running on time running late

Question

In USA how would you say the following sentences naturally?

1 The appointments are running on time. I'm not running behind schedule yet.

2 The doctor is running late.

3 We are in good time./We're doing good time. If we continue at this rate will will get to NY ahead of schedule.

Thanks in advance

Enoon · Accepted Answer

Anonymous1 The appointments are running on time. I'm not running behind schedule yet.

OK.

Anonymous2 The doctor is running late.

Good.

Anonymous3 We are in good time./We're doing good time. If we continue at this rate will will get to NY ahead of schedule.

"We're making good time." The other two are not used.

Anonymous · Answer

I didn't that 'appointment' could run on time.
I thought only people could run on time.
is appointments or a noun used often with running on time?

Thanks

Enoon · Answer

One appointment can't run on time. It can start on time, and you can be on time for it. The day's appointments, from the point of view of the office, can, however, be running on time, meaning that each one of them is expected not to start late because none has run long yet.

It is hard to think of every possible use for a random turn of phrase (unless you're CalifJim). Things with a schedule can be said to be running on time. (It has been said that whatever you want to say about Mussolini, he did get the Italian trains to run on time.) A single person can't be running on time except insofar as he is in synchrony with his schedule, and even that is a bit tongue-in-cheek, likening the person to a train or something. A person is more likely to be said to be on schedule or behind schedule. A single person can be running late, which is a bit different and just means that he will arrive late at his next destination.

running on time running late

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