Definition

Adverb - At the appropriate or proper time; after the expected, natural, or necessary amount of time has passed. This phrase indicates that something will happen when the time is right, often after some preceding events or a waiting period.

Usage

The phrase "in due course" is used to state that an event or action will occur at its proper or appointed time, without undue haste or delay. It implies a sense of natural progression or procedural order.

Examples

• The committee will review all applications and notify candidates in due course.
• Please submit your report; we will address the matter in due course.
• The seeds were planted and, in due course, they sprouted into healthy plants.

Advanced Usage

• Formal and Procedural Contexts: Often used in formal, legal, business, or official communications to indicate that a process is ongoing and a result will follow according to standard procedure.
  • The court will issue its ruling in due course.
• Implied Patience: Carries an implicit instruction or reassurance to wait patiently, as the outcome is expected but not immediate.
  • We appreciate your inquiry and will respond in due course.

Variants and Related Words

• In due time: A very similar phrase with identical meaning.
• In the fullness of time: A more literary variant suggesting something will happen after a significant passage of time.
• Eventually: A simpler adverb meaning "in the end," but without the connotation of a proper or procedural timeline.
• In time: Can mean "eventually" or "before a deadline."

Synonyms

• Eventually
• In time
• At the appropriate time
• When the time comes
• In the course of time

Antonyms

• Immediately
• At once
• Right away
• Prematurely
• Out of turn

Related Idioms and Phrases

• All in good time: Used to tell someone to be patient because something will happen when it is appropriate.
  • You'll get your turn to speak, all in good time.
• In its own time: Similar to "in due course," emphasizing that something will happen according to its own natural schedule.
  • The project will be completed in its own time.

Adverb

1. at the appropriate time
   • we'll get to this question in due course