timing is off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "timing is off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that something did not happen at the expected time or when you want to explain that something is not quite right. For example: "The timing is off, so we'll have to reschedule the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Your timing is off: Timing is everything.

HuffPost

Ms. Cohn, however, was seeing someone else and said she told him after they had gone out a few more times: "I think you're wonderful, but the timing is off.

The New York Times

His timing is off.

The New York Times

Their timing is off.

The New Yorker

"The timing is off.

The Washington Post

Oftentimes their timing is off.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Timing is everything in pole vaulting, and Howser's timing was off on her approach.

Los Angeles Times

His timing was off.

The New Yorker

But his timing was off.

The New York Times

But the timing was off.

The New York Times

Only his timing was off.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "timing is off" to politely indicate that a suggestion or action is not suitable for the current situation. For example, "I appreciate the offer, but the "timing is off" for me to take on additional responsibilities right now."

Common error

Don't use "timing is off" to simply mean something is late. The phrase implies a deeper unsuitability beyond just being tardy. For instance, saying "The presentation's "timing is off" because it started 10 minutes late" is incorrect; simply say it was late.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "timing is off" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression. It operates as a descriptive phrase, indicating that an event, action, or decision is not well-suited or opportune for the present circumstances, as highlighted by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

9%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "timing is off" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that indicates that a particular moment or set of circumstances is unsuitable for a given action or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, academia, and everyday conversation. When using this phrase, remember that it implies more than just lateness; it suggests a fundamental mismatch between the event and the circumstances. If you're looking for alternative phrases, consider "it's not the right time" or ""time isn't right"" to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's not the right time

A straightforward way of saying the timing is inappropriate.

it's poorly timed

Emphasizes the poor quality of the timing.

the time isn't right

Focuses on the unsuitability of the present moment.

it's mistimed

Implies an error in the planning of the timing.

it's out of sync

Suggests a lack of alignment or harmony in timing.

the moment has passed

Indicates that the opportune time is now gone.

it's badly scheduled

Similar to "poorly timed", but focuses on scheduling.

it's premature

Suggests something is happening too early.

the schedule is disrupted

Highlights the interference with the expected order.

the coordination is lacking

Focuses on a lack of synchronization.

FAQs

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

You can use "timing is off" to indicate that something is not appropriate or well-suited for the current moment. For instance, "Launching this product now? The "time isn't right"; the "timing is off" because the market isn't ready."

What does it mean when someone says "timing is off"?

It means the moment is not opportune or suitable. It suggests that even if the idea or action itself is good, the current circumstances make it inappropriate or ineffective. It's like saying the "moment has passed".

What are some alternative ways to say "timing is off"?

Depending on the context, you can say "it's not the right time", "it's premature", or "the "time isn't right"" to convey that the moment is not suitable.

Is it better to say "the timing is off" or "the time is off"?

"The timing is off" is the more common and idiomatic expression. While "the time is off" might be understood, it's not as widely used and can sound slightly awkward. It's generally better to stick with "timing is off" for clarity and naturalness.