keep to time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep to time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to adhering to a schedule or being punctual. Example: "It's important to keep to time during the meeting to ensure we cover all agenda items."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

She liked to keep to time, to do what it told her to do.

The New Yorker

Although trade talks notoriously drag on beyond their deadlines, Mr Supachai has an extra incentive to keep to time.

The Economist

That can be turned to advantage: will the bath give the watch a tonic and make it keep to time in future?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

IOC have also told them not to dawdle and limited the number of officials to 40 in a bid to ensure that they keep to time.

The Guardian - Sport

His government is backing the campaign, in which posters have been handed out to offices and schools berating Ecuadoreans for wasting other people's time.Hundreds of institutions ranging from local councils to airlines have signed up to a promise to keep to time.

The Economist

The hardest episode for me to keep to time was the most personal one, about my ancestral village of Castelvetere sul Calore.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Peer group meetings focused on specific academic and logistics issues, and helped students keep to their time plans.

BMC Medical Education

Be timely – Keep to the agreed time.

WikiHow

Keep to your allotted time.

Science Magazine

A log sheet will be kept to record sleep time.

BMC Public Health

However awkward it is, you must keep people to time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When managing projects, use "keep to time" to underscore the importance of adhering to pre-defined deadlines and schedules, fostering a culture of punctuality and efficient resource utilization.

Common error

Avoid using "keep to time" in contexts where flexibility is essential. Overly strict adherence to a schedule might hinder creativity or adaptability in dynamic environments. Remember to balance structure with responsiveness to emergent opportunities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep to time" functions as a directive, urging adherence to a schedule or timeline. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status, evident in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep to time" is a directive urging adherence to a schedule, emphasizing punctuality and efficiency. Ludwig AI validates its usability, highlighting its presence across various contexts. Grammatically sound, it serves to ensure tasks are completed within specified timeframes. While its register is neutral, usage spans news, science, and general contexts. Alternatives such as "adhere to the schedule" or "stick to the schedule" offer similar meanings with subtle nuances. When using the phrase, ensure that flexibility is not compromised for the sake of rigid adherence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhere to the schedule

Focuses on the act of following a pre-arranged plan or timetable, emphasizing strict compliance.

stick to the schedule

Similar to "adhere to the schedule" but implies a more personal commitment or decision to follow the plan.

stay on schedule

Emphasizes maintaining the planned timeline, suggesting a dynamic process of adjustment and monitoring.

meet the deadline

Focuses specifically on completing tasks by the due date, rather than maintaining an entire schedule.

be punctual

Highlights the importance of arriving or completing tasks at the designated time, rather than maintaining a schedule.

respect the timeframe

Emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and adhering to the limits of the allotted time.

maintain timeliness

Focuses on ensuring actions are performed at the most appropriate or advantageous moment.

observe time constraints

Focuses on recognizing the restrictions of a time schedule.

honor time commitments

Underscores the importance of fulfilling obligations related to time, such as appointments or deadlines.

be on time

Focuses on the act of arriving by a specified time.

FAQs

How can I use "keep to time" in a sentence?

You can use "keep to time" when you want to emphasize the importance of sticking to a schedule. For example: "It's crucial to "keep to time" during the presentation to cover all the key points."

What does it mean to "keep to time"?

To "keep to time" means to adhere to a predetermined schedule or deadline, ensuring that tasks are completed within the allotted timeframe. It emphasizes punctuality and efficient time management.

Are there any alternatives to "keep to time"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "adhere to the schedule", "stick to the schedule", or "stay on schedule" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "keep to time" and "meet the deadline"?

"Keep to time" generally refers to adhering to an overall schedule, while "meet the deadline" specifically means completing a task by its due date. The former is broader in scope, while the latter is more specific.