imperative of time

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence The phrase "imperative of time" is not a commonly used phrase.
If you are trying to express the feeling that time is of the essence, a more common phrase might be "time is of the essence". Example: In order to finish this project on time, it is imperative we make efficient use of our time.

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

GPs described how this imperative of time had negative consequences for the woman and themselves.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This course begins with the premise that racial justice is the bioethical imperative of our time.

Columbia University

Again Mr. Gore, exporting modern energy to a sadly and unacceptably mostly undeveloped world is the real "moral imperative of our time". The Trump administration is expected to pull back many of the oil and regulations that were installed under President Obama, such as the Clean Power Plan.

Forbes

"Education is the economic imperative of our time.

Huffington Post

The struggle for equal educational opportunity is the great civil rights imperative of our time.

Los Angeles Times

To ensure a successful future for our species and our planet, the evolution of consciousness is the most critical imperative of our time.

Huffington Post

The economic imperative of our time calls for an evolution of the dominant logic and operating system from one that is based on ego-system awareness to one that is based on eco-system awareness.

Huffington Post

First came a shift in conservationist thinking, illustrated by the life and writings of Aldo Leopold, father of the American environmental movement.In the 19th and early 20th centuries environmentalists believed that because predators killed other animals, conservation was best served by killing them a view that fit the economic imperative of the times.

The Economist

Coming to grips with it is an imperative of our times.

Huffington Post

In short, inclusive global development is not only one of the great moral challenges of our time but also one of the great economic and strategic imperatives of our time.

HuffPost

/ Let him turn and flie" – that its author "makes absolutely clear at least that any good Scot would fight against being enslaved, and the poem's overall trajectory drives, surely, towards universal liberty" – is to ignore the economic imperatives of the time, just as those in favour of continued union say the separatists are ignoring them in our own time.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the urgency of a situation, consider using more common and direct phrases like "time is of the essence" or "urgency of the matter" instead of the less common "imperative of time".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "imperative of time" in informal contexts. It can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler and more direct language to convey urgency or importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imperative of time" functions as a noun phrase, highlighting the critical or urgent necessity related to time considerations. While grammatically sound, Ludwig indicates it's not a commonly used phrase, suggesting more direct alternatives might be preferable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "imperative of time" is grammatically correct but uncommon, as Ludwig points out. It denotes the critical importance of considering time, often in formal or analytical contexts. More common alternatives such as "time is of the essence" or "urgency of the moment" may be more suitable for general use. While its infrequent usage doesn't negate its validity, choosing clearer and more direct alternatives can enhance communication. The phrase appears across diverse sources, including science, news media and academia, suggesting versatility despite its rarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time is of the essence

A common idiom that means time is a crucial factor and action is needed quickly; very similar in meaning but more idiomatic.

need for timeliness

Highlights the importance of acting or occurring at the right time; slightly more formal.

urgency of the moment

Emphasizes the immediate need for action due to the current circumstances; shifts focus from time itself to the situation.

constraints of time

Focuses on how time limits or restricts actions or possibilities.

critical timing

Underscores that the timing of an event is crucial to its success; less about time in general and more about specific moments.

time sensitivity

Focuses on the degree to which something is affected by the passage of time; a more technical term.

temporal imperative

Uses a more academic term ("temporal") to refer to time, making the phrase slightly more formal and abstract.

pressing timeline

Highlights the urgency created by a limited amount of time available for a project or task.

exigence of time

Uses a more formal and less common term ("exigence") to stress the pressing nature of time.

importance of punctuality

Stresses being on time as a key requirement; more specific to scheduled events or deadlines.

FAQs

What does "imperative of time" mean?

The phrase "imperative of time" refers to the urgent or pressing need to consider time as a critical factor in a situation. It emphasizes that time is a key constraint or a crucial element that must be taken into account.

How can I use "imperative of time" in a sentence?

While not a common phrase, you might use "imperative of time" to highlight the importance of time management in a project or decision. For instance, "The "imperative of time" dictates that we must act swiftly to meet the deadline."

What are some alternatives to "imperative of time"?

You can use alternatives like "time is of the essence", "urgency of the moment", or "critical timing" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "imperative of time" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase "imperative of time" is grammatically correct. However, it is not a commonly used expression and might sound overly formal or awkward in some contexts. Consider using more common alternatives for better clarity.