coordinated universal time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coordinated universal time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to timekeeping, aviation, computing, and international communication to refer to the standard time against which all other time zones are set. Example: "The flight schedule is based on coordinated universal time, so please adjust your local time accordingly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Coordination between channels exploits a global time reference, such as the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which can be supposed to be provided by the Global Positioning System (GPS).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

(Greenwich Mean Time was the forerunner of Coordinated Universal Time, the current global standard).

Independent

Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), international basis of civil and scientific time, which was introduced on January 1 , 1960

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the second explosion, occurring at 7 30 a.m., Coordinated Universal Time, was the equivalent of one to two tons of TNT, he added.

The New York Times

Coordinated Universal Time, but officials said Monday that it would be "physically impossible" to remove troops from Sulu Island, where the group is based and where the Red Cross workers were kidnapped in January.

The New York Times

In a private network memo, NBC voiced confidence that the "substantial yet temporary changes" it has asked the International Earth Rotation Service to make in "coordinated universal time" will permit a "truly live, nothing plausible about it, Olympics".

The New York Times - Sports

When the pager is turned on and is in the paging coverage area, Skytel keeps track of Coordinated Universal Time, used by G.P.S. satellites, which are in turn maintained by the atomic clocks operated by the government.

The New York Times - Tech

As the clocks would still be based around the Coordinated Universal Time (the successor to Greenwich Mean Time that runs through Southeast London) most people in the world would have to change the way they consider their schedules.

Independent

As the rate of rotation of the Earth constantly changes, it is necessary to occasionally add (or theoretically to subtract) a second during the year to ensure the atomic timescale Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) stays in synchronization with nature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even the hyper-accurate atomic clocks now used to record the passage of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), the globe's official standard, regularly defer to the addition of so-called leap seconds.

The Economist

It is the first watch to squeeze into one case a tourbillon with a mono-pusher column wheel chronograph, retrograde date and retrograde Coordinated Universal Time indicators, a moon phase and a day of the week display.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for an international audience or in technical contexts, use "coordinated universal time" or its abbreviation UTC to avoid ambiguity regarding time zones and daylight saving time.

Common error

Avoid mixing "coordinated universal time" with local time without proper conversion. Always specify the offset from UTC when providing local time equivalents to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coordinated universal time" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a proper noun, used to denote a specific time standard. Ludwig examples show it is used in contexts requiring precise global time references.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "coordinated universal time" (UTC) is the international standard for timekeeping, crucial for synchronizing activities across the globe. It is grammatically correct, and widely used in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Related terms include "UTC", "Greenwich mean time", and "universal time", each with slight differences in meaning and context. When using "coordinated universal time", specify UTC to avoid confusion, and always convert accurately to local time to prevent misinterpretations. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phrase, its applications, and its nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

UTC

This is the abbreviation for "coordinated universal time" and is perfectly interchangeable.

Greenwich mean time

This is the predecessor to "coordinated universal time" but is often used interchangeably, especially in older contexts.

GMT

This is the abbreviation for Greenwich mean time and shares a similar interchangeability with UTC.

Universal time

This is a more general term that encompasses different time standards, including UTC.

Zulu time

This term is often used in aviation and military contexts to refer to UTC.

Z time

A shorter version of Zulu time, referring to UTC particularly in specialized fields.

International atomic time

This refers to the atomic timescale on which UTC is based, thus an indirect reference.

World time standard

A more descriptive term for UTC that emphasizes its global role.

Global time standard

Similar to 'world time standard', highlighting the worldwide application.

Time standard

A very broad term that encompasses various timekeeping systems, including UTC.

FAQs

How to use "coordinated universal time" in a sentence?

"Coordinated universal time" is used to denote a standard time reference. For example, "The meeting will start at 14:00 "coordinated universal time"".

What's the difference between "coordinated universal time" and Greenwich mean time?

"Coordinated universal time" (UTC) is the current international time standard, while Greenwich mean time (GMT) is a historical predecessor. Although often used interchangeably, UTC is based on atomic clocks and GMT on solar time.

What can I say instead of "coordinated universal time"?

You can use alternatives like "UTC", "Greenwich mean time", or "universal time" depending on the context.

Why is "coordinated universal time" important?

"Coordinated universal time" is crucial for synchronizing activities across different time zones, especially in aviation, computing, and international communications. It provides a consistent time reference point globally.