the timing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the timing" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to the time when something happens or should happen. For example, "The timing of the party was perfect, as everyone arrived at the same time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The timing is the timing," he said.

The New York Times

The timing was coincidental.

The New York Times

The timing was curious.

The Economist

The timing was terrible.

The New York Times

The timing was rotten.

The New York Times

First, the timing.

The New York Times

The timing was ideal.

The New York Times

The timing is key.

The Economist

The timing was propitious.

The New York Times - Magazine

The timing isn't right.

The New York Times

The timing was odd.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing events with interconnected causes, clearly articulate why "the timing" of one action influenced subsequent outcomes to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "the timing" is inherently good or bad. Instead, provide specific details about the situation to illustrate why the particular moment was advantageous or detrimental.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the timing" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples illustrate its role in denoting a specific point in time relevant to an event or decision, highlighting its importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the timing" is a versatile noun phrase that highlights the importance of when an event occurs. As affirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, understanding the subtle differences in its usage—such as distinguishing between "the timing was right" and "the timing was correct"—can enhance the precision of your writing. Consider the advice on avoiding assumptions about timing and instead providing context to ensure clarity. By recognizing these nuances, you can effectively leverage "the timing" to convey the significance of specific moments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the opportune timing

Reiterates that the time is favorable or advantageous.

the right moment

Highlights that the specific point of time is best for the occasion.

the opportune moment

Stresses that the moment is perfect for a particular action or purpose.

the moment

Highlights a specific point in time when something occurs.

the precise moment

Emphasizes the exactness and accuracy of the point in time.

the suitability

Emphasizes how appropriate something is for a particular occasion.

the point in time

Similar to 'the moment', but can suggest a more considered perspective.

the scheduling

Focuses on the act of arranging when something will happen.

the critical juncture

Emphasizes the importance and decisiveness of the moment.

the moment in history

Focuses on the point in time as part of something significant and historical.

FAQs

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

"The timing" refers to a specific point in time when an event occurs. For instance, you might say, "The timing of the announcement was crucial for maximizing its impact".

What can I say instead of "the timing"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives like "the moment", "the juncture", or "the scheduling".

Which is correct, "the timing was right" or "the timing was correct"?

Both phrases are grammatically acceptable, but "the timing was right" often implies that the moment was particularly opportune or advantageous, whereas "the timing was correct" suggests accuracy or precision.

What's the difference between "the timing" and "the time"?

"The time" refers to a general point or period, while "the timing" specifically refers to the act or manner of choosing when something happens. For example, the time of day might be 3 PM, but "the timing" of a meeting at 3 PM could be considered good or bad based on other factors.