What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
topical
Example
The news article covered a topical issue that has been in the headlines recently. [topical: adjective]
Example
The professor's lecture was very topical and relevant to our current studies. [topical: adjective]
Example
I have a topical cream for my eczema that I apply twice a day. [topical: adjective]
timely
Example
The company's timely response to the crisis helped to mitigate the damage. [timely: adjective]
Example
The delivery arrived just in time for the party. [timely: adverb]
Example
It's important to pay your bills in a timely manner to avoid late fees. [timely: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Timely is more commonly used than topical in everyday language. Timely is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while topical is less common and is typically used in academic or journalistic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between topical and timely?
Both topical and timely can be used in formal and informal contexts, but topical may be more associated with academic or journalistic writing, while timely is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels.
