time was right

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time was right" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular moment or situation was appropriate for taking action or making a decision. Example: "After years of planning, the time was right to launch the new product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The time was right for Augmon.

The New York Times - Sports

The time was right for a Mediobanca.

The New York Times

I felt the time was right".

The New York Times - Style

He was just waiting until the time was right.

The New York Times - Sports

But Sir Stephen felt the time was right.

The Economist

But her editor convinced her that the time was right.

The New York Times - Food

In an interview Tuesday, Mr. Griffin said "the time was right for us and the time was right for Lawrence".

The New York Times

But I'd entertain light surgery if the time was right.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The time was right: her life was a storm.

The Guardian - Opinion

He felt the time was right to explore new challenges".

The Guardian - Sport

So we waited until the time was right.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time was right" to emphasize that a decision or action was taken at the most opportune moment for success or effectiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "time was right" in highly formal or academic writing; opt for more precise and sophisticated language that conveys the specific reasons for the timing being appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time was right" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of a particular moment. It suggests that the circumstances were favorable or suitable for a specific action or decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "time was right" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that circumstances were favorable or opportune for a particular action or decision. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it conveys the idea that the timing was ideal for a successful outcome. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more precise language in formal or academic contexts. Alternatives include "moment was opportune" or "timing was perfect". To make the most of this phrase, emphasize the opportune nature of a decision, but avoid overuse in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the timing was perfect

Emphasizes the ideal coordination of events.

the moment was opportune

Emphasizes the favorability and suitability of the specific moment.

the moment was ripe

Indicates the moment was fully developed or ready.

the conditions were ripe

Suggests that the environment was perfectly prepared for action.

the circumstances were favorable

Highlights the positive conditions surrounding the situation.

the climate was right

Focuses on the overall atmosphere and environment being suitable.

the opportunity presented itself

Focuses on the availability of a chance or opportunity.

the stage was set

Suggests that everything was prepared and ready for action.

the stars aligned

Implies a fortunate and rare combination of events.

everything fell into place

Highlights how various elements harmonized to create a favorable situation.

FAQs

What does "time was right" mean?

The phrase "time was right" suggests that circumstances were favorable or opportune for a particular action or decision. It implies that the timing was ideal for a successful outcome.

How can I use "time was right" in a sentence?

You can use "time was right" to indicate that a specific moment or period was suitable for a particular event or decision. For example, "After years of planning, the "time was right" to launch the new product."

What can I say instead of "time was right"?

You can use alternatives like "moment was opportune", "timing was perfect", or "circumstances were favorable" depending on the context.

Is "time was right" formal or informal?

The phrase "time was right" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in various contexts, although it may be less suitable for highly formal or academic writing. More specific alternatives might be preferable in those settings.