is on time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is on time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something or someone is punctual or has arrived at the expected time. Example: "The train is on time, so we should be able to catch it without any issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Once in a while, due to weather, this train is on time.

The New York Times

Arriving in Dhaka, there's consternation among passengers; the train is on time.

Independent

We decide to find out whether Ms. Raftery's train is on time.

The New York Times

So, for example, a three-minute train is "on time" if it shows up within four and a half minutes.

The New York Times

He has repeatedly told parliament and Conservative activists that it is "on time and within budget" as the completion date has been pushed back.

The Guardian

A seven-minute train gets a proportionately larger cushion: it is "on time" if it shows up within 10 1/2 minutes.

The New York Times

Nothing is "on time".

TechCrunch

Before you leave for the train station, call the train office or check their website to confirm that your train is on time.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Current management's No. 1 priority is on-time performance," Mr. Reilly said, "but there's a lack of interest in safety.

The New York Times

But Ms. Martin, the New Jersey commuter, said what she looks for in a rail road is on-time performance, not nobility.

The New York Times

Personality is nice, but so is on-time room service and a housekeeping staff that shows up quickly if you call to report "a toilet-paper emergency".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional settings, consider using more formal synonyms like "is punctual" or "is timely" to convey a greater sense of precision and adherence to expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "is on time" when you mean "is in time". "On time" refers to adhering to a schedule, while "in time" means early enough to meet a need or prevent something negative. Example: "The doctor arrived in time to save the patient."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is on time" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's state of adhering to a schedule. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness. Examples show it applying to trains, projects, and people.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is on time" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that something adheres to a schedule. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used across various contexts, from news reports to project management, to convey punctuality and adherence to expectations. While simple, it's crucial to use "is on time" accurately, distinguishing it from similar phrases like "is in time". For more formal settings, consider using synonyms such as "is punctual" for enhanced precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is punctual

Replaces "on time" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing strict adherence to a schedule.

is timely

Indicates that something is happening at the most opportune moment, not just adhering to a schedule.

is according to schedule

More explicitly states that something matches the planned timetable.

is as scheduled

A shorter alternative, emphasizing adherence to the original plan.

is prompt

Similar to "punctual" but can also describe speed of action.

is not delayed

Focuses on the absence of delay, rather than positive punctuality.

arrives on schedule

Specifically refers to the arrival of something or someone as planned.

keeps to the schedule

Emphasizes maintaining adherence to the predetermined plan.

adheres to the timetable

More formal alternative to keeping to the schedule.

meets the deadline

Specifically refers to completing a task within the allotted time.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is on time"?

When something "is on time", it means that it is happening or arriving at the scheduled or expected time, adhering to a predefined plan or timetable.

What are some alternatives to saying "is on time"?

You can use alternatives like "is punctual", "is timely", or "is as scheduled" depending on the context.

How do I use "is on time" in a sentence?

You can use "is on time" to describe events, schedules, or people. For example: "The train is on time", or "The project is on time and within budget".

What's the difference between "is on time" and "is in time"?

"Is on time" means adhering to a schedule, while "is in time" means early enough to meet a need or prevent something negative. They are not interchangeable.