on the pm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the pm" is not correct and usable in written English as it lacks clarity and context.
It may be intended to refer to a specific time in the afternoon, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "Let's meet on the pm" is unclear and should be revised for better understanding.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Patten says one of the toughest interviews he has faced was the recent one with Eddie Mair on the PM programme.

The Guardian

Images were taken with × 63 1.4 NA DIC, Oil, HCX Plan-Apo objective, 3 × zoom and a pinhole of one airy unit with focus on the PM.

EMBO Journal

He is one of three MPs who have set their sights on the PM position.

Vice

(On that note, here's political editor Lenore Taylor's profile on the PM).

The Guardian

Michael Gove, the new chief whip, is being interviewed on the PM programme.

The Guardian

For gasoline, the injection system has a significant impact on the PM and PN emissions.

Applied Energy

Speaking on the PM programme on Radio 4, the foreign secretary said: "We haven't finished decisions on defence.

The Guardian

A polynomial approach is used to estimate the influence of the deviation of each input on the PM emissions.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Maria Caulfield and Ben Bradley's departure added to the pressure on the PM following the resignations of Boris Johnson and David Davis yesterday.

The Guardian

To the ire of the foreign policy establishment, Hilton has been urging what could be summed up as a "big society foreign policy" on the PM.

The Guardian

It is to be hoped that the blame for all this unworthiness falls where it belongs: on the PM and the Government.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a time in the afternoon, specify the exact time (e.g., "3:00 PM") instead of using the ambiguous phrase "on the pm".

Common error

Avoid using "on the pm" to indicate a time in the afternoon. This phrase is unclear. Instead, use specific times or "in the afternoon" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the pm" functions as a temporal reference, though it is often grammatically incorrect and lacks clarity. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is not correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "on the pm" appears frequently, its use is often grammatically questionable and lacks clarity. As Ludwig AI points out, it is not a standard or correct expression in written English. It's better to use specific times or clearer alternatives like "in the afternoon" to avoid ambiguity. The phrase surfaces primarily in News & Media and Science contexts, but specifying the intended meaning is always preferable for clear communication. When referring to the time of day, specify the exact hour or use "in the afternoon". When referring to political or scientific matters, make sure the context is clear to avoid confusion with the time of day.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the afternoon

Specifies a general timeframe instead of the ambiguous "pm".

during the afternoon

Emphasizes the duration of an event within the afternoon period.

this afternoon

Refers to the current afternoon, adding a sense of immediacy.

in the p.m.

Uses the abbreviated form with periods for clarity.

at [specific time] pm

Replaces vague reference with a precise time.

in the PM programme

Refers to a specific program, providing context.

concerning the prime minister

Focuses on the subject related to the "PM" (prime minister).

regarding particulate matter

Highlights the topic of "PM" as particulate matter in scientific contexts.

affecting project management

Emphasizes the impact on "PM" as project management.

impacting preventative maintenance

Highlights the influence on "PM" as preventative maintenance.

FAQs

How can I accurately refer to a time in the afternoon?

Instead of using the vague phrase "on the pm", specify the time precisely (e.g., "at 2:30 PM") or use the general term "in the afternoon".

What are some alternatives to "on the pm" when referring to a time of day?

Consider using alternatives like "in the afternoon" or specifying a particular time (e.g., "at 4 PM") for clarity.

Is it correct to say "on the pm"?

The phrase "on the pm" is not standard English and can be confusing. It's better to use clearer alternatives to avoid miscommunication.

What does "PM" stand for and what contexts is it usually used in?

PM can stand for post meridiem, indicating times after noon. In other contexts, "PM" can refer to the Prime Minister, Project Management, or Particulate Matter. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.