on delivery

USAGE SUMMARY

"on delivery" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You typically use it to express the idea of something happening in the process of delivering a product or service. For example, "The customer must provide payment on delivery of the goods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Then it could take on delivery trucks, moving vans, and more.

The New Yorker

And one of their feed suppliers said that from now on, it's cash on delivery.

The New York Times

Now he focuses on delivery.

The New York Times

But they have fumbled, catastrophically, on delivery.

The Guardian - Opinion

A chalk board announced: "Cash on Delivery".

The New York Times - Travel

"We are now focused on delivery".

The Guardian - Business

On delivery, dinners, we're hardly doing anything.

The New York Times

Can you listen to music while on delivery?

The New York Times

"One dollar down and nine on delivery," he said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The smuggling arrangement is supposed to work on a cash-on-delivery basis.

The New York Times

Opt for the pay-on-delivery payment method.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on delivery", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being delivered. For example, specify 'on delivery of the goods' or 'on delivery of the service'.

Common error

Avoid using "on delivery" when the action actually occurs before or after the delivery process. Ensure that timing aligns precisely with the moment of delivery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on delivery" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate timing or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes when an action or event happens in relation to the act of delivering something. Examples show its use with verbs like 'pay', 'focus', 'demand', and 'hail'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "on delivery" serves to precisely specify the timing of an event concerning the act of delivering something, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, but also appears frequently in scientific and formal/business settings. While grammatically correct and widely used, clarity is key, especially to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like ""upon delivery"" or "at the time of delivery" for added emphasis or formality. Remember to clearly define what is being delivered to avoid confusion. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's use in various scenarios, from financial transactions to the transfer of goods.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon delivery

Replaces 'on' with 'upon', maintaining identical meaning and formality.

at the time of delivery

Specifies the timing more explicitly, adding a slight emphasis.

when delivered

Uses a more concise phrasing with a slight shift in grammatical structure.

upon receipt

Focuses on the act of receiving rather than the delivery process itself.

at delivery

A shorter, less formal version of "at the time of delivery".

cash on delivery

A specific scenario where payment is made simultaneously with delivery.

on arrival

Emphasizes the completion of the transportation process.

after shipment

Focuses on the time after the items have been shipped.

post-delivery

Relates to actions or events occurring after the delivery has been completed.

delivery-based

Describes systems or processes that are designed around the delivery action.

FAQs

How do I use "on delivery" in a sentence?

Use "on delivery" to indicate that something occurs at the moment of delivering an item or service. For example, "Payment is due "upon delivery" of the product" or "The technician will provide instructions "when delivered"".

What's the difference between "on delivery" and "after delivery"?

"On delivery" refers to actions happening during the physical handover. "After delivery" indicates actions that occur subsequently. For example, you pay "on delivery", but you might inspect the goods "post-delivery".

Which is more formal, "on delivery" or "upon delivery"?

"Upon delivery" is slightly more formal than "on delivery", although both are acceptable in professional contexts. The choice often depends on the overall tone and style of your writing.

What can I use instead of "on delivery" to emphasize immediate action?

To stress immediacy, consider phrases like "immediately "upon receipt"", "at the point of delivery", or "at the time of delivery". These emphasize that the action should occur without delay.