitable time", consider the context and specify what makes the time 'suitable'. For example, is it based on availability, resources, or a specific stage in a project?

Common error

Don't leave the 'suitable time' undefined. Without context, "at a suitable time" can be vague. Ensure your audience understands what criteria make the time appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a suitable time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying when an action should occur. It indicates that an event will take place when the circumstances are appropriate or favorable. Ludwig's examples illustrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at a suitable time" is a versatile adverbial phrase indicating that an action will occur when circumstances are appropriate. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability. It finds prevalent usage in scientific, news and media, and formal business contexts, signifying its adaptability across various registers. To enhance clarity, specify the criteria that define a 'suitable' time. Alternatives include "at an opportune moment" or "when the time is right". Remember, while the expression is common, providing context prevents ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at an opportune moment

Replaces 'suitable' with 'opportune', suggesting a particularly advantageous or favorable moment.

at a convenient time

Focuses on the ease and accessibility of the time for the involved parties.

when the time is right

A more idiomatic expression implying that conditions must be favorable.

when appropriate

A shorter, more general way of saying at the right time.

at the proper moment

Emphasizes correctness and adherence to protocol.

at the designated hour

Implies a prearranged and specific time.

at the scheduled time

Highlights that time has been formally arranged in advance.

when feasible

Suggests the action will occur when conditions allow it to happen without issues.

in due course

Indicates that something will happen eventually, but not immediately.

when the opportunity arises

Highlights the contingency of finding a good possibility or condition to perform the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "at a suitable time" to indicate when something will happen when the circumstances are right. For example, "We will review your application "at a suitable time" after all documents have been submitted."

What is a more formal alternative to "at a suitable time"?

In a professional setting, you might use more formal alternatives such as "at an opportune moment" or "at a designated hour" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "at a convenient time" and "at a suitable time"?

While similar, "at a convenient time" emphasizes ease and accessibility, whereas "at a suitable time" highlights appropriateness considering various factors. They are often interchangeable, but suitability may consider more than just convenience.

What does it mean to do something "at a suitable time"?

Doing something ""at a suitable time"" means waiting for the conditions, resources, or circumstances to be most favorable or appropriate for the action. It avoids premature or poorly-timed execution.