well timed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "well timed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or event that occurs at an appropriate or opportune moment. Example: "Her well-timed intervention during the meeting helped to diffuse the tension among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

His visit was well timed.

The New Yorker

The increase is well timed.

The New Yorker

Kapila's statement was well timed.

The New Yorker

The performance was well timed.

The New York Times - Sports

It is also well timed.

The Economist

The meeting was well timed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

A well-timed pause.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Yu's warning is well-timed.

The New York Times

Well-timed challenge, that one.

The Guardian - Sport

A well-timed arm bar.

The New York Times - Arts

Talk about a well-timed opening.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something negative, such as bad news, avoid using "well timed"; instead, consider phrases like "poorly timed" or "inopportune".

Common error

Avoid using "well timed" when describing situations that are unfortunate or have negative consequences. The phrase implies a positive outcome, so using it in a negative context can be confusing or inappropriate. For example, instead of saying "The announcement of layoffs was well timed", opt for "The announcement of layoffs was poorly timed" or "The timing of the layoffs was unfortunate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well timed" functions as an adverbial, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an action or event occurred at a particularly suitable or opportune moment. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts to emphasize the positive impact of timing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Books

15%

Sports

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "well timed" is a versatile and commonly used adverbial that indicates an action or event occurred at an opportune or advantageous moment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. To use "well timed" effectively, ensure that the context implies a positive outcome and that the timing genuinely contributed to the success or effectiveness of the action or event. Avoid using it in negative contexts and be mindful of whether the hyphenated form ("well-timed") is more appropriate when using it as a compound adjective before a noun. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, highlighting its relevance in describing current events and strategic decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opportune moment

Focuses on the characteristic of 'moment' instead of the action, so it changes the phrase's point of view.

strategic timing

Emphasizes the planned or calculated nature of the timing; strategic, not merely fortunate.

appropriate moment

Highlights the suitability or correctness of the timing in a general sense.

advantageous time

Emphasizes the benefits gained from the timing.

felicitous timing

Uses a more formal and sophisticated tone, implying a happy or fortunate occurrence.

auspicious timing

Implies that the timing is favorable for success or good fortune.

fortunate moment

Highlights luck or chance rather than intention, also focusing on the characteristic of the 'moment'.

judicious moment

Suggests that the timing was carefully considered and wise.

perfectly synchronized

Implies that the timing was coordinated with something else, focusing on that harmony.

expedient occasion

Suggests the timing was chosen for its usefulness in achieving a specific goal, indicating a proactive action.

FAQs

How can I use "well timed" in a sentence?

You can use "well timed" to describe an event or action that occurred at an opportune or suitable moment. For instance, "The film's release was "well timed", coinciding with the anniversary of the historical event it portrayed."

What phrases can I use instead of "well timed"?

Alternatives to "well timed" include "opportune moment", "strategic timing", or "felicitous timing". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "well timed" the same as "well-timed"?

"Well timed" and "well-timed" are often used interchangeably. However, "well-timed" (with a hyphen) is typically used as a compound adjective before a noun (e.g., "a well-timed intervention"), while "well timed" is used as an adverbial phrase (e.g., "the intervention was well timed").

When is it inappropriate to use "well timed"?

It's inappropriate to use "well timed" when describing negative or unfortunate events. The phrase implies a positive or advantageous outcome. In such cases, consider using alternatives like "poorly timed" or "inopportune".