punctually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "punctually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions that are done on time or at the scheduled time. Example: "Please arrive punctually for the meeting to ensure we can start on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Sir John Armitt, who was commissioned by the Labour Party to lead a review of long-term infrastructure planning, advocates "hundreds of school and hospital extensions" that local people can get behind.The success of the London Olympics shows that Britain can build infrastructure punctually if the money and the will are there.

The Economist

Seven-Eleven folk boast that their trucks run even more punctually than Japan's on-time buses.In the same way, Seven-Eleven also helps vendors and manufacturers to control their inventories.

The Economist

The sight of the whizzing "moon" punctually keeping to an announced timetable is superb; but down below, in the world hitherto known as the Soviet sphere (how many familiar terms may now have to be adjusted?), timetables are rare and risky, transit is often slow and inefficient, and even five-year plans sometimes fail to run their predestined course.

The Economist

Most of his aims seem to differ little from Mr Kohl's: a European Union widened to the east; a euro brought in punctually next year in part as a counterweight to the dollar; a common European foreign and security policy, however Utopian that still may seem.

The Economist

Most airlines are now fairly good at delivering passengers safely and punctually to their destination for roughly the same price.In a new book*, Leonard Berry, a professor of marketing at Texas A&M University, claims that investment in food has helped turn Midwest Express Airlines into one of America's two most consistently profitable airlines.

The Economist

So long as they paid tribute punctually, local rulers and local communities were perforce left to govern themselves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A surprising response, since from a passenger perspective it's all about being flown safely and punctually at a reasonable fare.

Independent

Punctually at eight o'clock, Rudi's companions stopped their car at the door of the border-patrol office.

The New Yorker

This great star always arrived punctually on the set.

The New Yorker

As soon as the fantasy theme announces itself in the novel's first section, the reader is put on alert, and is waiting for the next visitation, which arrives punctually.

The New Yorker

Despite Gary's absence, Blastich continues to show up for work punctually — so punctually, in fact, that some people have wondered if he has moved into a storeroom or another low-traffic area on the premises.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine “punctually” with adverbs like “almost” or “very” to add a nuance on the accuracy of the time.

Common error

Avoid using "punctually" in casual conversation or informal writing; it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "on time" or "promptly" in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "punctually" primarily functions to modify verbs, specifying that an action is carried out exactly at the scheduled time. Ludwig shows that it emphasizes adherence to a strict schedule.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "punctually" is an adverb that signifies strict adherence to a schedule, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is grammatically sound and most appropriate for formal or professional communication, as seen in news articles and business documents. While useful for emphasizing timeliness, remember to use simpler alternatives like "on time" or "promptly" in informal settings. Ludwig's AI validates the correct usage of "punctually".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on time

This is the most direct and common synonym, indicating arrival or completion at the expected time.

promptly

Similar to "on time" but can also suggest eagerness or readiness.

at the appointed time

More formal and emphasizes adherence to a prearranged schedule.

according to schedule

Highlights alignment with a planned timeline or itinerary.

without delay

Focuses on the absence of lateness or procrastination.

in a timely manner

Emphasizes efficiency and appropriateness of timing.

sharp

Informal, typically referring to a precise time (e.g., "arrived at 8 o'clock sharp").

right on schedule

Indicates that something is happening exactly when it was supposed to.

by the deadline

Specifically relates to meeting a final submission time.

with precision

Highlights accuracy and exactness, rather than just timeliness.

FAQs

How can I use "punctually" in a sentence?

You can use "punctually" to describe actions done exactly at the expected time. For example, "The meeting started "punctually" at 9 AM."

What are some alternatives to "punctually"?

Alternatives to "punctually" include "on time", "promptly", and "at the appointed time". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality.

Is it better to say "on time" or "punctually"?

Both "on time" and "punctually" indicate timeliness, but "punctually" is more formal. Use "on time" in general contexts and "punctually" when you want to emphasize precision and adherence to a schedule.

What does "punctually" mean?

"Punctually" means acting or arriving exactly at the time appointed; promptly. It emphasizes precision and adherence to schedules.