time of reckoning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time of reckoning" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a moment when consequences are faced or decisions are made, often after a period of avoidance or neglect. Example: "After years of mismanagement, the company is finally facing its time of reckoning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Christmas is a time of reckoning for plenty of adults, too.

The New York Times

An Embrace That Won't Let Go For China, too, this crisis has been a time of reckoning.

The New York Times

As the trial of Madsen continues in the weeks to come, Denmark will face a time of reckoning.

The New Yorker

Now, it seems, is the time of reckoning.

Huffington Post

This will be a time of reckoning on climate change.

Huffington Post

It is a time of reckoning — and of reconciliation, too.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

As a psychiatrist, I don't know much about gas fracking, but I have learned some things about human nature, including how the conscience -- even if temporarily contained -- will, in time, have its moment of reckoning.

Huffington Post

The agreement only buys time, putting off the day of reckoning.

Forbes

Her school is at the heart of an identity crisis that has sent fissures through the state's second-largest district, pitting parents of magnet school students against an administration they view as unfriendly — and sparking emotional debates about how scarce dollars should be spent during a time of financial reckoning throughout the state.

The New York Times

25 April (Columbia) Books by Boyd Tonkin We Had It So Good by Linda Grant If the coming year proves to be a time of sober reckoning and hard scrutiny of the recent past, then Linda Grant's new novel will help us keep the score.

Independent

When I heard that the explosion of Flight 800, from New York to Paris, might have been caused by a buildup of static electricity on one of the plane's fuel tanks, I said to myself, "I knew it!" Probably I'm not the only one who has feared and hated static electricity since youth, not the only one for whom a trip from sofa to light switch is a time of dead reckoning.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time of reckoning" when you want to convey that a period of ignoring problems or avoiding consequences is coming to an end, and now those issues must be faced.

Common error

Avoid using "time of reckoning" when you actually mean a period of introspection or thoughtful consideration. "Time of reflection" is appropriate for moments of personal contemplation, while "time of reckoning" signifies external accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time of reckoning" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It signifies a period or moment when consequences must be faced or accounts settled. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and commonly found.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science & Research

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "time of reckoning" signifies a critical period when consequences must be faced and accounts settled. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and used to emphasize accountability, featuring a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "moment of truth" or "day of judgment" exist, "time of reckoning" distinctly highlights the period leading up to and including this critical evaluation. Its appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker underscores its reliability and appropriateness in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moment of reckoning

Similar to the original, but uses "moment" instead of "time".

moment of truth

Emphasizes the decisive and revealing nature of the moment.

day of reckoning

Similar in meaning, it emphasizes a final and definitive judgment.

day of judgment

Suggests a final and severe assessment.

critical juncture

Highlights the importance and decisiveness of the moment.

hour of decision

Implies a crucial choice must be made.

turning point

Focuses on the shift or change resulting from the moment.

crunch time

Suggests a period of intense pressure and evaluation.

the jig is up

Informal way of saying that someone's deception has been revealed.

comeuppance

Implies someone is finally receiving their deserved punishment or consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "time of reckoning" in a sentence?

You can use "time of reckoning" to indicate a period when past actions are evaluated and consequences are faced. For example, "The company's financial struggles marked a "time of reckoning" for its management team."

What can I say instead of "time of reckoning"?

You can use alternatives like "moment of truth", "day of judgment", or "critical juncture" depending on the specific context.

Is "time of reckoning" a formal or informal phrase?

"Time of reckoning" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it generally carries a serious tone suggesting significant consequences or evaluations.

What's the difference between "time of reckoning" and "time of reflection"?

"Time of reckoning" refers to a period of accountability and consequences, while "time of reflection" refers to a period of introspection and contemplation. They are not interchangeable.