Have you heard the phrase “in a timely manner” before? Or maybe you’ve seen it written down in an office memo or report? It is an English phrase that has to do with time and punctuality.
When someone talks about something being accomplished in a “timely manner” they are saying it was done punctually. In this post, we’re going to talk about how to use “in a timely manner” and also look at some alternative ways to “in a timely manner”.
To really understand what the phrase “in a timely manner” means, we need to break it down a bit. The most important word in this phrase that you need to know or understand is “timely”, after which, you need to understand the meaning of “manner”.
Timely is an English word that is usually used as an adjective, it is defined as coming at the right time or happening at the appropriate moment.
Manner, on the other hand, is a noun that is defined as a customary mode of acting or the usual way of acting.
When you place both “timely” and “manner” together, you get the phrase “timely manner” which is defined as doing something within a given period. So, if you accomplish a task in a “timely manner” you did it within the deadline or earlier.
While you can use this phrase in daily conversation, you are more likely to hear it in a business setting or see it in professional correspondence. So, your boss might tell you that you did a good job because you finished your project in a timely manner. Or your co-worker might imply they need you to “hurry up” by sending an e-mail asking if you will finish in a timely manner.
1. On-time
This is the basic meaning of doing something “in a timely manner”, you did it on time.
Example:
The Japanese train system is very efficient. The trains arrive (on time/in a timely manner).
2. In time
This is another way to say that something was done “in a timely manner”. A task was completed “in time” or within the deadline.
Example:
If the filing gets done (in time/in a timely manner) we won’t have to work on Saturday.
3. Appropriate time/moment
These phrases are alternatives to “in a timely manner”. If you are punctual, you did something within the deadline and accomplished it at the right moment.
Example:
This is the appropriate time to release the new product to get maximum sales.
By releasing the product in a timely manner, we will get maximum sales.
4. Promptly
If you do something “promptly”, you accomplished it “in a timely manner”.
Example:
Mary promptly turned over her files, so you can continue the work.
Mary turned over her files in a timely manner, so you can continue the work.
5. Punctually
You can use “punctually” when you mean “in a timely manner”. If you did something “punctually”, you did it in time or within your deadline.
Example:
You made a good impression when you arrived (punctually/in a timely manner) for your interview.
6. On schedule
When someone says that you are “on schedule”, they are saying that a project is going along “in a timely manner”. Tasks are getting performed in a timely manner so the project will be finished on schedule.
Example:
At the rate we are going we will finish on schedule/in a timely manner.
7. When expected
This is similar to “on schedule”. If a project is going along “in a timely manner” it will be finished “when expected.”
Example:
We are in line to launch the new product when (expected/in a timely manner).
8. In good time
This phrase is a bit more informal than the other phrases we’ve talked about so far. You can say that something will be finished “in good time” you are assuring people that something will be accomplished “in a timely manner”.
Example:
It will be done (in a good time/a timely manner)!
9. Bang on time
This is another informal phrase that can be used in place of “in a timely manner”. This is actually an example of British Slang, so you might hear it more if you are working in an area where British English is spoken or if you are interacting with a native British English speaker.
Example:
You are bang on time!
You are through in a timely manner.
10. Spot on time
This is another example of an informal phrase that can be used as an “in a timely manner” alternative. It’s also more commonly heard from British English speakers.
Example:
You were spot on time with that file.
You found that file in a timely manner.
11. On the dot
This is another informal way to imply that something was accomplished or done in a timely manner. If you did something “on the dot” then you did it “in a timely manner” finishing before the deadline.
Example:
The documents were submitted (on the dot/in a timely manner).
12. According to schedule
This is another “in a timely manner” alternative that is commonly used in business settings or in professional correspondence.
Example:
Things are proceeding (according to schedule/in a timely manner). We will meet the projected launch date.
13. In a timely fashion
This is another “in a timely manner” alternative. As you can see, instead of using “manner” you say “fashion” but the meaning is essentially the same, something will be done on time if not earlier than expected.
Example:
We will deliver your order (in a timely fashion/in a timely manner).
14. In due course
This is another way that you can say that a task will be accomplished “in a timely fashion.” You are basically assuring someone that things are coming along nicely and you will meet the deadline.
Example:
The project will be finished (in due course/ in a timely fashion).
15. Within the time limit laid down
Again, this is another way of promising that you will meet the deadline. You are saying that a task will be accomplished within the given time limit.
Example:
Please assure Thomas that we will deliver (within the time limit laid down/in a timely manner).
16. Without delay
When you use this phrase to answer the question “when will you be done?” you are saying that you are working on it and it will be done within the time limit or by the deadline. So, you can also use this when you mean that you will be through “in a timely manner.”
Example:
The project is proceeding quickly and we will be done (without delay/in a timely manner).
17. According to the schedule
Similar to the idea that you are “within the time limit” or “without delay” when you use this phrase you are saying that you will meet the deadline or be finished “in a timely manner”.
Example:
Things are proceeding (according to schedule/in a timely manner).
18. According to the plan
Similar to “according to schedule”, when you say this phrase you say that a project is going to be accomplished within the specified deadline or time limit. The plan is proceeding “in a timely manner”.
Example:
The project is going (according to plan/in a timely manner) and will end in time for us to launch in May.
19. At the appointed time
Another way of saying that a project will be finished within schedule/plan or “in a timely manner”. If a project will be done “at the appointed time”, it will be done within the deadline.
Example:
We will finish (at the appointed time/in a timely manner).
20. Before the deadline
Now, this is another way to say that a project will be done “in a timely manner”. In fact, things are proceeding so nicely, the project might even be finished before the set deadline.
Example:
As John and Mary were able to finish the paperwork early, we will be able to file (before the deadline/in a timely manner).
Conclusion
Being able to communicate clearly with clients, business partners, co-workers, and supervisors is an important skill to have, no matter what career path you choose to take.
If you want to improve your business English, you should try this course on Coursera. It will help you build communication skills in Business English and help you advance in your career and broaden your abilities.
What's another word for in a timely manner?
On-time, In time, Promptly, Punctually, On schedule, When expected, On the dot
Do you say in a timely manner or on a timely manner?
In a timely manner is the correct way to say it.
What does in a timely manner mean?
When someone talks about something being accomplished in a “timely manner” they are saying it was done punctually. In this post, were going to talk about how to use “in a timely manner” and also look at some alternative ways to “in a timely manner”. To really understand what the phrase “in a timely manner” means, we need to break it down a bit. The most important word in this phrase that you need to know or understand is “timely”, after which, you need to understand the meaning of “manner”.
