timing is tight

USAGE SUMMARY

'timing is tight' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation where time is limited or constrained. For example, "We have a lot of material to cover in this class, so the timing is tight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The timing is tight.

The Economist

But timing is tight.

The Economist

The timing is tight, especially if you live in a state that has a very early deadline for state grants.

The New York Times

To prevent an override, the White House would need to win support from more than a third of either the House or the Senate.* The timing is tight.

The New Yorker

Just possibly it may not be.If he has indeed opted for an early election Parliament's five-year term is not up until October 1998 the timing is tight for Mr Chrétien.

The Economist

The timing is tight — the City Council began considering this proposal just last week, and it has to vote by Nov. 9 to put the measure on the ballot.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The trouble is that the timing is so tight.

The Economist

The timing is very tight, because a new French president will be chosen only on May 6th, and the new French National Assembly will not be elected until June 17th, four days before the summit.

The Economist

Though the timing is tight a deal must be struck well before Mr Bush's "fast-track" negotiating authority expires next June the South Korean government wants a deal.

The Economist

Case in point -- yesterday I picked up my seven-year-old at a friend's house across town at 5 p.m. when I knew my husband needed to get him somewhere by 6. I'd agreed to the date and time last week when I knew the timing would be tight.

Huffington Post

Mr Badawi has put together an impressive team of bright young people to plan for the handover, but the timing will be tight.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "timing is tight" when you want to succinctly communicate that a project or task needs to be completed quickly due to time constraints.

Common error

Avoid using "time is tight" when you specifically refer to scheduling or coordination aspects. "Timing is tight" is more appropriate when the sequence or coordination of events is crucial, not just the overall duration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "timing is tight" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying an implied noun such as 'the project' or 'the deadline'. It expresses a state of affairs where time is limited or constrained. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

11%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "timing is tight" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate limited time availability, mostly encountered in News & Media. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Its primary function is to convey urgency or constraint. The phrase is generally neutral in register and has several alternatives like "schedule is tight" or "time is short". To avoid confusion, ensure it's used when referring to coordination or scheduling aspects rather than just the overall duration. While not exceptionally common, it's a useful phrase for conveying a sense of urgency effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

schedule is tight

Focuses on the constraints of a planned sequence of events rather than a general deadline.

time is of the essence

Emphasizes the critical importance of time in a situation, adding a sense of urgency.

time is short

Simply states that there isn't much time available.

we're running out of time

Highlights the diminishing availability of time and potential consequences.

the window is closing

Implies a limited opportunity that is about to disappear.

deadline is looming

Focuses on an impending deadline that creates pressure.

minutes are precious

Stresses the value and importance of every minute.

clock is ticking

Conveys a sense of urgency and countdown to a deadline.

time is limited

A more formal way to state there's not much time.

every second counts

Emphasizes that even the smallest units of time are significant.

FAQs

What does "timing is tight" mean?

The phrase "timing is tight" means that there is limited time available to complete a task or project. It suggests that the schedule is constrained and requires careful management to meet deadlines.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "timing is tight"?

It's appropriate to use "timing is tight" when you want to emphasize the limited timeframe and the need for efficient execution. You can also use alternatives like "schedule is tight" or "time is short" to convey the same message.

What are some synonyms for "timing is tight"?

Some synonyms include "time is of the essence", "the window is closing", and "deadline is looming". These alternatives convey a similar sense of urgency and limited time.

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

You can use "timing is tight" in sentences like: "We need to expedite the process because the "schedule is tight"." or "The "schedule is tight", so we must be very efficient."