timing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "timing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the selection or adjustment of the time or moment when an action is to be taken or happen. For example, "The timing of the actor's entrance was perfect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After months of wrangling over the composition, format and timing of the debates, the BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 4 announced the final deal with the political parties on Saturday.

The Guardian

As for Smith, despite the breakdown of timing displayed against Broad while his side were mid-collapse, the patient may not be so stricken.

The Guardian - Sport

Even the "big cuts debate" seemed to shrivel to a question simply of timing – cuts this year or next.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are perhaps entitled to some confidence about timing.

The Guardian

The timing could not be better … time for a celebration.

The Guardian - Sport

A lot of glassblowing is about timing: how long you heat it, the time you have to shape it before it hardens (about 30 seconds) and when to stop before you potentially destroy it.

The Guardian - Money

It was poor timing".

The Guardian

The timing is fortuitous.

The Economist

The timing was unfortunate.

The Economist

Yet again, the timing of this operation stinks.

The Guardian - Sport

Salmond continued to talk of multiple questions, but it was nothing more than a bargaining chip for the talks – a way to extract concessions from Cameron on other issues: the timing of the poll, the wording of the question, and the franchise.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing critical decisions, clarify whether you're referring to the ideal "timing" or the actual timing of events.

Common error

Don't assume the reader understands the intended "timing" without explicitly stating the specific period or event you're referencing. Provide context to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "timing" is as a noun, referring to the selection or adjustment of when something occurs. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes an occurrence or event, or the regulation of pace. Many examples on Ludwig relate to specific events, such as "the timing of the poll".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "timing" is a common noun that refers to the selection or coordination of a specific moment. As stated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, primarily news, sports, and business. When writing, ensure that the intended "timing" is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "scheduling" or "coordination" to add nuance. "Timing" maintains a neutral to professional register, as evidenced by its widespread use in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

synchronization

Implies the simultaneous occurrence of events or actions.

scheduling

Emphasizes the arrangement of events in a specific order and at particular times.

sequencing

Highlights the order in which events or actions occur.

time allocation

Focuses on the distribution of time for various activities.

coordination

Stresses the harmonious adjustment or regulation of activities.

juncture

Refers to a specific point in time, often a critical one.

moment

A brief period of time when something happens.

instant

An even shorter period of time, implying immediacy.

occurrence

Simply refers to an event taking place, without necessarily focusing on its coordination.

deadline

Specifies the latest time or date by which something must be completed.

FAQs

How to use "timing" in a sentence?

You can use "timing" to refer to the point in time when something happens, as in, "The "timing of the announcement" was perfect". Or you can use it to refer to the coordination of events, as in, "Good "timing is essential" for a successful comedy routine".

What can I say instead of "timing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "scheduling", "coordination", or "synchronization".

Which is correct, "the timing is good" or "the timing are good"?

"The "timing is good"" is correct. "Timing" is a singular noun in this context, so it takes a singular verb.

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

"Time" is a general concept, while "timing" refers specifically to the selection or coordination of a particular moment or period. You can refer to time as a continuous variable, and timing as a specific discrete moment.