How to Use "at the time of arrival" in English – Meaning & Examples

Do you sometimes wonder how to describe an action happening exactly when someone or something reaches a destination? In English, we have a clear adverbial phrase for this: at the time of arrival. This phrase is a fantastic way to improve your sentence structure and describe when and where events occur precisely. Understanding how to use adverbial phrases like this can significantly boost your fluency in English. Let’s explore its meaning and learn how to use it naturally.

Table of Contents

• What Does "at the time of arrival" Mean?
• What Type of Adverbial Phrase Is "at the time of arrival"?
• Example Sentences with "at the time of arrival"
• When and How to Use "at the time of arrival"
• Summary and Practice Tip

What Does "at the time of arrival" Mean?

This adverbial phrase of time specifies that something happens exactly when someone or something reaches a destination or point. It's used to indicate a precise moment related to an arrival. Think of it as answering the question "When?". It clearly modifies verbs by telling us when an action occurs. According to Oxford Learner's Dictionaries, "arrival" means "the act of arriving, or the fact of having arrived." This highlights why "at the time of arrival" refers to that specific moment.

More: Mastering 'At That Exact Moment': A Simple Grammar Guide

What Type of Adverbial Phrase Is "at the time of arrival"?

This is an adverbial phrase of time. It describes when an action takes place.

Let's break down its grammatical structure:

• "at": Preposition of time.
• "the": Definite article.
• "time": Noun.
• "of arrival": Prepositional phrase acting as an adjective modifying "time". "arrival" is a noun.

Together, these words form a fixed phrase that acts like an adverb, modifying a verb or an entire sentence.

This phrase most commonly appears at the end of a sentence. However, for emphasis, it can also be placed at the beginning.

Here are common sentence patterns:

• Subject + Verb + [Adverbial Phrase]
  • The passengers must present their passports at the time of arrival.
• [Adverbial Phrase], Subject + Verb
  • At the time of arrival, please proceed directly to customs.

More: Mastering 'Before They Arrived': A Simple Grammar Guide

Example Sentences with "at the time of arrival"

Let's look at some natural sentence examples to help you understand how to use this adverbial phrase effectively. These examples show how to integrate "at the time of arrival" into different contexts.

• All visitors will receive a welcome packet at the time of arrival.
• The hotel staff will confirm your reservation details at the time of arrival.
• Person A: Will we need to fill out any forms for the tour? Person B: Yes, there's a short health declaration form you'll need to complete at the time of arrival.
• Person A: What should I do with my luggage when I get to the hostel? Person B: Just leave it in the lobby; someone will show you to your room at the time of arrival.

More: Mastering 'Just Before the Deadline': A Timely Grammar Guide

When and How to Use "at the time of arrival"

This phrase is generally quite formal, making it suitable for official instructions, travel information, legal documents, or formal speech. You'll often see it in:

• Travel documents: "Please have your visa ready at the time of arrival."
• Instructions: "Payment is due at the time of arrival."
• Formal emails: "We will provide you with further details at the time of arrival."

While "at the time of arrival" is precise, in casual conversation, you might hear simpler alternatives like "when you arrive" or "on arrival". For instance, instead of "Please report to reception at the time of arrival," you might say, "Please report to reception when you arrive."

A common mistake is forgetting the article "the" or the preposition "at." It's "at the time of arrival," not "time of arrival" or "on the time of arrival." Remember the fixed structure. This is a common pitfall for ESL learners focusing on English grammar help.

Summary and Practice Tip

"At the time of arrival" is a precise adverbial phrase of time that helps you describe events happening exactly when someone or something reaches a destination. It's a useful phrase for clear and formal communication, especially in situations involving travel or official procedures. By remembering its fixed structure and meaning, you can avoid common mistakes and enhance your ability to describe when and where actions occur.

Practice Tip: To truly master this adverbial phrase, try writing three sentences of your own using "at the time of arrival." Think about different scenarios: maybe a trip, a delivery, or a guest arriving. Share them with a friend or your English teacher for feedback, or check them with an online grammar tool. Continue to learn English grammar with our other articles on related topics like adverbial phrases of time.