stayed on time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stayed on time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something occurred as scheduled or within the expected timeframe. Example: "The train stayed on time despite the weather conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Officials from the Formula One Association said the project, which will be officially unveiled on Tuesday, has stayed on time and on budget.

The New York Times

The audience was appreciative that the section stayed on time.

Animal Health Research Reviews

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

From the nightmare task scheduling a trade, be it a plumber, an electrician, or a carpenter, to getting fair and accurate estimates that stay on-time and in budget, the industry needs a total makeover.

Huffington Post

But I stayed on; by the time I left, it was nearly dusk.

The New York Times - Travel

Yet ever mindful of her image, the new governor did her best to stay on time and on point during one important photo opportunity.

The New York Times

Clark stayed on as a full-time domestic employee.

Forbes

While Olbermann is a natural anchor, Matthews struggles with its basic mechanics — staying on time, not talking into breaks.

The New York Times

"Many senators, men and women, have traveling aides that help them stay on time and carry materials for meetings," said Dean Pagani, a spokesman for Ms. Hutchison.

The New York Times

The judges are instructed to see if the storytellers stay on time and on topic and, most important, if they have something compelling to say.

The New York Times - Arts

"The governor has made it clear to me that this project must stay on time and on budget," James Weinstein, the executive director of New Jersey Transit, wrote in a statement.

The New York Times

Some of them are moved by nostalgia for the Dinky and others by practical concerns, like the difficulty a bus system would face in staying on time while navigating the often-crowded streets of Princeton.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stayed on time", ensure it's clear what specific schedule or deadline is being referenced to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "The project stayed on time despite the challenges."

Common error

Avoid using "stayed on time" when referring to general progress without a defined schedule. Instead of saying "The research stayed on time", which is vague, specify "The research stayed on schedule with the initial milestones."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stayed on time" functions as a predicate, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate adherence to a schedule or timeline. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stayed on time" is a grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something adhered to a planned schedule. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is acceptable in written English. While not extremely common, it appears in a variety of contexts, including news reports and project updates. Alternative phrases like "remained punctual" or "adhered to the schedule" can be used for stylistic variation. When using this phrase, ensure the reference to a specific schedule or deadline is clear to avoid vagueness. While functional and easily understood, it tends to be employed in neutral settings, and more professional options might be preferred in formal or scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained punctual

Replaces "stayed" with "remained" and "on time" with "punctual", emphasizing adherence to a schedule.

adhered to the schedule

Emphasizes compliance with a predefined schedule.

met the deadline

Focuses on completing something by a specific time limit.

kept to the timetable

Uses "timetable" instead of "time", highlighting adherence to a structured plan.

maintained the pace

Implies keeping up with a required speed or rhythm.

progressed as planned

Focuses on the overall advancement aligning with initial projections.

followed the itinerary

Specifically refers to adhering to a pre-defined route or agenda.

stuck to the plan

Highlights remaining committed to the established strategy.

operated as scheduled

Highlights an event or procedure that occurred as expected.

didn't fall behind

Conveys avoidance of delays or lagging in progress.

FAQs

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

When something "stayed on time", it means it adhered to the planned schedule or deadline. It indicates that events or tasks occurred as expected, without delays.

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

You can use "stayed on time" to describe projects, events, or processes that followed their planned timeline. For example, "The construction project "stayed on time" despite unexpected weather conditions."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "remained punctual", "adhered to the schedule", or "met the deadline" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "stayed on schedule" or "stayed on time"?

"Stayed on schedule" and "stayed on time" are often interchangeable. However, "stayed on schedule" might be more appropriate when referring to a complex project with multiple steps, while "stayed on time" might be used for simpler events or tasks.