begin on time

USAGE SUMMARY

"begin on time" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to an event or activity starting at the scheduled time. Example: "The meeting will begin on time to respect everyone's schedule." Alternative expressions include "start on schedule" and "commence punctually."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

With such an alphabet soup of opposition groups, it will be a triumph if the negotiations begin on time.

Independent

The European Union is considering a political declaration, as early as this week, to ease political sensitivities over Turkey within Europe and pave the way for negotiations to begin on time.

The New York Times

Although nearly every business and government office in Jerusalem was closed because of a heavy snowfall, the judges were transported by jeep to the courthouse so that the sensitive case could begin on time.

The New York Times

To begin on time in October, said architect Craig Hodgetts, the deadline for ordering the 482 tons of steel needed for the frame is July 1.

Los Angeles Times

With a weak negotiating partner, there's a danger that the negotiations will turn out badly for both sides," adding that he was unsure if Britain's negotiations about leaving the bloc could begin on time.

Vice

demanded that the Obama administration delay the Oct. 1 launch of the health insurance exchanges -- a key component of Obamacare -- the head of Kentucky's exchange said that project is on target to begin on time.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Timex had (being watchmakers) insisted the movie must begin on-time and had included such clauses in their contract.

TechCrunch

Ultimately, the season began on time.

The New York Times - Sports

— The second Buffett Cup began on time here Monday.

The New York Times

Meetings began on time, with penalties for the tardy.

The New York Times - Sports

No appointment with Bruno Bonnell ever begins on time, and here's why.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer this phrase in journalistic or professional reporting where clarity regarding timing is essential for the reader's understanding of events.

Common error

Avoid using the redundant phrase "begin exactly on time" unless the precision of the start is the main point of the sentence. Additionally, ensure you do not confuse it with "begin in time", which implies starting early enough to avoid a problem rather than at a scheduled moment.

Linguistic Context

"Begin on time" functions as a verb phrase where the intransitive verb "begin" is modified by the prepositional phrase "on time" acting as an adverbial of time. Data from Ludwig confirms it is used to denote punctuality in various tenses.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "begin on time" is a staple of clear English communication, particularly in professional and journalistic settings. According to Ludwig AI, it consistently appears in high-authority sources like The New York Times and The Guardian to describe events ranging from sports matches to international peace talks. Its grammatical structure is standard and highly adaptable across different tenses. While it is synonymous with phrases like "start on schedule", its simplicity makes it a preferred choice for writers who prioritize directness and clarity. Whether you are documenting a historical event or scheduling a corporate meeting, using "begin on time" effectively conveys a sense of reliability and punctuality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start on schedule

More common in logistics and project management contexts

commence punctually

Significantly more formal and suitable for legal or ceremonial events

launch on time

Specifically refers to the initiation of a product, service or campaign

kick off as planned

Less formal and often used for sports, meetings or social events

get underway promptly

Implies a smooth and immediate transition into the activity

depart on schedule

Specifically used for travel and transportation contexts

open as scheduled

Used when referring to venues, facilities or business hours

go live on time

Technical jargon for websites, broadcasts or systems

debut on time

Used for premieres, performances or first appearances

break ground on time

Idiomatic expression specific to the start of construction projects

FAQs

How to use "begin on time" in a sentence?

You can use it as an adverbial phrase to describe a verb, such as: "The concert will "begin on time" despite the heavy rain."

What can I say instead of "begin on time"?

Depending on the tone, you can use "start on schedule", "commence punctually" or "kick off as planned".

Which is correct, "begin on time" or "begin in time"?

Both are correct but have different meanings. Use "begin on time" for a scheduled start and use ""begin in time"" if you mean starting early enough to achieve a goal.

Is "begin on time" formal enough for business writing?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable. For even higher formality, you might choose "commence on schedule".