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Meaning & use

in a timely manner

phrase·Academicformalbusiness

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UK/ɪn ə ˈtaɪmli ˈmænə/
US/ɪn ə ˈtaɪmli ˈmænɚ/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phraseformalbusiness

    Quickly enough to meet a deadline or to be useful, without avoidable delay.

    Grammar: Adverbial phrase that usually comes after the verb: respond in a timely manner.

    Patterns

    • do something in a timely manner
    • respond in a timely manner

    Please submit the forms in a timely manner so we can process your refund.

    The company promised to answer every complaint in a timely manner.

    Paying bills in a timely manner helps you avoid late fees.

  2. phrasefixed phraseformal

    At a suitable moment, when the action will still be effective or helpful.

    Grammar: Stresses good timing as well as speed.

    Patterns

    • act in a timely manner
    • be treated in a timely manner

    Patients need to be treated in a timely manner to prevent complications.

    The city repaired the bridge in a timely manner, before the winter storms.

    If the project is completed in a timely manner, we can open in spring.

Common combinations

respond in a timely manner
We ask all applicants to respond in a timely manner.
pay in a timely manner
Tenants who pay in a timely manner get a small discount.
complete in a timely manner
The audit must be completed in a timely manner.
handled in a timely manner
Your request will be handled in a timely manner.
deliver in a timely manner
The courier failed to deliver the package in a timely manner.

Synonyms and how they differ

promptly
Promptly is shorter and sounds more natural in speech than in a timely manner, though it means almost the same.
on time
On time means at the agreed moment, while in a timely manner allows any suitable time that is not late.
punctually
Punctually stresses arriving exactly at a set time and is used about people and events, not tasks in general.
swiftly
Swiftly stresses speed alone, whereas in a timely manner is about being quick enough to matter.

Opposites

latebelatedlytoo late

Word family

timely adjective
happening at a good or useful moment
timeliness noun
the quality of being on time or well timed
untimely adjective
happening too early or at a bad time

Commonly confused: in a timely manner or timely? in a timely manner or in time?

in a timely manner vs timely

As an adjective, timely describes a thing that comes at the right time, while in a timely manner is an adverbial phrase describing how something is done.

in a timely manner vs in time

In time means early enough to do something before it is too late, while in a timely manner is about doing a task promptly.

Practice

The insurance company says it will pay claims ______.

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