timing is key

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "timing is key" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the importance of timing in a particular situation or decision-making process. Example: "In project management, timing is key to ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and on schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

The timing is key.

The Economist

And timing is key.

The New York Times

"A huge save like that, the timing is key.

The New York Times - Sports

The timing is key, it is the month before Iraq invaded Kuwait.

The Guardian

I think you've got it reversed". Trump responded: "Oh, okay". But again, the timing is key.

The Washington Post

Our timing is key: early enough to avoid being too full for dinner, late enough so we don't risk getting hungry again.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Not only did X hit the summer festivals in time, but its timing was key to new streaming rules: from July 2014, streams counted towards UK official chart positions.

The Guardian - Music

Sometimes timing was key; sometimes it meant nothing.

The New Yorker

The choice of maintenance operation and timing are key to successfully optimizing most of the functions that ditches can support.

Agricultural Water Management

I'd say timing was key to his not being blown away by the first one.

Huffington Post

"I thought there was no way he was catching it, and then when he came up with it while going over the wall … the timing was key for both of our catches," Trout said.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In business proposals or strategic plans, use "timing is key" to highlight the importance of scheduling and sequencing tasks for optimal results. This shows foresight and attention to detail.

Common error

Avoid using "timing is key" as a generic statement without explaining why timing is crucial in a particular situation. Always provide context and specific reasons to support the assertion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "timing is key" functions as a statement of emphasis, highlighting the critical importance of the moment or sequence in achieving a desired outcome. It is used to underscore that the success of an endeavor is contingent upon when it occurs, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "timing is key" is a widely used phrase that emphasizes the importance of when something happens. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across numerous contexts, from news and media to academic research. Proper usage involves providing specific context to underscore why timing is critical in a given scenario. Alternatives like "time is of the essence" and "time is crucial" can offer nuanced variations. As Ludwig's data suggests, mastering the art of timing may indeed be key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time is of the essence

This alternative emphasizes the urgency and critical nature of time in a situation.

time is crucial

This phrase underscores the vital and decisive role of timing.

the moment is everything

This variation highlights the significance of the present moment's timing.

proper timing is essential

It clarifies that the timing needs to be not just any timing, but appropriate to the situation.

the right moment is vital

This phrase specifies that achieving success depends on selecting the right moment.

correct timing matters

This alternative indicates that accuracy in timing is what's important.

when is everything

This simplification focuses solely on the temporal aspect as being all-important.

the essence is when

This alternative presents a more abstract take on the significance of time.

opportunity knocks but once

This idiom emphasizes that one must act at the opportune time because chances may not repeat.

there's a time and place for everything

This idiom suggests that appropriateness of timing and location are both crucial.

FAQs

How can I use "timing is key" in a sentence?

You can use "timing is key" to emphasize the importance of when something happens. For example, "In negotiations, "timing is key" to securing the best deal".

What are some alternatives to "timing is key"?

Alternatives include "time is of the essence", "time is crucial", or "the moment is everything", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "timing is key" or "time is key"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""timing is key"" is generally preferred when emphasizing the importance of the precise moment or sequence of events. "Time is key" can be used more broadly to refer to the overall importance of time.

When is it appropriate to use "timing is key" in writing?

Use ""timing is key"" when you want to highlight that success or failure depends on the specific moment an action is taken. It's suitable for business strategies, project management, and even personal advice.