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at proper time vs at the proper time

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'At the proper time' is the more common and idiomatic phrase, used to refer to a specific, appropriate time for something. 'At proper time' is less common and may sound awkward to native speakers.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 2873 views

at proper time

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

This phrase is less common and may sound awkward to native speakers. It is not typically used in everyday English.
  • You, Sir, have been doing remarkably well in organising Parliament so that we vote at proper times in order to deal with these large voting lists.
  • We can go into that at the proper time.
  • You will have an opportunity of addressing the court at the proper time.
  • I have already told you those questions must be put at the proper time.
  • For this reason, we must debate this issue at a proper time when there is sufficient time available so to do.
  • The secret was to be passed down to you at the proper time.
  • And at the proper time, to marry a man who respects you.
  • Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
  • If you could get out of bed at a proper time, you'd get plenty of kisses.
  • We will certainly back the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance - or whoever it is who ends up asking for a debate - in getting this problem put on the agenda at a proper time.
  • Commissioner Monti says that two wrongs do not make a right; because the promised study was not done at the proper time it is now too late to do it at all.
  • Everything is done in the proper way, at the proper time, in the proper order.
  • Mr President, on a point of order under Rules 149 to 164, I rise to ask why it is Parliament cannot be organised, via the Presidency or its administration, to have votes at the proper time, on time, when required.
  • Lastly, recovery proceedings were often started late, with the result that traditional own resources were not collected or made available at the proper time (see paragraphs 44 to 49).
  • Notably, an important opinion of the Committee on External Economic Relations was not considered at the proper time by the Committee on Foreign Affairs and that is a pity.
  • The view of the European Parliament will probably be a decisive factor as far as the Commission is concerned, at the proper time, once the Amsterdam Treaty has entered into force.
  • Corrective payments not related to the month during which they are paid shall be subject to the tax to which they would have been subject had they been made at the proper time.
  • Corrective payments not related to the month during which they are paid shall be subject to the tax to which they would have been subject had they been made at the proper time.
  • It is being finalised literally now, so that it can be available in the proper form at the time promised.
  • The remarks made here by the Socialist Members have been proper at all times and aimed at expressing solidarity with Greece, not using the situation for political gain.

Alternatives:

  • at the proper time
  • at the right time
  • at the appropriate time
  • at the scheduled time
  • at the designated time

at the proper time

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is the more common and idiomatic way to express the idea of something happening at a specific, appropriate time.
  • You will have an opportunity of addressing the court at the proper time.
  • The secret was to be passed down to you at the proper time.
  • We can go into that at the proper time.
  • The view of the European Parliament will probably be a decisive factor as far as the Commission is concerned, at the proper time, once the Amsterdam Treaty has entered into force.
  • And at the proper time, to marry a man who respects you.
  • Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
  • I have already told you those questions must be put at the proper time.
  • Everything is done in the proper way, at the proper time, in the proper order.
  • Lastly, recovery proceedings were often started late, with the result that traditional own resources were not collected or made available at the proper time (see paragraphs 44 to 49).
  • Mr President, on a point of order under Rules 149 to 164, I rise to ask why it is Parliament cannot be organised, via the Presidency or its administration, to have votes at the proper time, on time, when required.
  • Notably, an important opinion of the Committee on External Economic Relations was not considered at the proper time by the Committee on Foreign Affairs and that is a pity.
  • Corrective payments not related to the month during which they are paid shall be subject to the tax to which they would have been subject had they been made at the proper time.
  • Corrective payments not related to the month during which they are paid shall be subject to the tax to which they would have been subject had they been made at the proper time.
  • Commissioner Monti says that two wrongs do not make a right; because the promised study was not done at the proper time it is now too late to do it at all.

Alternatives:

  • at the right time
  • at the appropriate time
  • at the scheduled time
  • at the designated time

Related Comparisons

In necessary time vs at necessary time on time vs at time at an appropriate time vs at appropriate time at different time vs at different times in adequate time vs at adequate time

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