bang on cue

USAGE SUMMARY

"bang on cue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something happened exactly when it was supposed to. For example: "I arrived at the party bang on cue, just as my friend's birthday song started to play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

In the slavishly playlisted, gnat's-attention-span world of daytime radio, the Whoop has become a signalling device, often cropping up bang on cue around the one-minute mark, saying: "Hey wait!

The Guardian - Music

Almost bang on cue, Dwight Gayle gets free on the right for West Brom but no one is making a near-post run and the striker's centre is easily collected by keeper Dean Henderson.

BBC

Bang on cue, her work mobile rings.

The Guardian - Money

Bang on cue, along comes "McMadam" Anna Gristina.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bang on cue Oxford sent forth 11 men worthy of the proclamation.

Independent

Bang on cue, a fan waves deliriously at McGregor on the Strip.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

He was bang-on, half-seven.

The New Yorker

That's bang-on correct about Sarkozy.

The New York Times

He delivers just bang-on.

Huffington Post

O'Sullivan, looking for his sixth Crucible title, showed his frustration by banging his cue on the table after missing an easy red in the third frame.

BBC

Paul Schrader had just given a lecture about how Lindsay thrived on chaos and, on cue, she walked into the room, hair tossed, smelling of smoke and bangles on her arm banging up and down.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bang on cue" to add emphasis when describing an event that occurs exactly as expected or at the perfect moment. It's particularly effective in narrative writing to create a sense of anticipation or irony.

Common error

Avoid using "bang on cue" in formal or serious contexts where its slightly informal and playful tone might be inappropriate. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "precisely timed" or "exactly as scheduled".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bang on cue" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing of an event. It signifies that something happened precisely when expected or needed, adding emphasis to the synchronicity. As shown in Ludwig, it often introduces an element of surprise or dramatic timing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Music

8%

Sport

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bang on cue" is a commonly used adverbial phrase that indicates an event happened exactly as expected, often with an element of surprise or dramatic timing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English. While the phrase is suitable for news, media and informal contexts, be cautious in more formal settings where a more neutral phrase might be appropriate. Consider alternatives such as "right on time" or "precisely as scheduled" depending on the context. Remember to use "bang on cue" to add emphasis to narratives, but avoid it in highly formal or technical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

right on time

This alternative is more literal, focusing on the temporal aspect of being punctual.

on the dot

This idiom conveys exactness and precision in timing.

at the perfect moment

This alternative emphasizes the suitability and advantage of the timing.

precisely when needed

Highlights the accuracy and necessity of the timing.

just in time

Similar to "right on time", this emphasizes arrival or occurrence shortly before a deadline or critical point.

in the nick of time

This phrase suggests that something happened just before it was too late.

as expected

This focuses on the predictability of the event, aligning with expectations.

conveniently timed

This phrase emphasizes the benefit or advantage derived from the timing of an event.

punctually

This alternative is a more formal and direct way of saying something happened on time.

at the appointed hour

Suggests a pre-arranged or scheduled event occurring exactly as planned.

FAQs

How can I use "bang on cue" in a sentence?

Use "bang on cue" to describe an event that happens exactly when it's expected or needed. For example, "The rain started "right on cue", just as we finished setting up the tent."

What's a similar expression to "bang on cue"?

Alternatives to "bang on cue" include "right on time", "at the perfect moment", or "just in time". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "bang on cue" suitable for formal writing?

While "bang on cue" is widely understood, it leans towards informal usage. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "precisely as scheduled" or "at the appointed time".

Can "bang on cue" be used in negative contexts?

Yes, "bang on cue" can be used ironically in negative contexts to describe something undesirable happening exactly when it was dreaded or anticipated. For example, "The power went out, "right on time", as I started working on my project."