Punctually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Punctually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions that are done on time or at the scheduled time. Example: "Please arrive punctually for the meeting to ensure we can start on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Sir John Armitt, who was commissioned by the Labour Party to lead a review of long-term infrastructure planning, advocates "hundreds of school and hospital extensions" that local people can get behind.The success of the London Olympics shows that Britain can build infrastructure punctually if the money and the will are there.

The Economist

Seven-Eleven folk boast that their trucks run even more punctually than Japan's on-time buses.In the same way, Seven-Eleven also helps vendors and manufacturers to control their inventories.

The Economist

The sight of the whizzing "moon" punctually keeping to an announced timetable is superb; but down below, in the world hitherto known as the Soviet sphere (how many familiar terms may now have to be adjusted?), timetables are rare and risky, transit is often slow and inefficient, and even five-year plans sometimes fail to run their predestined course.

The Economist

Most of his aims seem to differ little from Mr Kohl's: a European Union widened to the east; a euro brought in punctually next year in part as a counterweight to the dollar; a common European foreign and security policy, however Utopian that still may seem.

The Economist

Most airlines are now fairly good at delivering passengers safely and punctually to their destination for roughly the same price.In a new book*, Leonard Berry, a professor of marketing at Texas A&M University, claims that investment in food has helped turn Midwest Express Airlines into one of America's two most consistently profitable airlines.

The Economist

So long as they paid tribute punctually, local rulers and local communities were perforce left to govern themselves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A surprising response, since from a passenger perspective it's all about being flown safely and punctually at a reasonable fare.

Independent

Punctually at eight o'clock, Rudi's companions stopped their car at the door of the border-patrol office.

The New Yorker

This great star always arrived punctually on the set.

The New Yorker

As soon as the fantasy theme announces itself in the novel's first section, the reader is put on alert, and is waiting for the next visitation, which arrives punctually.

The New Yorker

Despite Gary's absence, Blastich continues to show up for work punctually — so punctually, in fact, that some people have wondered if he has moved into a storeroom or another low-traffic area on the premises.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "punctually" in contexts where precision and adherence to a strict schedule are important. For instance, when describing arrival times, deadlines or any event that must begin at a specific moment.

Common error

Avoid using "punctually" in very casual conversations. Alternatives like "on time" or "promptly" may sound more natural and less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The word "punctually" functions as an adverb, modifying verbs to specify the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something is done at the expected or scheduled time. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in contexts requiring precise timing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "punctually" is an adverb used to describe actions performed exactly on time or according to a set schedule. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media sources. While appropriate for formal contexts, consider alternatives like "on time" or "promptly" in more casual settings. Remember, "punctually" underscores reliability and precision, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary when conveying timeliness is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

On time

This is the simplest and most direct synonym, emphasizing arrival or completion at the expected time.

Promptly

This suggests quickness and without delay, similar to being on time but with an added sense of immediacy.

Sharp

This idiom indicates exactness in time, often used in military or formal settings.

At the appointed time

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the agreement or scheduling of a specific time.

In a timely manner

This emphasizes efficiency and appropriateness in adhering to a schedule.

According to schedule

This highlights adherence to a pre-defined timetable or plan.

By the deadline

Focuses on meeting the final limit of an activity or event.

As planned

Indicates conformity with a prior arrangement or design.

Without delay

This underlines the absence of postponement or tardiness.

To the minute

Expresses extreme precision in timing.

FAQs

How can I use "punctually" in a sentence?

You can use "punctually" to describe arriving or completing something at the expected or scheduled time. For example: "The meeting started "punctually" at 9 a.m."

What are some alternatives to the word "punctually"?

Some alternatives to "punctually" include "on time", "promptly", and "sharp" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "arrive punctually"?

Yes, "arrive punctually" is grammatically correct. It means to arrive at the expected or scheduled time.

What is the difference between "punctually" and "promptly"?

"Punctually" emphasizes being exactly on time, while "promptly" suggests quickness and immediacy in action or response. They are similar but not always interchangeable.