start on time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start on time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about the beginning of something. For example: "We should start on time so we don't fall behind schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Meetings never start on time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Play will start on time.

The Guardian - Sport

Meetings did not start on time.

The New York Times

Organizers were pessimistic that Tuesday's event would start on time.

The New York Times

That these White House events never start on time.

The New York Times

Meetings start on time and are effectively chaired.

The Economist

That does not mean the euro cannot start on time.

The Economist

Play is due to start on time at 1pm.

The Guardian - Sport

So we start on time and end on time.

The New York Times

For all of their efforts, it never seemed possible the game would start on time.

The New York Times

But the momentum quickly evaporated when the next season did not start on time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start on time" in announcements or reminders to emphasize the importance of beginning an activity exactly when planned.

Common error

Avoid using "start on time" in a way that creates unnecessary stress or inflexibility. While punctuality is important, allow for reasonable adjustments when unexpected delays occur. Being too rigid can negatively impact team morale.

Linguistic Context

"Start on time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by specifying when an action should occur. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage in indicating punctuality. For example, "Meetings start on time" indicates that meetings should begin at the scheduled hour.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start on time" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize punctuality and adherence to schedules. Ludwig AI indicates that it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. To encourage punctuality, clearly communicate expectations and set detailed agendas. While "start on time" is generally neutral in tone, consider more formal alternatives like "commence as scheduled" or "begin punctually" in professional settings. Avoid being overly rigid; allow for reasonable adjustments when unexpected delays occur.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin punctually

Focuses on the act of beginning and adds emphasis with 'punctually'.

adhere to the start time

Shifts the focus to compliance with the agreed start time.

commence as scheduled

Replaces "start" with "commence" and "on time" with "as scheduled", maintaining a formal tone.

be on schedule from the start

Highlights the importance of being on schedule right from the beginning.

kick off promptly

Uses a more informal and dynamic verb, "kick off", combined with the adverb "promptly".

get going at the designated time

Uses "get going" for a more casual tone instead of "start".

get underway without delay

Emphasizes the absence of delays when starting the event.

launch at the precise moment

Highlights the exactness of the timing using the words "launch" and "precise moment".

open at the appointed hour

Implies a ceremonial start, using a more traditional expression.

initiate without tardiness

Uses a more formal word "initiate" while retaining the same meaning.

FAQs

How can I encourage others to "start on time" for meetings?

Clearly communicate the meeting's purpose, set a detailed agenda, and emphasize that starting promptly respects everyone's time. You can also implement a policy where late attendees miss important updates.

What are some alternative ways to say "start on time" in a professional setting?

In professional settings, you can use phrases like "commence as scheduled", "begin punctually", or "adhere to the start time" to convey the same meaning with a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "start on time" and "start promptly"?

"Start on time" indicates beginning an event or activity at the scheduled or agreed-upon time. "Start promptly" emphasizes that the beginning should occur without any delay, potentially even slightly before the exact scheduled time.

Is it acceptable to use "start on time" in academic writing?

Yes, "start on time" is acceptable in academic writing, especially when discussing schedules, project timelines, or experimental procedures. However, using more formal synonyms like "initiate without tardiness" might be preferable depending on the context and tone of your paper.