In time vs On time

“In time” and “on time” are both correct, but they do not mean the same thing.

It is a very confusing difference.

But you must know it to avoid making simple mistakes in English.

To learn more, read on.

 

 

“In time” or “on time”?

“In time” is such a common phrase in English that, if you really wanted to, you could find at least a dozen different ways to modify it and use in different situations.

But that is unnecessary for this article. To avoid confusion, I will keep it short and concise to help you learn the most important parts.

“In time” has three distinct meanings I think are important to know and I will cover them in this article.

“On time” only has one meaning. It is pretty easy to understand on its own.

The only tricky part is not to confuse it with “in time”.

After reading this post, you should have a good understanding of how they are used and will be able to use them more effectively.

 

In time

Here are a few ways that you can use “in time”. There are many more, but these three should be enough as an introduction to the phrase.

 

Meaning #1: Before it is too late

When something happens before it is too late, you can say that it happened “in time“.

We say it to indicate that something happened early enough to be possible.

It happened before something else has begun or ended.

If is implied that if the thing had happened a little later, it would no longer be possible.

We ran to be in time for the bus. (= before it drove away) He worked hard to complete his essay in time. (= before the deadline) I got home early because I wanted to be in time for the show. (= before the show started) I hope we can get to the airport in time for our flight. (= before the plane takes off) The police arrived in time to save an innocent life. (= before someone died)

 

Meaning #2: At the last possible moment

Very similar to the previous one, but with an added emphasis.

To emphasise that something happened at the last possible moment, we would often say “just in time“.

If it happened even a moment later, it would be too late.

Brandon got just in time for the party. (= the party started immediately after he arrived) Paramedics arrived just in time to save his life. (= at the last possible moment) On a normal day I get home at about 11pm, just in time for bedtime. (= because I cannot stay up any longer) Our delivery arrived just in time for Christmas. (= because it was needed)

 

Meaning #3: Eventually

This meaning is unique.

When you want to say that something will inevitably happen one day, sometime in the future, you can use “in time“.

There is an expectation that when enough time has passed, a process of change will occur and the thing you are talking about will also change.

The town is not big, but that could change in time. (= it could become bigger in the future) Inflammation can, in time, progress to a disease that requires treatment. (= it could eventually worsen) Things have been difficult at my job. I hope they improve in time. (= eventually become better) He is not very good at his job, but this is only because he is new. He will get better in time. (= he will eventually learn his job)

 

On time

Here is how you can use “on time”. There is only one meaning, so you should find it easy to remember.

 

Meaning #1: Not late

This is very similar to “in time”, but with a very important distinction.

When something happens “on time”, it means that it happened at the previously agreed time. It did not happen too late.

Think about punctuality: you have agreed to be present at a place at a previously agreed time, for example, 12:00pm.

If you are arrive at 12:00pm or a few minutes early, then you are on time.

If you are late and arrive past 12:00pm, then you are not on time anymore.

Dress well and be at work on time. (= do not be late) The morning train did not arrive on time and I was late to work. (= the train was late) Good tenants who pay their rent on time are highly sought after. (= who make payments by the due date)