was timely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was timely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or event that occurred at an appropriate or opportune moment. Example: "Her response to the crisis was timely, helping to mitigate the situation before it escalated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This was timely.

The Economist

This realisation was timely.

The Guardian - Travel

The discovery was timely.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was timely, too.

The Guardian - Sport

It was timely.

The Washington Post

"It was timely and encouraging.

The Guardian

Coughlin's call for togetherness was timely.

The New York Times - Sports

The tale was timely for Mr. Dickerson.

The New York Times

The event was timely and instructive.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Well that was… timely.

TechCrunch

Labour city councilllor Gerry Harper admitted that Ofsted's report was 'timely'timely

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was timely", ensure the context clearly indicates what event or action benefited from the good timing. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "was timely" when you simply mean "was fast" or "was quick". Timeliness implies the timing was particularly appropriate or advantageous, not just speedy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was timely" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject by attributing the quality of being opportune or well-timed. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

2%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was timely" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe an event or action that happened at an opportune moment. As highlighted by Ludwig, the expression sees common usage across diverse fields like News & Media, Academia and Formal & Business correspondence. When employing this phrase, clarity and the contextual implications of the timing should be carefully considered to avoid confusion. While alternatives like "was well-timed" or "was opportune" exist, "was timely" strikes a balance between formality and directness, making it a valuable addition to any writer's repertoire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was well-timed

Focuses on the perfect timing of an event or action, similar to "was timely".

was opportune

Highlights the advantageous nature of the timing, implying it created a favorable situation.

was appropriate

Emphasizes the suitability and relevance of the timing, suggesting it fit the occasion well.

was expedient

Indicates the timing was beneficial and practical for achieving a particular goal.

was suitable

Highlights that the timing was fitting and convenient for a specific purpose.

was providential

Suggests the timing was fortunate and perhaps divinely arranged.

was auspicious

Implies the timing was favorable and likely to bring success or good fortune.

was seasonable

Indicates the timing was in accordance with the appropriate season or time.

was prompt

Highlights the quickness and immediacy of an action, aligning with the idea of being on time.

was strategic

Suggests the timing was carefully planned to achieve a specific advantage or outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "was timely" in a sentence?

Use "was timely" to describe an event or action that occurred at an especially appropriate or advantageous moment. For example, "The warning about the impending storm was timely, allowing residents to prepare".

What are some alternatives to "was timely"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives like "was well-timed", "was opportune", or "was appropriate".

Is it redundant to say something "was very timely"?

While not grammatically incorrect, saying something "was very timely" can sometimes be redundant. Consider whether the adverb "very" adds significant emphasis, or if a stronger adjective like "critical" or "essential" might be more effective.

What is the difference between "was timely" and "was punctual"?

"Was timely" implies that the timing of something was particularly advantageous or appropriate. "Was punctual", on the other hand, simply means that something happened at the expected or scheduled time. For example: "His arrival was punctual, but her intervention "was timely" and prevented a disaster".