“In a timely manner” is a classic expression that you can find in many formal contexts. This expression conveys a sense of things happening on time. There are other ways to express this sentiment, however. This article will explore some alternatives that you can use.
Other ways to say “in a timely manner” are “on time”, “in time” and “at the proper time”. All three of these expressions mean the same thing as “in a timely manner”. These are also very simple and easy to learn expressions. This means that they are worth memorizing.
1. On Time
“On time” is a great expression to use instead of “in a timely manner”. By using “on time”, you’re letting the person know you want something to happen when it’s supposed to. Furthermore, “on time” is a very practical expression. With just two words, you’ve transmitted your message.
The Cambridge Dictionary defines “on time” as “happening or done at the particular moment that it was expected to happen or be done”. If something happens “on time”, it happened when it needed to happen.
“On time” is also one of the most popular ways to express that you want something to happen punctually. In fact, it’s arguably the most popular way to express that wish.
Here are a couple of example sentences that will show you how you can use “on time” with ease:
- If he arrives on time then we’ll be able to start the whole operation without problems.
- I think that she’s going to get here on time, and that we’ll be able to have dinner.
2. In Time
“In time” is yet another fantastic alternative to “in a timely manner”. If you’ve wondered how to say “in a timely manner” in a more efficient way, wonder no more. This expression is sure to get the job done, and transmit your message with minimal effort.
The Cambridge Dictionary defines “in time” as “early enough”. If something is “early enough”, that means that it will happen when it needs to, with time to spare. Therefore, “in time” is a valuable alternative.
By using “in time”, you’re letting people know that you want something to happen with time to spare. This will make it so that your schedules are more flexible and relaxed.
These examples will show you how you can make use of “in time”:
- I’ll arrive there in time for the ceremony to begin, and there will be no issues.
- I think they’re getting here in time because it’s tomorrow but the package’s arriving today.
3. At The Proper Time
Another way to say “in a timely manner” is to say “at the proper time”. By using “at the proper time”, you’re emphasizing the required time for everything. Therefore, you’re giving weight to the fact that everything has to happen at a specific moment.
“At the proper time” is a great synonym to use instead of “in a timely manner”. It conveys a very similar idea. This means that you can replace the latter with the former.
Here are some email examples to showcase how you can use” at the proper time” formally:
- Dear Mr. Hickman
- I have scheduled the delivery, and the package should arrive at the proper time now.
- Cheers,
- D. Slott
- Dear Ms. Frost
- I have rescheduled your flight so that you’ll arrive at the proper time for the wedding.
- Let me know if anything else comes up,
- J. Gray
4. As Soon As Possible
“As soon as possible” is a good phrase to replace “in a timely manner”. Sometimes “in a timely manner” is used to mean “whenever you’re able to”. In these situations, “as soon as possible” is the perfect replacement phrase. It conveys the feeling of something happening urgently.
“As soon as possible” is a good expression to use in situations where you want something to happen very soon. In these cases, this phrase will remind the person that you need urgent action.
“As soon as possible” is often abbreviated as “ASAP”. This abbreviation is not necessarily informal, depending on the workplace. However, it’s best to just leave it unabbreviated, just in case.
Here are some email examples that will teach you how to use “as soon as possible”:
- Dear Mr. Starlin
- I would appreciate it if you sent me last year’s tax records as soon as possible.
- Cheers,
- M. Mann
- Dear Mr. North
- Please forward the meeting emails to my work account as soon as possible, thank you.
- Salutations,
- D. Hope
5. Punctually
“Punctually” is a great word that can replace the expression “in a timely manner”. “Punctually” is a fantastic replacement because it’s a very well-known word. This means that you can use it and be certain that people know what you’re asking for.
The Cambridge Dictionary defines “punctually” as “at the expected or correct time and not late”. It’s easy to see from this definition why “punctually” is a great replacement for “in a timely manner”.
Here are some example sentences that will showcase how you can easily use “punctually”:
- He arrived there punctually, so there weren’t any issues in terms of timing or scheduling.
- We’ll get there punctually as long as our plane manages to depart on time.
6. On Schedule
“On schedule” is another good phrase to use instead of “in a timely manner”. It’s particularly appropriate for situations in which you have a literal schedule that you want to follow. However, you don’t need to have a literal schedule to be able to use “on schedule”.
This is because “on schedule” can refer to a literal schedule, but also a figurative one. By saying “on schedule”, all you’re implying is that you need something to happen at a certain time.
“On schedule” is a fairly formal expression, as naturally workplaces tend to use schedules quite a lot. You’ll bump into this phrase in those contexts often.
Here are a couple of examples that are sure to teach you how to use “on schedule” properly:
- I believe that our next guest is on schedule so I’ll tell her to go forward with the segment.
- Today’s speech is on schedule and it’s about to happen in the next five minutes.
7. At The Right Time
“At the right time” is another phrase that can replace “in a timely manner”. This phrase is particularly useful because it cleanly communicates that something needs to happen at a given time. “At the right time” can be interchanged with “in a timely manner” in many contexts.
Using “at the right time” implies that there is also a “wrong time”. This lends importance and high stakes to your request that something happen at a specific time.
These are some email examples that will show you how you can use “at the right time”:
- Dear Mr. Wolfman
- If the plan goes off without a hitch, and we lock the interview at the right time, we’ll be ok.
- Cheers,
- D. Waters
- Dear S. Goodman
- I would like the reveal to occur at the right time, not a second later or a second earlier.
- Thank you,
- M. Moore
8. Dead On Time
“Dead on time” is another great expression that you can use instead of “in a timely manner”. “Dead on time” is a fairly idiomatic expression, and yet it’s not entirely informal. There are many workplaces in which “dead on time” is an appropriate expression to use.
By using “dead on time”, you’re emphasizing how something needs to happen at a very specific and definite time. This is an extra useful expression because of the precision it implies.
Here are some example emails that will show you how you, too, can make use of “dead on time”:
- Dear Ms. Way
- I know we’ll get an update dead on time, I’ll send it to you when I get it.
- Don’t worry,
- C. Pine
- Dear Ms. Morrison
- My new computer just arrived, dead on time, so now I can really get the project going.
- I’ll keep you updated,
- O. Munn
9. Bang On Time
“Bang on time” is another expression that you can easily use instead of “in a timely manner”. “Bang on time” is quirky, and yet it implies a level of precision other alternatives do not. “Bang on time” is perfect for when you really want to emphasize a specific moment.
When someone uses “bang on time”, they’re talking about something happening exactly when it must. This is what makes it such a valuable expression, because it talks about a very specific moment.
These example sentences will teach you how to use “bang on time” without issues:
- I’ll arrive there bang on time and we’ll get the session started when I do so.
- Bang on time she came in through the door, and revealed that we’d received a letter.
10. Promptly
“Promptly” is a great word, and one that can be used instead of “in a timely manner”. The word “promptly” implies that something will happen or has happened when it was supposed to. It’s a very valuable term to memorize because of how accurate it can be.
According to The Cambridge Dictionary, “promptly” means “quickly, without delay, or at the arranged time”. It’s easy to see why it can replace “in a timely manner”.
These examples are a good way to learn how to use “promptly” in your own sentences:
- I will promptly have a meeting with them to sort out this mess.
- You should get this done promptly so that we can progress.
Is “In a Timely Manner” Formal?
“In a timely manner” is a perfectly formal expression, appropriate for work. You can always use “in a timely manner” in a formal environment, without fear of it being inappropriate. “In a timely manner” is one of the most formal ways to ask for something to happen on time.