in due course

USAGE SUMMARY

"in due course" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something will happen at an unspecified time in the future, usually after a certain amount of time has passed. For example: "We will get to the bottom of the issue in due course."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They returned in due course.

Independent

In due course, she will die.

The Economist

The subject came up in due course.

The New York Times - Arts

He will be sentenced in due course".

Independent

In due course, the cleaning people come.

The New Yorker

We will respond in due course".

The New York Times

Yet the piece deepens in due course.

Independent

More about the particulars in due course.

The New Yorker

And, in due course, they go.

The New Yorker

And, in due course, we will.

The Economist

Warsi will discover in due course.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in due course" to convey a sense of eventual resolution or completion without committing to a specific deadline. This is particularly useful in formal communication where precision isn't immediately necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "in due course" excessively in formal reports or presentations. While appropriate for setting expectations without specific dates, overuse can make you sound evasive or lacking a clear plan. Balance its use with more concrete timelines where possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in due course" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate when an action will take place. It suggests that something will happen at a suitable or expected time in the future, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

20%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in due course" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that something will happen at an unspecified future time, often after a certain process or period has elapsed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as academic writing. While it conveys a sense of eventual resolution, overuse in highly formal settings can be perceived negatively. Consider alternatives like "eventually" or "in time" to suit the specific tone and context of your writing. Using "in due course" effectively involves balancing formality with clarity, ensuring it doesn't come across as evasive or indefinite.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in time

This indicates something will happen when the time is right or after a period.

in the fullness of time

Emphasizes that something will happen when the conditions are perfectly aligned.

when the time is ripe

Emphasizes that something will happen at the most opportune moment.

eventually

This term suggests a future occurrence without specifying a precise timeframe.

at some point

Refers to an unspecified time in the future.

at a later date

Specifies that something will happen sometime in the future but doesn't define when.

sooner or later

Implies inevitability over an indefinite period.

down the line

Suggests something will occur later in a sequence of events.

in the long run

Focuses on the eventual outcome after a prolonged period.

by and by

An older idiom for 'later on', suggesting a gradual unfolding.

FAQs

How can I use "in due course" in a sentence?

You can use "in due course" to indicate that something will happen at an unspecified time in the future. For example, "The matter will be resolved "in due course"."

What can I say instead of "in due course"?

You can use alternatives like "eventually", "in time", or "at some point" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "in due course" or "eventually"?

"In due course" is often perceived as more formal than "eventually". The best choice depends on the context and the desired tone.

What does "in due course" imply about the timing of an event?

"In due course" suggests that an event will occur when the time is right or after a certain process has been completed, without specifying exactly when.