depart on time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depart on time" is correct and perfectly usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of leaving a place at a particular expected time (usually the time stated or agreed upon). For example, "We have a long drive ahead of us, so let's be sure to depart on time at 7am."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Mr. Smith's job, as one of five stationmasters, is to make certain that trains depart on time, that passengers are directed efficiently through the station, that there are sufficient ushers and redcaps.

The New York Times

$uper Air Flight SA320 is scheduled to depart on time.

The New Yorker

Flight 835 for Benghazi, a voice announced, was due to depart on time.

The New Yorker

That, in turn, would allow them to be made ready to depart on time, cutting down on delays.

The Economist

The irony is that inviting everybody to travel when they prefer means fewer planes arrive or depart on time.

The New York Times

Congestion itself adds to operating costs because vehicles may not be able to depart on time and must move slowly because of heavy traffic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The flight departed on time.

The New Yorker

Moments before the 8 16 a.m. express train departed on time for Old Saybrook from New Haven's Union Station, I stepped into its special screening car, bare of seats and full of flashy screening equipment, and stood in a small, foyer-type area.

The New York Times

My train departed on time, which was not a certainty given the delays of so many operators a third of British trains were delayed last year.

Vice

My train departed on time, which was not a dead-cert given the delays of so many operators – a third of British trains were delayed last year.

Vice

Apollo 8 had departed on time.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When scheduling events or travel, use "depart on time" to emphasize the importance of sticking to the planned schedule.

Common error

Avoid using "depart on time" when referring to situations where flexibility is expected or a precise departure time isn't critical. It's best suited for formal schedules and itineraries.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depart on time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate when the action of departing occurs. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and understandable. It describes the timing of a departure, emphasizing punctuality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "depart on time" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the action of leaving at the scheduled time. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and understandable, appearing frequently in news and media, as well as encyclopedic and wiki contexts. While other options like "leave punctually" or "take off as scheduled" exist, "depart on time" provides a clear and effective way to convey punctuality. Its use is best suited for formal or neutral contexts where adherence to a schedule is emphasized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leave punctually

Emphasizes the punctuality of the departure.

take off as scheduled

Focuses on the scheduled aspect of the departure.

depart according to schedule

Highlights adherence to a predetermined schedule.

leave at the designated time

Specifies that the departure occurs at the set time.

take off on schedule

Similar to "take off as scheduled" but slightly more concise.

start without delay

Focuses on the absence of any delays in starting the journey.

begin at the appointed hour

Highlights the precise timing of the departure.

set off promptly

Emphasizes the promptness of the departure.

commence at the right moment

Highlights the act of starting precisely at the correct moment.

get underway as planned

Indicates that the departure occurs according to the initial plan.

FAQs

What does it mean to "depart on time"?

To "depart on time" means to leave a place or begin a journey at the exact time that was scheduled or planned. It implies punctuality and adherence to a timetable.

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

You can use alternatives like "leave punctually", "take off as scheduled", or "begin at the appointed hour" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "depart on time" or "leave on time"?

"Depart" and "leave" are similar, but "depart" is more formal. Whether to use "depart on time" or "leave on time" depends on the context and the desired level of formality. "Depart" is often used in official announcements or schedules.

How do you ensure that a flight will "depart on time"?

Airlines and airports use various strategies, including efficient boarding procedures, optimized runway usage, and proactive management of potential delays, to improve the likelihood that flights will "depart on time".