due time

USAGE SUMMARY

"due time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a certain time period expected to elapse before some activity is to take place. For example, "The project must be completed by due time or our deadline will be missed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"All in due time.

The New York Times

In due time, whatever happens, happens".

The New York Times - Sports

But nobody saw that in due time".

The New York Times

That will come in due time".

The New York Times - Sports

All in due time, of course.

The New York Times - Sports

All things in due time.

The New York Times - Sports

The rest will come in due time".

The New York Times

She added: "He will talk in due time.

The New York Times

Those answers, too, will come in due time.

The New York Times - Sports

"At due time we will come out with that.

The Guardian - Sport

In due time, he may think more about projecting structure.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While "due time" is versatile, ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing. For formal contexts, it maintains a professional tone. For informal settings, consider the nuance of implying inevitability with a touch of patience.

Common error

Avoid using "due time" when a specific deadline or timeframe is crucial. It implies a more relaxed approach to timing, which may not be appropriate if punctuality or adherence to a schedule is essential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "due time" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate when an action will occur. Ludwig AI's analysis and examples confirm its role in specifying the timing of events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

17%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "due time" is a versatile prepositional phrase signifying that something will occur eventually. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. While appropriate for conveying patience and expectation, it should be avoided when specific deadlines are crucial. Semantically similar alternatives include "in the fullness of time" and "eventually". With its neutral register and broad applicability, "due time" remains a valuable phrase in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the fullness of time

Emphasizes that something will happen when the circumstances are right or when enough time has passed.

at the appropriate moment

Highlights the importance of timing and waiting for the most suitable opportunity.

when the time is ripe

Suggests that something will happen when conditions are favorable and ready.

eventually

Indicates that something will happen at some unspecified point in the future.

in the long run

Focuses on the ultimate outcome or result over an extended period.

sooner or later

Implies that something is inevitable and will happen at some point.

in a while

Suggests that something will happen after a certain period, but the exact timing is not specified.

down the line

Refers to something that will happen later in a process or sequence of events.

at a later stage

Indicates that something will occur in a subsequent phase or step.

in the future

A general term indicating that something will happen at some point after the present.

FAQs

What does "due time" mean?

The phrase "due time" refers to a point in the future when something is expected to happen or become relevant. It suggests that while something may not be immediate, it will occur when the time is right or after a certain period.

When is it appropriate to use "due time" in a sentence?

It's appropriate to use "due time" when you want to convey a sense of patience or inevitability. It's suitable when the exact timing isn't critical, but the occurrence is anticipated. For instance, "The results will be published in "due time"" suggests the publication will occur eventually without specifying an exact date.

What can I say instead of "due time"?

You can use alternatives like "in due course", "eventually", or "in the future" depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance regarding timing and certainty.

Is "all in due time" grammatically correct and what does it mean?

"All in due time" is a grammatically correct and commonly used idiomatic expression. It means that everything will happen when it is meant to, suggesting patience and acceptance of the natural progression of events.