it is on time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is on time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is punctual or occurring at the expected time. Example: "The train is scheduled to arrive at 3 PM, and I’m happy to report that it is on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

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

Although Mr Duncan Smith has insisted it is "on time and on budget", it will not now be fully implemented by the end of 2019 after a two-year delay in transferring tax credit claimants.

Independent

It is on time and delivered more cheaply than in the bid".

The Guardian - Sport

It is on budget, it is on time and it's a real tribute to the teamwork, including the work of Peter Mandelson.

The Guardian

If Train B is supposed to pull into the station four minutes after Train A, it is on time as long as it shows up anywhere between two and six minutes later.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"It's on-time performance.

Huffington Post

From last fall through June, it was on time only about one of every four trips, according to Amtrak.

The New York Times - Travel

It's on time.

The New York Times

Surprise: It's On Time Q.

The New York Times

Still, it was on time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is on time" when you want to clearly and directly communicate that something is happening according to the planned schedule, avoiding ambiguity. It's particularly effective in situations where punctuality is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "it is on time" in situations where you want to convey more nuanced meanings related to timeliness, such as "it was the perfect moment" or "it was long overdue". The phrase is very literal and can sound awkward if used inappropriately. Consider using "it is timely" or other alternatives for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is on time" primarily functions as a declarative statement. It indicates that an event, process, or entity is adhering to a predetermined schedule or expected timeframe. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is on time" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to communicate adherence to a schedule. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely accepted and understood in English. While alternatives like "it is punctual" or ""it is timely"" exist, "it is on time" remains a straightforward and universally recognized way to convey that something is proceeding as planned. Its usage spans across various contexts, from news reports to everyday conversations, making it a versatile phrase to have in your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is punctual

Replaces "on time" with the single adjective "punctual", directly conveying adherence to the scheduled time.

it is timely

Suggests that something is not only on time but also appropriate for the current circumstances.

it is not delayed

Focuses on the absence of delay, implying adherence to the schedule by negating lateness.

it is as scheduled

Emphasizes that something is proceeding exactly as planned, maintaining the original timeline.

it adheres to the schedule

Highlights the action of following the set schedule, stressing compliance and planning.

it is proceeding according to plan

Focuses on the progression aligning with the initial blueprint, emphasizing systematic advancement.

it is running on schedule

Emphasizes continuous progression within the planned parameters, highlighting the ongoing adherence to the set timeframe.

it is right on schedule

Highlights the precision with which a plan is followed, emphasizing the adherence to timelines.

it is keeping to the timetable

Emphasizes the commitment to the agreed-upon timetable, ensuring all activities stick to the plan.

it is arriving as planned

Highlights that an entity, such as a person or object, reaches its destination at the planned time.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it is on time"?

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

Is "it is on time" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it is on time" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure with a subject ("it"), verb ("is"), and prepositional phrase ("on time").

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

You can use "it is on time" to indicate that something is happening according to the planned schedule. For example: "The meeting is scheduled for 2 PM, and I'm pleased to say "it is on time"."

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

"It is on time" refers to something happening at the expected time in the present or future, while "it was on time" refers to something that happened at the expected time in the past. For example: "The train is on time" vs. "The train was on time yesterday".