run on time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "run on time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something happening at or by a certain time that it is meant to occur. For example: "The train runs on time so it will arrive at the station at 4:15."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will India's bullet train run on time?

BBC

After all, no one ever complains when the trains run on time.

Columbia University

And trains nearly always run on time.

Independent

The trains run on time.

The New York Times

They even run on time.

The Guardian - Travel

"The elevators run on time.

The New York Times

Getting trains to run on time is.

The New York Times

He made trains run on time.

The New York Times - Books

And yes, French trains still run on time.

The Economist

Swiss trains do not always run on time.

The Economist

And they want trains that run on time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To further enhance clarity, specify the entity that "run on time" to make the sentence easier to read and understand, such as, "the train will "run on time"".

Common error

Ensure that the verb form agrees with the subject. It's a common mistake to use the singular form "runs on time" with plural subjects like "trains". The correct usage is "trains "run on time"" for plural subjects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run on time" functions primarily as a predicate in sentences, describing the state or action of a subject adhering to a schedule. Ludwig AI highlights its use in various contexts to indicate punctuality and reliability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "run on time" is a versatile expression used to describe the punctuality and adherence to schedules of various entities, from trains to meetings. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. It functions primarily as a predicate, communicating that something is happening as planned and is found most frequently in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral register. Common synonyms include "be on schedule" and "adhere to the schedule". By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and common usage, you can effectively incorporate "run on time" into your writing to convey reliability and punctuality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be on schedule

Describes the state of being on time according to a set plan.

be punctual

Focuses on the characteristic of being on time rather than the action or process.

keep to time

Focuses on maintaining the planned timing of an event or process.

adhere to the schedule

Emphasizes following a pre-determined timetable.

stick to the schedule

Similar to 'adhere to the schedule', but with a slightly more informal tone.

operate on schedule

Specifically relates to systems or processes that are planned to occur at certain times.

proceed as planned

Highlights that an activity is progressing without delays or alterations.

meet the deadline

Highlights the completion of a task by the specified end time.

be timely

Emphasizes that something is done or happens at the appropriate or expected time.

turn up on time

Specifically related to arriving at a place when you are supposed to.

FAQs

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

You can use "run on time" to describe events, schedules, or processes that adhere to a planned timetable. For example, "The project is expected to "run on time", ensuring delivery by the deadline."

What's the difference between "be on time" and "run on time"?

"Be on time" generally refers to arriving or being ready at a scheduled moment, whereas "run on time" indicates that an event, process, or schedule is proceeding according to plan. You can say "The train will "be on time"" (it will arrive as scheduled). Or "the show will "run on time"" (it will proceed as scheduled).

What can I say instead of "run on time"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "be on schedule", "adhere to the schedule", or "proceed as planned".

Is it correct to say "runs on time"?

Yes, "runs on time" is grammatically correct, but it should be used with a singular subject. For example, "The train runs on time". If the subject is plural, such as "trains", the correct form is "run on time."