On Time or In Time?

Hi there! This week on Ask a Teacher, we will answer a question about the difference between "in time" and "on time?"

Question:

Dear VOA,

What is the difference between "in time" and "on time?" I appreciate that you can help me understand them. I'm looking forward to seeing your answer.

Have a great day,

Nguyen

Answer

Thanks for this great question, Nguyen! Both "on time" and "in time" have to do with being punctual and deadlines. Sometimes people use these expressions interchangeably, but they are different. And "in time" has a few more uses.

Let's look at each one.

On time

"On time" is an expression that includes a preposition (on) and a noun (time). If something is "on time" it arrives at or by an exact time or deadline. It is not late. You can think of "on time" as when something happens. And if it happens at that exact time, then it is "on time."

Jordan did not submit her homework on time, so she received 5 points off.

The train is always on time so I am never late to work.

Let's move onto "in time."

In time

"In time" is also an expression that includes a preposition (in) and the noun "time." Like "on time," it is used to talk about deadlines and times.

It means early enough or not too late for something to happen. Often, we use it to talk about something in relation to another event or thing using another preposition "for" after the expression.

Even though my train was late, I got to work in time for the meeting.

We made it home in time to watch our favorite show.

"In time" is also used two other ways.

In music, "in time" means to keep a rhythm or speed.

The tap dancer was able to keep time with the musicians.

Faith Pirlo wrote this lesson for VOA Learning English.

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punctual – adj. doing something at the expected time

rhythm – n. a regular, repeated pattern of sounds or movements