right on time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "right on time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that arrives or happens at exactly the given time or deadlin,e for example: The train arrived right on time, so I didn't have to worry about missing my appointment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Right on time The focus on literacy is particularly timely.

The Guardian

Right on time.

The New York Times

— ANDREW DAS Right on time.

The New York Times

My 2011 windfall came right on time.

The New York Times

He was, it seemed, right on time.

The New Yorker

Right on time for fashion.

The New York Times

You have to be right on time.

The New York Times - Arts

She's going to be right on time.

The New Yorker

"Right on time," the concierge said.

The New York Times - Travel

The paddlefish roe is right on time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Right on time: 3 40 A.M.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "right on time" when you want to emphasize that something happened or arrived exactly when it was expected, without being early or late.

Common error

While acceptable in many situations, "right on time" can sound too casual for highly formal or professional documents. Opt for alternatives like "punctually" or "at the scheduled time" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "right on time" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate that an action occurred exactly when scheduled or expected. Ludwig's AI confirms its proper grammatical usage, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "right on time" is a versatile adverbial phrase that signifies precise punctuality. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use, and examples show it's common in news, academic, and general contexts. Though typically neutral, avoid it in strictly formal writing. Alternatives include "punctually" or "on schedule" depending on the desired nuance. The phrase is considered grammatically correct and demonstrates a very common frequency of use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perfectly timed

Emphasizes the ideal timing of an event or action.

punctual

Directly indicates adherence to a schedule.

timely

Highlights the appropriateness of the timing, suggesting it's opportune.

on the dot

Emphasizes precise punctuality.

on schedule

Indicates that something is progressing as planned.

promptly

Indicates that an action happened without delay.

at the appointed hour

More formal and literary way to express punctuality.

according to schedule

Similar to "on schedule" but slightly more formal.

in the nick of time

Conveys a sense of narrowly avoiding being late.

not a moment too soon

Highlights the urgency and necessity of the timing.

FAQs

How can I use "right on time" in a sentence?

You can use "right on time" to indicate that something happened exactly as scheduled or expected. For example, "The train arrived "right on time", so we didn't miss our connection."

What's a more formal alternative to "right on time"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "punctually" or "at the scheduled time" instead of "right on time."

Is it okay to use "right on time" in business communication?

While generally acceptable, it depends on the formality of the communication. For very formal settings, alternatives like "promptly" or "as scheduled" might be more appropriate.

What does it mean when someone says something is "right on time"?

It means that the event or action occurred exactly when it was supposed to, neither early nor late. It emphasizes precision and adherence to a schedule.