at the appropriate time

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the appropriate time" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when you want to refer to a time that is suitable, necessary, or right for a particular event or action. For example, "I will send the email at the appropriate time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"At the appropriate time".

The New York Times

At the appropriate time, I'll stop".

The New York Times

but only at the appropriate time.

The Guardian - Opinion

"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

"We'll have that discussion at the appropriate time".

The Guardian

"It's going to be discussed at the appropriate time".

The New York Times

We will issue further proclamations at the appropriate time.

The Guardian - Film

It added, "We will take actions at the appropriate time.

The New York Times

I'll cross all the bridges at the appropriate time".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the appropriate time," be mindful of the context to ensure the level of formality matches your audience. It can be used in both formal and informal settings, but alternatives may be more suitable in some cases.

Common error

Overusing "at the appropriate time" without any further clarification can lead to ambiguity. If possible, provide some indication of when that time might be or what factors will determine it, otherwise use a more specific alternative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the appropriate time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify when an action will occur. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its role in indicating timing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the appropriate time" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something will occur when the conditions are right, without specifying exactly when that will be. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and frequently used expression. It appears most often in news and media contexts, but it can also be found in business and scientific writing. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it's important to avoid vagueness and to provide further clarification if possible. Alternatives like "when the time is right" or "in due course" may be more suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when the time is right

Emphasizes the suitability of the moment, with a slightly more informal tone.

at the opportune moment

Highlights the advantageous nature of the timing, implying a strategic benefit.

in due course

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

when the moment is ripe

Implies that conditions are fully developed or favorable for action.

at a suitable juncture

Indicates a fitting point in time, often within a sequence of events.

at the designated hour

Refers to a prearranged or specifically appointed time.

in the fullness of time

Conveys a sense of eventual occurrence, often after a considerable period.

when circumstances allow

Highlights the dependence on external conditions for determining the timing.

at a later date

Simply defers the action to an unspecified point in the future.

on the proper occasion

Links the timing to a specific event or situation.

FAQs

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

Use "at the appropriate time" to indicate that something will happen when the conditions are right. For example, "I will address your concerns "at the appropriate time", after I've gathered all the facts."

What phrases are similar to "at the appropriate time"?

Similar phrases include "when the time is right", "in due course", or "at the opportune moment". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "at the appropriate time" too vague for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "at the appropriate time" can be vague. In formal writing, consider providing more specific details about when the action will occur or what criteria will determine the timing. If more precision is impossible, clarify what circumstances must change before action is taken.

What's the difference between "at the appropriate time" and "immediately"?

"At the appropriate time" implies a delay until the circumstances are suitable, whereas "immediately" means without any delay. They are contrasting concepts; the former suggests waiting for the right moment, while the latter suggests acting right away.