in a timely way

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a timely way" is correct in written English and can be used to emphasize the importance of following through on something quickly or promptly.
For example, "We need to finish our project assignment in a timely way so that we can move on to the next task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the same time they must produce hefty profits in a timely way for their own impatient investors.

TechCrunch

But, failing that, Congress should raise the debt limit in a timely way and for an extended period of time.

Huffington Post

"You then hire enough border patrol so they can respond in a timely way".

The New York Times

Hospitals did not comply in a timely way, participants in the process say.

The New York Times

commander in a timely way," the summary said, referring to the commanders in Iraq.

The New York Times

"We are making the decision in a timely way," he said.

The Guardian

And you are supposed to invest in them in a timely way.

The New York Times

"These resources should allow us to complete the count in a timely way".

The New York Times

"I can get whatever picture I want in a timely way".

The New York Times

"The squeeze in getting these services provided in a timely way makes it harder for us".

The Guardian

The president must lead and Congress must act, and in a timely way.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a timely way", ensure the context clearly indicates the desired speed or deadline. For instance, "Please submit your reports in a timely way" is improved by adding a specific deadline or timeframe.

Common error

Avoid using "in a timely way" without providing context or a specific timeframe. Simply stating something should be done "in a timely way" can be ambiguous. Provide specific deadlines or expectations to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a timely way" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate when or how an action should be performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it emphasizes the importance of speed and efficiency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a timely way" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to emphasize the importance of promptness and efficiency. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and business communications. While versatile, it's best practice to provide specific deadlines or expectations when using the phrase to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "promptly", "expeditiously", and "without delay" offer similar meanings but may carry slightly different connotations. Overall, "in a timely way" remains a reliable choice for conveying the need for swift action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a prompt manner

Rephrases using 'manner' to highlight the way something is done.

promptly

Focuses on immediacy and lack of delay.

without delay

Emphasizes the absence of any waiting time.

expeditiously

Highlights efficiency and speed in handling a task.

in short order

Suggests that something will be done quickly and efficiently.

with dispatch

Implies speed and efficiency, often in an official context.

on schedule

Emphasizes adherence to a pre-set timeline.

punctually

Focuses on being on time and avoiding lateness.

in due time

Suggests that something will happen at the appropriate, though not necessarily immediate, moment.

at the earliest opportunity

Highlights doing something as soon as it's feasible.

FAQs

What does "in a timely way" mean?

The phrase "in a timely way" means doing something quickly, efficiently, and without unnecessary delay, ensuring it's completed within an appropriate or expected timeframe.

How can I use "in a timely way" in a sentence?

You can use "in a timely way" to emphasize the importance of completing a task promptly. For example, "It is crucial that we address these issues "promptly" to avoid further complications."

What are some alternatives to saying "in a timely way"?

Alternatives to "in a timely way" include "promptly", "expeditiously", or "without delay", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "in a timely way" or "in a timely manner"?

"In a timely way" and "in a timely manner" are largely interchangeable. "In a timely manner" might be perceived as slightly more formal, but both convey the same meaning.