good time to talk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good time to talk" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to choose an appropriate time to hold a conversation. For example, you might say, "Let's see when would be a good time to talk about this issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This really isn't a good time to talk about college.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was a good time to talk, or it wasn't.

The New Yorker

This would be a good time to talk about who owns the company.

The New York Times

So now is a good time to talk about two first-rate new books.

Independent

So it was a good time to talk with TripAdvisor's chief executive, Stephen Kaufer.

The New York Times

Rain predicted for tomorrow so it's a good time to talk about humidity.

Cornell University

This feels like a good time to talk about what causes a hangover.

The Washington Post

"That's always a good time to talk to people, because it's quite intimate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Now is a good time to talk to people about this".

The Guardian

"But I think the 50th anniversary is a good time to talk.

The Guardian

"I said, 'Uh, it's not really a good time to talk,' " Mr. Maloney said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When initiating a conversation, especially in professional settings, preface your remarks with "Is this a "good time to talk"?" to show respect for the other person's schedule and potential priorities.

Common error

Avoid launching directly into a conversation without first confirming it's a "good time to talk". This can be perceived as inconsiderate, especially if the other person is occupied or stressed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good time to talk" primarily functions as an inquiry or statement about the suitability of the current moment for engaging in conversation. It is commonly used to ensure that the other party is available and receptive to a discussion, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "good time to talk" is a versatile and widely used expression for initiating conversations politely and respectfully. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, from formal settings to casual chats. The prevalence of this phrase in News & Media and Academia indicates its importance in ensuring effective communication by acknowledging and respecting the other person's availability. When using this phrase, consider the context and your relationship with the person to choose the most appropriate tone. Always be prepared to reschedule if it's not a convenient time, demonstrating consideration for their time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are you available to talk

A simple question directly asking about availability for a conversation.

is now a convenient moment

A direct and polite way to inquire about someone's availability.

convenient time to speak

This suggests considering someone's availability and ease of communication.

a moment when you're free to talk

This phrasing directly asks about someone's availability.

appropriate moment for discussion

This alternative uses more formal language and emphasizes the suitability of the timing.

ideal time for a discussion

Similar to "appropriate moment", focusing on the perfect timing.

right moment to chat

This phrase is more casual and focuses on a friendly, informal conversation.

suitable opportunity to converse

This option is more formal and highlights the chance to have a conversation.

a good point to bring it up

This suggests that timing is good for introducing a specific topic.

opportune moment for a conversation

This alternative is quite formal, emphasizing the favorable nature of the timing.

FAQs

How do I politely ask if it's a "good time to talk"?

You can ask, "Is this a "convenient time to speak"?" or "Do you have a moment to chat?". Both are polite ways to gauge someone's availability.

What can I say instead of "Is this a "good time to talk"?"?

Alternatives include "Are you free to talk right now?", "Do you have a moment?", or "Can we talk?". The best choice depends on the context and your relationship with the person.

Is it always necessary to ask if it's a "good time to talk"?

While not always necessary, it's generally a good practice, especially in professional or formal settings. In casual conversations with close friends or family, it might not be as crucial but still demonstrates consideration.

What should I do if someone says it's not a "good time to talk"?

Respect their response and ask when would be a better time. For example, you could say, "Okay, no problem. When would be a "better time to talk" about this?"