starts on time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "starts on time" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that an event or activity begins at the scheduled or expected time. Example: "The meeting starts on time, so please be punctual." Alternative expressions include "begins promptly" and "commences on schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 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

"It takes a while to get used to the fact that nothing starts on time here," Mr. Korman said when he saw me.

The New York Times - Travel

I've always had a great fondness for the boot-shaped country and as a Greek, I feel a kinship with a fellow Mediterranean land where someone is always trying to get you to eat something and nothing starts on time.

Huffington Post

The show almost always starts on time.

The New York Times

Whether the 2012-13 starts starts on time — or at all — may depend on their answer.

The New York Times

If the season starts on time, the Knicks will open at the newly renovated Madison Square Garden against the Heat.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Sport

She made sure transatlantic trade talks started on time despite a half-hearted French attempt to block them over the spying scandal.

The Economist

The game started on time and Mendoza finished the first with a flourish when he whiffed Carlos Beltran on a 3-2 pitch.

The New York Times - Sports

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

BBC

Meetings never start on time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the importance of punctuality use synonyms to "starts on time" such as "begins punctually" or "commences as scheduled". This can provide clarity or a tone that suits the context of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "starts on time" when a delay is already known or expected. Instead, acknowledge the delay and provide an estimated start time to manage expectations effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starts on time" functions as a descriptor, indicating the punctuality of an event or activity. It modifies the verb "starts" to specify that the action occurs as scheduled, ensuring clarity about timing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "starts on time" is a grammatically sound and common phrase used to convey that an event begins punctually. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its straightforward usage across various contexts, notably in news and business settings. While simple, its effectiveness in communicating punctuality makes it a valuable phrase. For variety, consider using alternatives such as "begins punctually" or "commences as scheduled" to add nuance or formality. The phrase ""starts on time"" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that an event or activity begins at the scheduled or expected time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is right on time

Simple rewording, using "is" to describe something's status.

begins punctually

Replaces "starts" with "begins" and uses the adverb "punctually" to emphasize timeliness.

promptly begins

Simple rewording, fronting the adverb to stress punctuality.

starts without delay

Emphasizes that something will not be postponed or late when it starts.

commences as scheduled

Substitutes "starts" with "commences" and "on time" with "as scheduled", providing a more formal tone.

begins right on schedule

Similar to "commences as scheduled" but uses more common vocabulary.

kicks off promptly

Uses the idiomatic expression "kicks off" instead of "starts" and "promptly" to convey immediacy.

is scheduled to start punctually

Adds a formal layer by specifying that being punctual is part of the schedule.

gets underway without delay

Replaces "starts" with "gets underway" and emphasizes the absence of lateness.

opens at the appointed hour

Uses more theatrical vocabulary, suggesting a formal opening or beginning.

FAQs

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

You can use "starts on time" to indicate that an event or activity begins at the scheduled or expected time. For example: "The meeting "starts on time", so please be punctual."

What are some alternatives to saying "starts on time"?

You can use alternatives like "begins punctually", "commences as scheduled", or "kicks off promptly" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "starts on time"?

Yes, "starts on time" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate that something begins at the scheduled time.

What does it mean when something "starts on time"?

When something ""starts on time"", it means that it begins at the exact moment it was scheduled to begin, without any delays.