impending time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impending time" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used to refer to a time that is approaching or imminent, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "As the deadline for the project approaches, I can feel the impending time weighing on my mind."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The thought of this impending time off from the daily in and out of work exhilarates me -- and worries me.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They also spoke of anxiety over the impending Times story, which they knew was in the works.

Huffington Post

There is a perception of an impending payback time.

The New York Times

His impending prison time may indeed speak to the longtime decline of the cosa nostra.

The Guardian

He hangs out with friends, drinks beers and makes fun of his impending jail time.

Huffington Post

In one case, aware of impending hard times, employees volunteered a pay standstill.

The Guardian - Business

The peers also say that continued immigration would drive up house prices by 10% over the next 20 years, would not defuse the impending "pensions time-bomb" and would discourage British youngsters from seeking job training.

The Guardian

The reality is an attack like the one in Pittsburgh has seemed impending for some time.

The Guardian - Opinion

The sense of impending doom every time Milan attacked largely evaporated.

The Guardian - Sport

To Sondheim aficionados, this summation of a long-term relationship from the 1964 musical "Anyone Can Whistle" is an early masterpiece that distills the composer's longtime preoccupation with time, impending mortality and the fragility of love.

The New York Times - Arts

Michel Jarraud, who took over as secretary general of the Geneva-based agency in January, said sweeping improvements in forecasting had made it possible to notify people of impending disasters in time to evacuate them or shore up their defenses.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common alternatives like "approaching deadline" or "imminent danger" for clearer communication. While "impending time" is grammatically correct, it may sound unusual to some readers.

Common error

Avoid using "impending time" in formal or professional writing. Its uncommon usage can make your writing sound awkward. Instead, opt for more widely accepted phrases like "upcoming period" or "approaching deadline".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impending time" functions as a noun phrase where "impending" modifies "time". Ludwig indicates that while grammatically sound, the phrase is not frequently used. The existing examples show its use in diverse contexts, often conveying a sense of something looming.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "impending time" is grammatically correct but not a common expression in English. Ludwig suggests that while understandable, it can sound somewhat awkward. It's used to describe a future period that is approaching, often with a sense of something significant or potentially negative about to happen. Common alternatives include "approaching deadline", "imminent moment", or "looming timeframe". Usage appears across various contexts like News & Media, Science and encyclopedias. Given its relatively uncommon nature, writers should carefully consider whether more standard alternatives might provide greater clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approaching deadline

Focuses on the deadline as a specific point in time that is coming near.

imminent moment

Highlights the closeness and certainty of the moment's arrival.

looming timeframe

Emphasizes the sense of a period of time that feels large and possibly threatening.

coming period

A more general term referring to a future span of time.

anticipated duration

Highlights the expected length of something in the future.

future interval

A neutral term for a span of time that will occur later.

ensuing period

Points to a time that will follow after a specific event.

subsequent phase

Refers to a stage that comes after the current one.

forthcoming era

Suggests a new period with potentially significant changes.

eventual stage

Indicates a phase that will happen at some point in the future.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "impending time" in a sentence?

While not commonly used, you can use "impending time" to refer to a period that is about to happen, especially if it carries a sense of foreboding. For example: "As the deadline for the project approaches, I can feel the "impending time" weighing on my mind."

What are some alternatives to "impending time"?

Alternatives include "approaching deadline", "imminent moment", or "looming timeframe". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey. Other options are "upcoming period" or "approaching date".

Is "impending time" grammatically correct?

"Impending time" is grammatically correct, but it is not a standard or frequently used phrase. Its uncommon nature might make it sound slightly awkward or unusual to some listeners and readers. Consider if using other phrasing is more appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use "impending time"?

It's best to use "impending time" in contexts where you want to emphasize the looming or threatening nature of a future period. However, due to its uncommon nature, consider more common alternatives for better clarity and impact. The "approaching time" is a more standard alternative.