in the PM

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the PM" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to specify a time in the afternoon or evening, typically in a 12-hour clock format. Example: "Let's schedule the meeting for 3 PM on Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The maximum force (Fmax) was lower in the PM than in the CM in apple, but higher in the PM than in the CM in pear.

AoB PLANTS

When my talk was repeated, in the PM slot during the NUJ strike last July, I got even more.

Independent

The modified bR photocycle kinetic parameters may be explained by changes in the PM interface upon QD adsorption.

Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces

During loading, elastic strain and creep strain values in the PM exceeded those in the CM.

AoB PLANTS

Total iron (TFe) varies from 0.1% in the PM to 3.3% in the OSM.

Geochemical Transactions

In the PM scan (Fig. 3d), both FA and phospholipids are easily distinguishable.

Chemistry Central Journal

Work in the PM lab is also funded by EU Framework 7 grants UniCellSys (201142) and BioPreDyn (289434).

BMC Systems Biology

EMC Environmental Ltd. (Cumbria, UK) measured total metal concentrations in the PM.

Environmental Health Perspectives

The amount of O2 consumed in the AHM was 46 51% of that produced in the PM, and the amount of CO2 produced in the AHM was 43 56% of that consumed in the PM.

Advances in Space Research

Mr. Ehrlich represented Crum in the PM purchase.

The New Yorker

27-1199 for the cubic phase in the Pm 3 - m space group.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the PM", ensure clarity by specifying the exact time (e.g., 3 PM) to avoid ambiguity, especially in formal settings. If the context already makes it clear that you are referring to the afternoon or evening, consider simply using "in the afternoon" or "in the evening".

Common error

Avoid omitting the "AM/PM" designator when the context does not clearly indicate whether you are referring to a time in the morning or the afternoon/evening. This is particularly important in scheduling or time-sensitive communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the PM" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or noun to specify when an event takes place. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, typically specifying a time within a 12-hour clock format.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

23%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the PM" is a common and grammatically sound way to specify that something occurs during the afternoon or evening. Ludwig's analysis confirms its usability in English writing. With a neutral formality, it's suitable for a variety of contexts, from scientific articles to everyday conversations. While alternatives like "in the afternoon" or "in the evening" exist, "in the PM" offers a concise way to provide temporal clarity. Just remember to include a specific time to avoid ambiguity, and you're all set!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during the afternoon

Specifies the timeframe using a more descriptive phrase instead of the abbreviation.

in the afternoon

Omits 'PM', suitable where context makes timeframe clear.

during the evening

Shifts the timeframe slightly later, emphasizing the evening rather than afternoon.

in the evening

Similar to 'in the afternoon' but refers to a later time.

after midday

Emphasizes that the time is past noon without specifying exact time.

post meridiem

Uses the Latin term for 'after midday', offering a formal alternative.

late in the day

Indicates a time closer to the end of the working day.

toward evening

Implies a transition into the evening period.

at night

Broadly refers to the time after sunset, less specific than "in the PM".

during hours of darkness

A more descriptive phrase indicating when it's dark outside.

FAQs

How do you use "in the PM" in a sentence?

Use "in the PM" to specify a time that occurs after noon. For example, "The meeting is scheduled for 2 PM."

What's the difference between "in the AM" and "in the PM"?

"In the AM" refers to the time between midnight and noon, while "in the PM" refers to the time between noon and midnight. They help differentiate times in a 12-hour clock system.

What are some alternatives to saying "in the PM"?

You can use alternatives such as "in the afternoon", "in the evening", or "after midday", depending on the specific time you are referring to.

Is it necessary to include "in the PM" when the context already implies it's afternoon or evening?

Not always. If the context makes it clear that you are referring to a time in the afternoon or evening, you can omit "in the PM". However, including it can prevent ambiguity, especially in formal communication.