timely

USAGE SUMMARY

'timely' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something that happens at the right or most opportune moment. For example: "The doctor arrived timely and was able to assist with the emergency situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The higher cost of financing its debt will hit the government's deficit targets, another critical component of the disinflation programme.The last time Turkey reached such a pass, in November, a timely dollop of cash from the IMF bailed the government out.

The Economist

His Edymandias EdStone moment may have been one of the most ill-conceived political stunts of all time: fortunately the monarchy came to the rescue with the timely arrival of the royal baby to fill the news pages instead.

The Guardian - Opinion

All those points, all those timely goals, making it pretty easy to ignore all the times he's getting hemmed into his own zone and watching as other teams score around him; not to put too much stock into plus-minus, but of the 16 goals the Flames allowed through five games (which, hoo boy that's a lot), Monahan has been on the ice for six.

The Guardian - Sport

BPI's board named Giorgio Olmio its interim chief executive.At the same time, lawsuits and arrests related to Parmalat came as a timely reminder of the fallout of that gigantic corporate scandal.

The Economist

This is nothing new, but at a time when professions are under increased scrutiny, the standards are a timely reminder and reaffirmation of the vital role school leaders play.

The Guardian

On a composite "healthy lives" score, which includes deaths among infants and patients who would have survived had they received timely and effective healthcare, the UK came 10th.

The Guardian

Related: Dundee 0-1 Inverness | Scottish Premiership match report In the case of Inverness, in the year of their 21st birthday, this flagship occasion and opportunity to claim what would be a first piece of major silverware could hardly be more timely.

The Guardian - Sport

"The intervention is timely", said Samuel Ayabu, the Connecting Classrooms coordinator at Katine secondary.

The Guardian

After all, what is a timely goal worth?

The Guardian - Sport

Vicki Leah, University College Hospital, London The young people we see are so vulnerable, and at a stage in their life when a tailor-made timely intervention can make a massive difference: leave them for 18 months and the impact on them socially and educationally will be huge.

The Guardian

More purges, and more boot-licking, are expected to follow, with Mugabe's bash presenting an excellent and timely opportunity for the latter.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "timely" to emphasize that something is done or happens at the most suitable moment, enhancing its effectiveness or impact. For example, a "timely" intervention can prevent a crisis.

Common error

Avoid using "timely" when simply referring to speed or earliness. "Timely" implies appropriateness of timing, not just quickness. Instead, use "early" or "quick" if the point is just about speed.

Linguistic Context

The word "timely" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something occurs at a particularly appropriate or advantageous time. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage and wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "timely" is a versatile adjective that describes something happening at the most appropriate or opportune moment. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is grammatically correct and very common across various contexts, particularly in news and media. Alternative words like "opportune" or "well-timed" can be used to convey similar meanings, but "timely" specifically emphasizes the advantage gained from the timing. Avoid using "timely" simply to indicate speed; instead, reserve it for situations where the appropriateness of the timing is crucial. Remembering these nuances will help you use "timely" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opportune

Emphasizes the favorable or advantageous nature of the timing.

well-timed

Focuses on the good judgment or planning behind the timing.

seasonable

Highlights the appropriateness of the timing for a particular season or occasion.

expeditious

Implies speed and efficiency in addition to appropriate timing.

convenient

Focuses on the ease and suitability of the timing for someone.

strategic

Highlights that the timing is beneficial for planning or achieving a goal.

suitable

Emphasizes the appropriateness of timing to a certain circumstance or event.

propitious

Indicates a favorable chance of success due to the timing.

auspicious

Stresses the promising nature of the timing for future outcomes.

advantageous

Focuses on the benefits gained from the specific timing of an action or event.

FAQs

How can I use "timely" in a sentence?

You can use "timely" to describe actions or events that occur at the most opportune moment. For example, "The "timely intervention" prevented further damage."

What words can I use instead of "timely"?

Alternatives to "timely" include "opportune", "well-timed", or "expeditious" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'a timely manner'?

Yes, "in a "timely manner"" is a common and correct phrase, indicating that something is done efficiently and at the appropriate time.

What's the difference between "timely" and "prompt"?

"Timely" implies that something happens at the most suitable moment, while "prompt" suggests quickness and immediacy. A response can be both "timely" and "prompt", but they emphasize different aspects.