Please be on time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Please be on time" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when requesting someone to arrive at a specific time for an event or meeting. Example: "The meeting starts at 10 AM, so please be on time." Alternative expressions include "Please arrive punctually" and "Kindly be prompt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Please be on time, especially if you were chosen to pitch.

TechCrunch

A second example: I announced an exam and after spending five minutes explaining what material the students were and were not responsible for, my last sentence ended with "and please be on time; you will need the full period for the exam".

The New York Times

And then he would plead with me, 'Mom please be on time, I can't be alone with him for a long time.' I was supposed to start work at 11am; although they didn't pay me for these hours, I would arrive early to be with my daughter.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I'm fairly confident I could run a small country from my phone but please don't ask me to be on time for dinner.

Huffington Post

(Try to be on time for court appearances, Puffy, and lose the shades, please).

The New York Times - Style

Please excuse [passenger name] from being on time for the foreseeable future.

The New Yorker

"Please be wasted by the time I return".

The New York Times

Please be gentle on the moderators.

The New York Times

… Please be understanding and give us some time.

The New York Times

This may take some time, so please be patient.

WikiHow

Please, please, please be alive.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When sending reminders for meetings or events, use "Please be on time" to politely emphasize the importance of punctuality. This helps maintain a professional and respectful environment.

Common error

While politeness is important, avoid using "Please be on time" excessively in a single communication. Overusing "please" can dilute its effect and make the request sound less sincere or even passive-aggressive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Please be on time" functions as an imperative, specifically a polite command or request. It's used to instruct or encourage someone to arrive at a specific place or event at the scheduled time. Ludwig examples show it used in announcements or reminders.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Please be on time" is a grammatically correct and commonly used imperative phrase that politely requests punctuality. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous real-world examples, indicates its appropriateness in various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science domains. While polite, avoid overuse. Alternatives like "be punctual" or "arrive promptly" can be used for variety, but the core message remains the same: emphasize the importance of arriving at the scheduled time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be there on time

Emphasizes the importance of presence at the specified time.

Make sure you're on time

Adds emphasis by highlighting the importance of being on time.

Ensure you arrive on time

Uses a more formal verb, "ensure", emphasizing the importance of arriving at the specified time.

Please arrive promptly

Combines politeness with a request for promptness, similar to "Kindly be punctual".

Kindly be punctual

Uses a more formal tone by using "kindly" and the adjective "punctual" instead of "on time".

Arrive punctually

Similar to "Kindly be punctual" but more direct, without the softening effect of "kindly".

Be prompt

A shorter, more direct way of asking someone to be on time, using the adjective "prompt".

Don't be late

Focuses on the negative aspect of not being on time, implying a request for punctuality.

Stick to the schedule

A direct command to comply with the schedule's requirements, so be on time.

Respect the schedule

Shifts the focus to respecting the schedule, implying the need to be on time.

FAQs

What does "Please be on time" mean?

It's a polite request for someone to arrive at a specific place or event at the scheduled time, emphasizing the importance of punctuality.

How to use "Please be on time" in a sentence?

You can say, "The meeting starts at 9 AM, so "please be on time"", or "Please be on time; we have a lot to cover".

What can I say instead of "Please be on time"?

Alternatives include "be punctual", "be prompt", or "arrive on time", depending on the level of formality required.

Is it rude to say "Please be on time"?

No, it's generally considered polite, especially when addressing a group or when emphasizing the importance of an event. The tone of voice and context also play a role.