sheer timing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sheer timing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the timing of an event is purely coincidental or significant in its impact. Example: "Winning the lottery was a matter of sheer timing; I happened to buy the ticket just before the draw."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The ballerina Wendy Whelan is on this music, so that some of its sheer timing strikes home, but not in it.

The New York Times - Arts

Aside from the exciting, albeit still limited and long over-due step major tech innovators are taking to foster family leave policy change, what particularly interests me about this story -- as someone who has made my career out of managing image crises and spinning PR disasters -- is, of course, the sheer timing of it all.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Scotch" seems the most conventional work on the program — and yet it keeps you on the edge of your seat with its changing figures, inner drama and sheer dance timing.

The New York Times - Arts

For sheer comic timing, Richard Ayoade edges the others out for me – his deadpan Moss is such a joy to watch, although as the eligible episode was a one-off finale it doesn't feel like The IT Crowd was necessarily the defining comedy of 2013 – more like a farewell lap of honour; Mathew Baynton would be the candidate for the Corden-allergic punter.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For sheer provocation, the timing was impeccable: the rally took place as Rosh Hashana was about to begin.

The New York Times

Third, the stock markets may be telling us that it really likes the fact that the budget finally is being cut and also, perhaps by a sheer accident of timing, growth is resuming.

Huffington Post

But there are times when luck, timing and sheer coincidence reveal a connection that would never have crossed my mind.

Huffington Post

Three times in the last week we missed being hit by sheer luck and good timing.

The New York Times

It's her force of personality, sharp timing and sheer technique that carry this intricate, layered piece about memory and the hopes and desires of childhood, and the way they are tempered and transformed in later life.

Independent

I'm sure you know in your heart of hearts that you only got this out of sheer luck and good timing, and that I probably should have been hired in your place.

The New Yorker

By sheer coincidence and miraculous timing, the child happened to be awake, and walking downstairs, and to have drawn a picture of herself with her mother "in the basement", which she happily explained to Lenhart, clicking the story in to place.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer timing" to emphasize that the timing was a significant factor, often unexpectedly so. It can suggest that luck or coincidence played a major role.

Common error

Avoid assuming "sheer timing" is the sole reason for an outcome. Acknowledge other contributing factors to provide a balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer timing" primarily functions as a noun phrase that emphasizes the significance of timing as a key factor, often implying luck or coincidence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sheer timing" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to underscore the importance of timing, often suggesting luck or coincidence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, highlighting its role in describing events where timing plays a crucial, often unexpected, role. While alternatives like "pure coincidence" or "perfect timing" exist, "sheer timing" distinctly emphasizes the unplanned yet significant impact of a specific moment. It’s advisable to avoid overstating the influence of "sheer timing" as the sole cause, recognizing other contributing factors for a comprehensive understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pure coincidence

Emphasizes the accidental nature of the timing.

perfect timing

Highlights the ideal or opportune nature of the timing.

absolute serendipity

Stresses the fortunate and unplanned nature of the timing.

fortunate timing

Similar to perfect timing but with less emphasis on perfection.

complete happenstance

Focuses on the accidental and unplanned aspects.

fortunate moment

Highlights the luck involved in the timing.

opportune moment

Focuses on the suitability of the timing for a particular purpose.

auspicious moment

Stresses the favorability and potential success associated with the timing.

timely intervention

Highlights that the timing was appropriate for resolving a situation.

sheer luck

Implies the success is due to random chance.

FAQs

How can I use "sheer timing" in a sentence?

You can use "sheer timing" to emphasize that the occurrence of an event at a specific moment was crucial, often due to luck or coincidence. For example: "The company's success was a result of "sheer timing"; their product launched just as the market demand surged."

What does "sheer timing" imply?

"Sheer timing" implies that the timing was not planned or strategic, but rather a matter of luck or coincidence that led to a particular outcome. It underscores the unexpected influence of a moment.

What are some alternatives to "sheer timing"?

Alternatives to "sheer timing" include "pure coincidence", "perfect timing", or "fortunate moment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "sheer timing" in formal writing?

Yes, "sheer timing" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, consider the context. In highly formal or scientific contexts, you might opt for a more precise term like "opportune moment" or "timely intervention" if it's more fitting.