commenced on time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commenced on time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the start time of an event or activity. For example, "The conference commenced on time at 9 am."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The attack commenced on time; the Jodhpur Lancers advanced in squadron columns in the face of heavy Turkish rifle and machine-gun fire.

Wikipedia

It is important to ensure that the school year is commenced on time and that younger children are provided with a safe and nurturing environment.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

[The Franco-Prussian war commenced on 19 July 1870].

The Guardian

Production commenced on February 2 , 1987 by which time "snowstorms had blanketed" the island for almost a month, "providing a frosty backdrop for the opening scenes".

Wikipedia

Irrespective of anyone's opinion of the particular response our leaders at the time commenced on Sept. 12, 2001, I propose that we use today, and all our future Sept. 12ths, as a day for rededicating ourselves to the quest for such strategies.

Huffington Post

She was commenced on metoclopramide 10mgs three times a day, and to-date, after 12 months of treatment, her cough remains abated.

Cough

A new kit deal with Adidas commenced on 1 June 2013, the first time that West Ham have had Adidas featured on their kit since 1987.

Wikipedia

Principal photography for Thunderbird 6 commenced on 1 May 1967, by which time Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons had already entered production.

Wikipedia

In the case of palmar plantar syndrome, treatment was stopped until recovery, and patients were commenced on pyridoxine 50 mg three times a day.

British Journal of Cancer

From commencing exactly on time at eleven o'clock in the morning, to the selection of poignant biblical readings and readers, the exquisite blend of classical, spiritual and patriotic music and eulogies by those she personally desired present them.

Huffington Post

Infants found to be HIV-infected at any point in time were promptly commenced on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in accordance with the clinical and age-dependent immunological criteria of WHO guideline of 2006 [ 17].

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "commenced on time", ensure that the context clearly indicates the planned or expected start time, providing a reference point for the punctuality. For instance, "The meeting commenced on time, as per the agenda sent out last week."

Common error

Be mindful of redundant phrasing. While "commenced on time" is technically correct, ensure that the context doesn't already imply punctuality, which could make the phrase unnecessarily wordy. For example, prefer "The conference commenced" if the schedule is inherently time-sensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commenced on time" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, typically indicating that an event or activity began at its scheduled or expected starting time. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

50%

News & Media

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "commenced on time" is a grammatically sound, though somewhat formal, way of stating that something began at the scheduled moment. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is usable in English. While examples are relatively rare, the contexts where it appears—primarily formal settings and official reports—emphasize punctuality. For more casual communication, alternatives such as "started as scheduled" may be more appropriate. When using "commenced on time", ensure it adds value by highlighting the importance of timeliness and avoid using it redundantly. Be mindful of the register, opting for simpler phrasing in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began punctually

Replaces "commenced" with "began" and "on time" with "punctually", both implying starting at the scheduled time.

commenced according to schedule

Slightly alters the structure but retains the core meaning of starting as planned.

started as scheduled

Substitutes "commenced" with "started" and uses "as scheduled" to convey the concept of timeliness.

initiated promptly

Replaces "commenced" with "initiated" and "on time" with "promptly", indicating a timely start.

kicked off right on schedule

Uses the idiom "kicked off" for "commenced" and "right on schedule" for "on time", providing a more informal alternative.

got underway without delay

Employs "got underway" in place of "commenced" and "without delay" to highlight the lack of lateness.

began right when planned

Uses simpler vocabulary to express the same meaning, focusing on adherence to the plan.

started at the appointed hour

Replaces "on time" with "at the appointed hour", adding a slightly more formal tone.

launched at the precise moment

Emphasizes the exactness of the timing, using "launched" instead of "commenced".

opened without any lateness

Highlights the absence of delay, using "opened" as a synonym for "commenced".

FAQs

What does "commenced on time" mean?

The phrase "commenced on time" means that something started at the exact moment it was scheduled to begin. It emphasizes punctuality and adherence to a predetermined schedule.

What are some alternatives to "commenced on time"?

You can use alternatives such as "began punctually", "started as scheduled", or "initiated promptly" to convey a similar meaning.

How can I use "commenced on time" in a sentence?

You might say, "The presentation commenced on time, ensuring all attendees could fully benefit from the session" or "Despite the initial setbacks, the project commenced on time."

Is it better to say "commenced on time" or "started on time"?

"Started on time" is more common and generally preferred for its simplicity. "Commenced on time" is more formal and can be used when a more elevated tone is desired, but be aware of the potential for sounding overly verbose. Consider readability and your target audience when choosing.