within a reasonable time

USAGE SUMMARY

"within a reasonable time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize a deadline or a time limit. For example, "We need to complete this project within a reasonable time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The main reason for group randomization is to make the study feasible within a reasonable time.

BMC Pediatrics

Hearings must take place within a reasonable time.

Britannica

The court says that it means within a reasonable time.

Harvard University

Optimization heuristics helped solve the problem within a reasonable time.

Ecological Economics

But I could always find any required item within a reasonable time.

The New York Times

What rights do co-op sellers have in demanding an answer within a reasonable time?

The New York Times

"But it ought to act on each nominee and to do so within a reasonable time".

The New York Times

You should therefore receive the vouchers enabling you to replace the appliance within a reasonable time.

The Guardian - Money

If he doesn't come within a reasonable time, then I will criticize him.

The New York Times

Vendors supply goods and services, trusting that they'll be compensated within a reasonable time.

The New York Times

the position or status your company aspires to achieve within a reasonable time frame.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting expectations, use "within a reasonable time" to convey flexibility while still implying a deadline.

Common error

Avoid using "within a reasonable time" without providing context or some form of clarification. While it offers flexibility, be sure to define what constitutes "reasonable" for the specific situation to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within a reasonable time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify a timeframe. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and conveys the idea of an action occurring in an appropriate duration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

45%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "within a reasonable time" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the expectation that something should be done in a timely manner, without being overly specific. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a versatile phrase found across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While its flexibility is a strength, it's important to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases such as "in due course" or "without undue delay" can offer similar meaning, depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within an acceptable timeframe

Emphasizes that the time elapsed is within the bounds of what is considered permissible.

in a timely manner

Focuses on the efficiency and speed of the action.

promptly

Suggests acting quickly and without hesitation.

within a suitable period

Indicates the time is fitting and appropriate for the situation.

in due course

Implies that something will happen at the appropriate time, without undue delay.

in a responsible timeframe

Implies action is completed ethically and according to expectations.

without undue delay

Stresses the avoidance of unnecessary postponement.

at the earliest opportunity

Emphasizes acting as soon as it is feasible.

as soon as practicable

Highlights the feasibility and practicality of the action's timing.

expeditiously

Highlights speed and efficiency in execution.

FAQs

What does "within a reasonable time" mean?

The phrase "within a reasonable time" implies that an action should be completed in a timeframe that is fair and appropriate for the circumstances, without unnecessary delay. What's considered reasonable can vary based on the situation.

How to use "within a reasonable time" in a sentence?

You can use "within a reasonable time" to indicate the expected duration for completing a task or fulfilling an obligation. For example, "The repairs should be completed "in a timely manner"" or "We expect a response "as soon as practicable"".

Which is correct, "within a reasonable time" or "in a reasonable time"?

"Within a reasonable time" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "In a reasonable time" is less frequently used, although its meaning is understandable.

What can I say instead of "within a reasonable time"?

You can use alternatives like "in due course", "without undue delay", or "promptly", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.