If you are solving the crossword clue “‘There’s never been a better time’ tech sloganeer,” the five-letter answer is CISCO. The clue appeared in the New York Times Crossword on October 18, 2025.
The phrase was also the theme of a Cisco advertising campaign launched in 2016. Outside the campaign, “there’s never been a better time” is a common expression meaning that the present offers an especially good opportunity to do something.
Why Is Cisco the Crossword Answer?
Cisco introduced a global brand campaign centered on the message “There’s Never Been a Better Time” in May 2016.
The campaign focused on the idea that technology could help businesses, governments, and communities address difficult problems. Cisco used the slogan when discussing digital innovation, smarter cities, business transformation, access to clean water, safer workplaces, and other ways technology could improve daily life.
Because the slogan became associated with the technology company, CISCO fits the crossword clue:
- Clue: “There’s never been a better time” tech sloganeer
- Answer: CISCO
- Number of letters: Five
Cisco also used the hashtag #NeverBetter and published several campaign stories about connected technology, changing workplaces, smarter cities, and digital transformation.
What Does “There’s Never Been a Better Time” Mean?
“There’s never been a better time” means that now is the most favorable time so far to take a particular action.
For example:
There’s never been a better time to learn a new skill.
The speaker believes that learning is more accessible now than it was in the past. There may be more online courses, free tutorials, flexible programs, or helpful tools available.
The phrase does not necessarily mean that conditions are perfect. It simply suggests that the present offers advantages that make an action easier, more practical, or more rewarding.
Other examples include:
- There’s never been a better time to start saving.
- There’s never been a better time to work from home.
- There’s never been a better time to learn another language.
- There’s never been a better time to visit the city.
- There’s never been a better time to launch a small business.
A good use of the phrase usually includes a reason:
There’s never been a better time to learn photography because affordable equipment and free online lessons are widely available.
The explanation makes the statement feel believable rather than sounding like an unsupported sales claim.
Is the Phrase Grammatically Correct?
Yes, “there’s never been a better time” is grammatically correct.
In this sentence, “there’s” means “there has,” not “there is.”
The full version is:
There has never been a better time.
The sentence uses the present perfect tense:
- There has
- never been
- a better time
The present perfect is formed with “have” or “has” followed by a past participle. It is often used for experiences or situations considered up to the present moment. Here, the speaker is looking at all earlier periods and saying that none offered a better opportunity than the current one.
Both versions are correct:
There’s never been a better time to begin.
There has never been a better time to begin.
The contracted version sounds more natural in conversation and casual writing. The full version may be more suitable for formal writing.
Does the Phrase Need “Than Now”?
You do not need to add “than now” because the comparison with the present is already understood.
This sentence is complete:
There has never been a better time to start.
You can add “than now” for extra emphasis:
There has never been a better time to start than now.
Both are grammatically correct, but the shorter version usually sounds smoother.
How to Use the Phrase Naturally
The most common structure is:
There’s never been a better time to + verb
Examples:
- There’s never been a better time to start exercising.
- There’s never been a better time to change careers.
- There’s never been a better time to reconnect with old friends.
- There’s never been a better time to organize your finances.
- There’s never been a better time to ask for support.
You can also use:
There’s never been a better time for + noun
Examples:
- There’s never been a better time for a fresh start.
- There’s never been a better time for independent creators.
- There’s never been a better time for innovation.
- There’s never been a better time for an honest conversation.
The expression works best when something about the current situation supports the claim.
For example:
There’s never been a better time to improve your cooking skills. Recipes, video demonstrations, and affordable online classes are easier to find than ever.
Without an explanation, the phrase can sound like an advertising slogan.
Is the Phrase Always Literal?
Not always. People often use it for encouragement or emphasis rather than as a statement they can prove.
A friend might say:
There’s never been a better time to take care of yourself.
The friend probably has not compared every period in history. They simply mean that you have a good reason to begin now.
Businesses also use the phrase to create excitement:
There’s never been a better time to upgrade.
In advertising, this type of statement may refer to a sale, a new product, improved technology, or changing market conditions. However, it can also create artificial urgency.
Before acting on a promotional claim, consider what has actually improved:
- Is the price lower?
- Is the product meaningfully better?
- Are there useful new features?
- Is the opportunity genuinely available for a limited time?
- Does the offer suit your needs?
The phrase is more persuasive when it is supported by specific facts.
Similar Expressions
Several common expressions communicate a similar idea.
There’s No Time Like the Present
“There’s no time like the present” encourages someone to act immediately rather than continue waiting.
You’ve wanted to apply for months. There’s no time like the present.
Unlike “there’s never been a better time,” it does not claim that present conditions are better than they were in the past. It simply suggests that you should begin now.
Now Is the Time
This suggests that the right moment has arrived.
Now is the time to make a decision.
It is direct and usually creates a mild sense of urgency.
The Time Is Right
This means that the current conditions are suitable.
The time is right to expand the business.
It is less dramatic than “there’s never been a better time” because it does not compare the present with every previous period.
Better Late Than Never
“Better late than never” means that doing something late is preferable to never doing it.
I finally started saving for retirement. Better late than never.
Unlike “there’s never been a better time,” this expression admits that beginning earlier may have been better.
It’s Now or Never
This expression creates a stronger sense of urgency.
We need to accept the opportunity before it disappears. It’s now or never.
It suggests that another chance may not come.
What Is the Main Message?
“There’s never been a better time” can have two meanings depending on where you see it.
As a crossword clue, it points to CISCO, the technology company that used the phrase in a major brand campaign.
In everyday conversation, it means that the present is an especially favorable time to act. It can be encouraging, persuasive, or promotional, so the surrounding context matters.
The phrase is most effective when it is followed by a clear explanation of what makes the current opportunity better.
