at proper time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at proper time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something should occur at the appropriate or designated moment. Example: "The project must be completed at proper time to meet the deadline set by the client."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

SEES VICTORY FOR STATE Refuses to Discuss Simpson Plan -- Says Commission Will Act at Proper Time.

The New York Times

If the DPS is not properly adjusted, the LBV may mistakenly close or it may not take any action at proper time.

Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering

Online condition monitoring may help to take proper corrective action at proper time, which reduces unscheduled downtime and can save money for electrical supply utilities.

Measurement

The chitosan backbone as well as trimethyl, thiol, and mannose groups of MTC NPs could be activated at proper time and location to overcome the extracellular and intracellular barriers to oral siRNA delivery, thereby promoting gene silencing efficiency.

Biomaterials

If I'm riding on the highway and I come to a village in which a smith lives, who has sufficient stuff to shoe my horse, if my horse has lost a shoe and I request him to shoe him at proper time, and I offer him sufficient for his labor, and he refuses, and if my horse is lost for want of shoes, and by his default, I say that in that event, I will have trespass on the case.

Harvard University

NOD-SCID mice (female or male, 6 10 weeks, The Jackson Laboratory, USA) were euthanized at proper time points and the diaphragm was carefully cut open without touching the lung.

Protein & Cell

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

They need coddling at proper times as much as they need tongue-lashings.

The New York Times - Sports

In addition, results presented in this article show that apart from optimal positioning and sizing, maximizing the value attributes of PV-DG also, depends on its ability to produce power at proper times and levels.

Electric Power Systems Research

The production of microbial oil rich in arachidonic acid (ARA) in M. alpina was enhanced by using a multi-stage fermentation strategy which combined fed-batch culture with precise control of aeration and agitation rates at proper times.

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

"It's lunch time". England's shops are very strict about what can be served at "proper" times.

Los Angeles Times

CaP axons in topped mutants fail to enter the ventral myotome at the proper time, stalling at the nascent horizontal myoseptum, which demarcates dorsal from ventral axial muscle.

Developmental Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at proper time" when emphasizing the importance of precise timing for a specific action or event to be successful. For example, "The medication must be administered "at proper time" to ensure its effectiveness."

Common error

Avoid using "at proper time" without a clear reference to what event or action it applies. Instead of saying "Action should be taken "at proper time",", specify: "Action should be taken "at proper time" after the assessment is complete."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at proper time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to specify when an action should occur. Ludwig confirms this with examples showcasing its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

32%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at proper time" serves as an adverbial phrase that emphasizes the significance of timing for a specific action. Ludwig's analysis affirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. As demonstrated by Ludwig, while generally interchangeable with "at the proper time", it's best used when the precision of timing is critical. Remember to provide clear context and consider alternatives like "at the opportune moment" or "in due course" for nuanced meaning. Common across Science, News & Media, and Academia, it suits both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at an appropriate time

General and versatile alternative, suitable for various contexts where timing is key.

at the suitable time

Indicates that the timing is appropriate for a specific purpose or situation.

at the opportune moment

Emphasizes the favorability of the timing; more focused on the advantage gained.

when the moment is right

Similar to "at the opportune moment" but with a slightly more emotional or intuitive connotation.

at the right juncture

Highlights the importance of a specific point in time or event, suggesting a critical moment.

when the time is ripe

Implies that conditions or preparations must be complete before the action can occur.

when the opportunity arises

Highlights the dependence on a chance or favorable situation appearing.

in due course

Suggests that something will happen eventually, without specifying a precise moment.

at a convenient time

Focuses on the ease and practicality of the timing for the involved parties.

in the fullness of time

Suggests that something will happen when the natural or destined time arrives.

FAQs

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

Use "at proper time" to emphasize the significance of timing for a specific action or event. For example, "The seeds must be planted at the "suitable time" to ensure optimal growth."

What are some alternatives to "at proper time"?

You can use alternatives like "at the right time", "at the appropriate moment", or "when the time is ripe", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "at proper time" or "at the proper time"?

Both "at proper time" and "at the proper time" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. However, "at the proper time" is slightly more common and often considered more formal.

What's the nuance between "at proper time" and "in due course"?

"At proper time" emphasizes the importance of acting at a specific, suitable moment. "In due course" suggests something will happen eventually, without needing immediate action.