In the pm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In the pm" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to specify a time during the afternoon or evening, often in informal contexts. Example: "Let's meet at the café at 3 in the pm."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the PM scan (Fig. 3d), both FA and phospholipids are easily distinguishable.

Chemistry Central Journal

In the PM group, seven patients died.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

In the PM population, there was also a trend for heavier seeds to germinate faster (results not shown).

AoB PLANTS

The amount of O2 consumed in the AHM was 46 51% of that produced in the PM, and the amount of CO2 produced in the AHM was 43 56% of that consumed in the PM.

Advances in Space Research

Mr. Ehrlich represented Crum in the PM purchase.

The New Yorker

When my talk was repeated, in the PM slot during the NUJ strike last July, I got even more.

Independent

27-1199 for the cubic phase in the Pm 3 - m space group.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Total iron (TFe) varies from 0.1% in the PM to 3.3% in the OSM.

Geochemical Transactions

It detected the overload/under-load conditions in the PM and initiated the VMs migration.

Journal of Cloud Computing

Otherwise, the STAs remain in the PM until the next beacon frame is transmitted [16].

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Seven fracture fragments were in the AM quadrant and two in the PM quadrant.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a formal audience, consider using "in the afternoon" or "in the evening" instead of "in the pm" for a more professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "in the pm" in academic papers or formal business communication; it can appear too casual. Opt for phrases like "in the afternoon" or specify the exact time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the pm" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause to specify the time of day an action occurs. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates that something happens during the afternoon or evening hours.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the pm" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to denote a time occurring during the afternoon or evening. As Ludwig AI highlights, it appears most frequently in scientific and news media contexts. While acceptable, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "in the afternoon" or "in the evening" in professional or academic writing to maintain a more sophisticated tone. Despite its widespread understandability, contextual awareness ensures the chosen phrasing aligns with the intended audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the afternoon

A more common and slightly more formal way to express the same time frame.

at [specific time] pm

Provides a specific time within the afternoon or evening.

during the afternoon

Specifies the time more formally and avoids abbreviation.

in the evening

Similar to 'during the evening' but slightly less formal.

this afternoon

Adds a sense of immediacy or specificity to the current day.

during the evening

Shifts the timeframe slightly later, encompassing the time after afternoon.

after midday

Highlights the time being after noon, less common.

between noon and nightfall

Defines the period as the time between noon and when night begins.

in the second half of the day

Describes it as the latter portion of the day.

later today

More general and suitable when a specific time is not yet defined.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "in the pm"?

Alternatives include "in the afternoon", "in the evening", or specifying the exact time like "at 3 pm".

Is it correct to use "in the pm" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "in the pm" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, use "in the afternoon" or "in the evening" instead.

What does "pm" stand for?

"PM" stands for "post meridiem", which is Latin for "after noon". It refers to the 12-hour period from noon to midnight.

When should I use "in the pm" versus "in the am"?

Use "in the pm" for times after noon and before midnight, and "in the am" for times after midnight and before noon. For example, 3 pm is "in the afternoon", while 3 am is "in the morning".