on deadline

USAGE SUMMARY

"on deadline" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that needs to be completed or submitted within a certain amount of time. For example, "I was working on my project late into the night in order to get it done on deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But "on deadline and in the moment, we may not have known that".

The New York Times

[Via On Deadline].

The New York Times

Gasol was on deadline.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm on deadline.

The New York Times - Books

Finish a piece of writing on deadline.

The New York Times

(Talk about being on deadline).

The New York Times

He was also on deadline.

The New York Times - Sports

"You're not interrupting someone on deadline.

The New York Times

"It was very stressful, producing on deadline.

The New York Times - Arts

All on deadline and without evident strain.

The New Yorker

Warner news started to show up on Deadline first.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on deadline" to clearly communicate the urgency of completing a task by a specific time. For example, "The team is working hard to deliver the project "on deadline"".

Common error

Avoid using "in the deadline". The correct phrase is "on deadline", indicating adherence to a specific time limit. For example, say "The report must be submitted "on deadline"", not "in the deadline".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on deadline" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the temporal constraint under which an action is performed. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on deadline" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that emphasizes the importance of completing a task by a specified time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression. Its primary function is to add urgency and highlight temporal constraints. Predominantly found in "News & Media" sources, "on deadline" carries a neutral tone and is suitable for a range of professional contexts. When communicating the need to meet a specific timeframe, "on deadline" is a clear and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meeting the deadline

This is the most direct synonym, focusing on the successful completion by the set time.

by the cut-off date

This alternative highlights the definitive nature of the deadline, suggesting no extensions are possible.

before the due date

This alternative emphasizes completing the task ahead of the specified final date.

before the deadline expires

Highlights urgency and the potential consequences of missing the deadline.

prior to the due date

Similar to 'before the due date', but slightly more formal in tone.

within the allotted time

This alternative emphasizes the constraint of limited time to complete a task.

by the appointed time

This alternative suggests a specific, agreed-upon moment for completion.

according to schedule

This phrase focuses on adherence to a pre-established plan with specific timeframes.

within the prescribed period

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes adherence to a formally set duration.

in a timely manner

This suggests that something is done efficiently and without delay, meeting expectations for promptness.

FAQs

How can I use "on deadline" in a sentence?

You can use "on deadline" to indicate that something needs to be completed by a particular date or time. For example, "The journalists were working "on deadline" to get the story out".

What is a good alternative to saying "on deadline"?

Alternatives include "before the due date", "by the cut-off date", or "meeting the deadline", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in deadline" instead of "on deadline"?

No, the correct phrase is "on deadline". "In deadline" is not standard English and should be avoided.

What does it mean when someone says they are "working on deadline"?

It means they are working under pressure to complete a task by a specific, non-negotiable time.