making it on time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making it on time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to arriving or completing something at the scheduled or expected time. Example: "I was worried about making it on time for the meeting, but I managed to get there just before it started."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Evacuation centres were also very organised, with relief goods making it on time, said Ramos.

The Guardian

Denver's team bus arrived late at the arena, and several Sixers had trouble making it on time.

The New York Times - Sports

Every week I commuted from upstate New York — a four-hour ride on Amtrak — often barely making it on time to my 9 a.m. music theory class.

The New York Times

The Concorde was Combs's only hope of making it on time... Combs had come to Paris for fun, but it was fun with a purpose.

The New Yorker

But if it's really touch and go, if your odds of making it on time approach 50%, that's when you'll try your hardest.

The Guardian - Opinion

As I looked at my watch, I realized my odds of making it on time were not good.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Usually these courses are held on our own premises, but if the same site needs to train several people, we go to them... and in this case anything can happen: The courier couldn't make it on time and there are no manuals or reagents; one of the customers has a meeting at tea time or the other one needs to prepare a reaction.

Science Magazine

[With] the suppliers, if you are dealing with more than one person, you can be guaranteed that Xpercentt will not make it on time".

The Guardian - Business

She made it on time.

The New York Times - Tech

I made it on time for the plane.

The New York Times

This time she made it on time, and not for the test.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions or giving directions, use "making it on time" to emphasize the importance of punctuality for a successful outcome.

Common error

In highly formal writing, avoid overusing "making it on time". Opt for more sophisticated alternatives such as "arriving punctually" or "meeting the deadline" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making it on time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating when an action occurs. It specifies the timing of an event, conveying that something happened as scheduled or before a deadline. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "making it on time" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that conveys the successful completion of arriving or finishing something within the specified timeframe. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is well-suited for general conversation, news reports, and instructional content. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "arriving punctually" or "meeting the deadline". The phrase's widespread usage highlights its effectiveness in communicating the achievement of punctuality or adherence to schedules across diverse settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making it just in time

Highlights arriving at the last possible moment.

being on time

A simpler and more direct way of expressing punctuality.

arriving punctually

Focuses specifically on the act of arriving at the scheduled time.

getting there on schedule

Emphasizes adherence to a pre-set schedule or timetable.

arriving in a timely manner

Highlights the appropriateness of the timing, not just punctuality.

meeting the deadline

Specifically relates to completing a task before the cut-off time.

managing to be punctual

Highlights the effort required to be on time.

succeeding in arriving promptly

Similar to punctuality, with emphasis on success of doing so.

getting there with time to spare

Indicates arriving earlier than necessary.

making good time

Implies efficient travel to arrive on time or early.

FAQs

What does "making it on time" mean?

The phrase "making it on time" means arriving at a destination or completing a task before the scheduled or expected time.

How can I use "making it on time" in a sentence?

You can use the phrase in sentences like, "Despite the traffic, I managed to "make it on time" for the meeting" or "The package "made it on time" for my sister's birthday".

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

You can use alternatives like "arriving punctually", "getting there on schedule", or "being on time" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "making it on time" and "being on time"?

While both phrases relate to punctuality, "making it on time" often implies overcoming a challenge or obstacle to arrive punctually, whereas "being on time" is a more general statement of punctuality.