starting on time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "starting on time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the punctual commencement of an event or activity. Example: "The meeting is scheduled for 9 AM, and we expect everyone to be present, starting on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The visitors had won the toss and elected to field but poor weather prevented the game starting on time.

BBC

"Starting on time is a form of discipline," he said.

The New York Times

The sun's out in Birmingham after last night's deluge, so we should be starting on time at about 10.45am.

The Guardian - Sport

CBS said it was trying everything it could think of to alert fans of "The Good Wife" when the show would not be starting on time.

The New York Times - Arts

But the chances of its match race starting on time against the Cup holder, Alinghi, seems remote as negotiations between the two teams broke down again.

The New York Times

The fact that the voting appears to be starting on time is a tribute to those in Sudan who fulfilled their commitments.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"The ball should have been given to him again, taken back out, making sure the clock starts on time".

The New York Times - Sports

Miraculously, the game started on time and Ongun officiated the match with five stitches in his head.

The Guardian - Sport

Please arrive early; the ceremony will start on time and there is only one entrance into the room.

Johns Hopkins University

The show almost always starts on time.

The New York Times

Meetings never start on time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "starting on time" to emphasize punctuality and respect for others' schedules. For example, "The meeting will be brief, so please plan on "starting on time"."

Common error

Avoid using "starting on time" when the discussion involves duration or completion. For instance, if something needs to be completed on time, do not replace that with "starting on time", as it changes the meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starting on time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by specifying when an action begins. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that an event or activity commences at the scheduled or expected time. Examples show it describing meetings, games, and other scheduled events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "starting on time" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed adverbial phrase that emphasizes punctuality and adherence to schedules. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its validity and widespread use across various contexts, including news, academia, and formal business settings. While synonyms like "commencing on schedule" and "beginning punctually" offer more formal alternatives, "starting on time" remains a versatile and easily understood expression. Remember to use it when stressing the importance of beginning an activity at the designated time, and avoid misusing it in contexts related to duration or completion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning at the scheduled time

Explicitly states that the starting time matches the scheduled time.

beginning punctually

Replaces "starting" with a more formal synonym and emphasizes exactness in timing.

commencing on schedule

Uses a formal verb and noun to highlight adherence to a predetermined timetable.

initiating promptly

Emphasizes immediate action and efficiency in starting.

prompt initiation

Highlights the characteristic of starting quickly without hesitation.

kicking off without delay

An informal alternative that focuses on the absence of any postponement.

getting underway as planned

Highlights that the beginning happened according to the original intention.

launching at the appointed hour

Formal and specific, suggesting a precise and predetermined starting time.

opening right on cue

Implies perfect synchronicity and precision in starting.

on-time commencement

Nominalizes the phrase, focusing on the act of starting punctually as a whole.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "starting on time" in a professional context?

In professional settings, you can use more formal alternatives such as "commencing on schedule", "initiating promptly", or "beginning at the scheduled time" to emphasize punctuality and adherence to plans.

Is it redundant to say "starting exactly on time"?

While "starting on time" already implies punctuality, adding "exactly" reinforces the precision and strict adherence to the scheduled start. It's not necessarily redundant but adds emphasis.

What is the difference between "starting on time" and "starting promptly"?

"Starting on time" indicates adherence to a specific schedule, whereas "starting promptly" suggests beginning without delay. They are similar but "promptly" emphasizes speediness of action.

When should I use "starting on time" vs. "starting ahead of schedule"?

Use "starting on time" when something begins at the designated time. Use "starting ahead of schedule" if the activity begins earlier than planned, highlighting efficiency and preparedness.