time dictates that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time dictates that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that circumstances or the passage of time require a certain action or decision to be made. Example: "As we approach the deadline, time dictates that we must finalize our plans immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

GP interviewees indicated that time dictates that their primary role is more focused on treating presenting problems rather than preventing future ill-health.

BMC Family Practice

Exponential growth might be expected of an organism whose growth zone increases proportionally as the cell grows; interestingly, the nature of exponential growth (L =  L02 t / τ, where τ is the doubling time) dictates that 1/ L (dL/ dt)���= (ln 2)/ τ is constant independent of L, indicating that there is no preferred length scale for a given doubling time.

BMC Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The dogma of the time dictated that new playwrights went in the theatre upstairs, but Mojo felt constrained there.

The Guardian

Standard medical practice at the time dictated that priority be given to locating the path of the bullet.

Wikipedia

International rules of the time dictated that play was to be stopped at the ten-minute mark of each overtime period and the teams would switch the side of the ice they defended.

Wikipedia

But social protocols of the time dictated that the patrons of the pricey stalls not mingle with the public.

The New York Times - Arts

The DC Comics editorial policy at that time dictated that Superman was the only survivor of Krypton, so that Supergirl, named Kara In-Ze, was not Superman's cousin but came from Argo, a neighbouring planet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

FHWA policy at the time dictated that auxiliary Interstate routes that join two other Interstate Highways should start with an even number.

Wikipedia

Boer tradition of the time dictated that men were entitled to choose two 6000 acre farms one for crops and one for grazing upon becoming enfranchised burghers at the age of 16.

Wikipedia

The custom of the time dictated that North American musicians travel to Europe for training if they desired a reputable professional career, and in July 1902, at the age of seventeen, Gauthier set out for Europe, financed by her aunt and uncle, Lady Zoé Laurier and Sir Wilfrid Laurier.

Wikipedia

Available resources for this pragmatic evaluation (e.g., staffing, equipment, available time), dictated that 420 was the maximum number of participants that could be recruited to test the feasibility of the intervention, thus statistical methods were not used to determine samples sizes [ 19].

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "time dictates that", ensure the context clearly establishes the temporal element. Make certain that the surrounding text explains why time is the controlling factor in the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "time dictates that" without explaining why time is the deciding factor. Instead, specify the circumstances or pressures caused by time that necessitate a particular action. For example, instead of just stating "time dictates that we act", clarify with "the approaching deadline dictates that we act swiftly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time dictates that" functions as a modal phrase, indicating necessity or inevitability due to temporal constraints. As shown in Ludwig, it introduces a consequence or action that must be taken because of the pressure or influence of time. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

67%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time dictates that" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey that time constraints necessitate a particular action or decision. While Ludwig AI validates its proper usage, it's important to ensure that the context explicitly identifies why time is a critical factor. The phrase is suitable for a neutral register, appearing in both news and scientific sources. Alternative phrases, such as "circumstances demand that" or "urgency demands that", offer nuanced options depending on the specific emphasis required. Keep in mind the limited number of examples currently available. Although this is not a very frequent expression, its use is correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time requires that

Focuses on the necessity imposed by the passing of time, similar to the original.

circumstances demand that

Emphasizes the situational necessity rather than the temporal aspect.

urgency demands that

Highlights the critical need for action due to time pressure.

time constraints necessitate

Directly addresses time limitations as the driving factor.

the hour necessitates

More formal and literary, highlighting the urgency of the present moment.

present conditions warrant

Shifts the focus to current conditions justifying an action, not explicitly time.

the situation commands

Highlights the control the situation has, differing slightly in tone.

given the timing

Highlights that an action is performed because the time is right.

as time passes

Highlights what it happens in the future due to the time evolution

the climate invites

Focuses more on the current environment.

FAQs

How can I use "time dictates that" in a sentence?

Use "time dictates that" to show that the passage of time or a specific deadline necessitates a particular action or decision. For example, "With the project deadline fast approaching, time dictates that we prioritize essential tasks."

What phrases are similar to "time dictates that"?

Alternatives include "circumstances demand that", "time requires that", or "urgency demands that" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "time dictates that" in formal writing?

Yes, "time dictates that" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing project management, strategic planning, or historical analysis. Its formality level is neutral, suitable for professional and academic contexts.

What's the difference between "time dictates that" and "logic dictates that"?

"Time dictates that" implies a constraint or influence imposed by the temporal element, while "logic dictates that" suggests that reason or a set of premises leads to a particular conclusion. Use "time dictates that" when the passage of time is the key factor, and "logic dictates that" when a reasoned argument is the basis.