Introduction
The words ‘on time’ and ‘in time’ are frequently used in our daily lives when we arrange our activities and create plans. These are a part of prepositions in the English language. A preposition is said to be a word used to link a noun, pronoun, or phrase to other words in a sentence. They serve as a connection between people, objects, time, and location of a sentence. Prepositions are usually brief words that are positioned immediately before nouns.
The words ‘on time’ and ‘in time’ may seem similar in meaning at first but they are used in very different senses in a sentence. They are often used in place of each other, but they are not the same thing. We use the expression ‘on time’ to mean at a specific time, while ‘in time’ refers to early enough or before the time.
"On time" denotes that something occurs at the scheduled time, even if there is a specified moment when it is meant to or expected to occur. We use it most commonly when we are talking about things like- schedules, trains, buses, etc. The word "punctual" is used to describe someone who consistently arrives on time for meetings and other commitments.
For Ex-
- If a bus was supposed to arrive at 5 p.m. and it arrives at the scheduled time then we say that the bus is on-time.
In contrast, we say something happened "in time" if we wish to talk about something that occurred before it was too late. Then perhaps horrible things would happen. So, if there is a deadline for something, the phrase "in time" is utilized. We claim that you were "out of time" if you missed the deadline.
For Ex-
- She was not able to get into her dream school because she failed to fill the application in time.
- We arrived just in time at the station to catch our train, otherwise, we would have missed it.
Thus, it is important to understand the difference between the two phrases so that we can use them accurately.
On-Time vs In Time
The expression ‘on time’ is used when we are talking about a particular point in time when something is expected or supposed to happen and it will take place according to the specified time. It is a term we employ while discussing plans and schedules. The phrase "on time" denotes that something or someone is neither early nor late.
For Ex-
- She reaches the office always on time.
- I like to reach on time everywhere.
- My friends are never on time when I meet them.
In contrast, the expression ‘in time’ means when something happens just in time, it signifies that it happened just in time to prevent anything bad from happening or before it was too late. It means not too late or eventually at the last moment before it gets late.
For Ex-
- I reached just in time for the dinner.
- Hailey reached just in time for the exam.
- They got him to the hospital just in time, otherwise, he could have been in a critical situation.
Difference Between On-Time and In-Time in Tabular Form
| Parameters of comparison | On-Time | In Time |
| Definition | On-time refers to when something is scheduled or anticipated to occur at a specific time and takes place, it is said to be on time or timely. | ‘In time’ refers to when something just happens before it is too late to happen or there is some time left to spare. |
| Denotes | It depicts the punctuality of an individual or an event. | It shows how a person can be slow and procrastinate till the end moment. |
| Commonly used for | We often use this phrase when we want someone to arrive ‘on time’ at a place like meetings, events, functions, etc. | This phrase is used to depict the strictness of a deadline. It can be a deadline for an assignment, project, etc. |
| Examples | The meeting started on time.The wedding will start around 8 pm, please be on time.Please meet me on time tomorrow. | He arrived just in time for the movie.Prerna didn’t get the admission as she did not apply in time.Father came back just in time for the dinner. |
What is ‘On Time’?
On-time is an adjective that denotes timeliness, or the occurrence of an event as per the routine or plan. When something happens, arrives, or is provided at the scheduled or anticipated time and is not late, this expression is used. It reflects a sense of punctuality and regularity when used in a sentence either for an individual or an event. This phrase is mostly used for obligations or duties like a work meeting, boarding a train or bus, or forming a timetable. Doing something on time means completing a task exactly on time.
Let’s understand the concept of using ‘on time’ in a sentence. How to use this phrase.
For ex- if you have to attend an event at 5:00 pm and you arrive exactly at 5 pm, then you are said to be on time.
- We left for the café on time.
- I will reach the workshop at 1 pm, be on time.
- The flight was delayed today, usually, it is on time.
- The train is on time.
- If someone arrives at the scheduled time of 3 pm for a job interview, the interview begins as arranged at 3 pm. So, we can say that the candidate arrived "on time" for the interview and that it began "on time."
- If Rohan’s school starts at 8:00 am and he always arrives at or before 8 am, thus he can say that he is always on time for school.
- She had to get to work on time.
- Suppose, you promised to meet your best friend at a restaurant at 7 pm and you are sure that you will reach before or exactly at 7 pm, hence you can call your friend and say ‘I am going to be on time to meet you!’.
- Malika always pays the rent and electricity bills on time.
- The exam starts at 11 am students must be on time.
- You always come late for the meetings, please be on time.
- The show is not on time, the broadcast is going to be a little late.
- Maria arrived on time for her first job interview.
- Please be on time for Christmas celebrations this year.
- People will have a good impression of you if you always arrive on time everywhere.
- I have an appointment with a dentist, but I’ll try to be on time for your ceremony.
- You should always be on time for important meetings.
- The tenants always pay the rent on time.
- All students are requested to submit the assignments on time.
- She won’t be able to complete the file on time, it is very lengthy.
- Your parcel has arrived on time.
What is ‘In Time’?
It is almost similar yet different from what ‘on time’ means. It refers to the occurrence of a last-minute event before it is too late. We say to do something ‘in time’, it must be done before a deadline or before a negative event occurs. Hence, in some cases, you can be ‘in-time’ if you are not ‘on time’. This phrase emphasizes the fact that you do not have enough time between the occurrence of an event and the current point of time, to avoid you being late. The usages of this phrase depict the tardiness or laziness of an individual and that they are not punctual with the deadlines. We often use ‘in time’ for deadlines such as a project’s deadline, etc.
There are several examples through which we can understand the concept of using ‘in time’ in a sentence structure. They are as follows:
- I arrived just in time for the movie.
- My mother said to come home just in time for dinner.
- They carried him to the hospital just in time. Here ‘in time’ implies that if they were late by a few seconds the victim would have died.
- This phrase can also be used to indicate something that happened just before a deadline. For ex- Due to a terrible jam, she arrived just in time for her flight.
- Will you be able to complete this assignment in time?
- We arrived just in time for the meeting.
- Shelly arrived in time to have a break before the meeting. This depicts that she has enough extra time before a meeting that she can take a break.
- I and my friends made it to the party in time.
- The phrase ‘in time’ is also used in connection with ‘on time’ sometimes, in a situation when you are not ‘on time’ for something but just ‘in time’ for it.
For ex- My class didn’t start on time this morning, but I arrived for the assembly just in time.
- Karina couldn’t submit the assignment in time; thus, her marks were deducted.
- You came just in time; I was going to start the class.
- I arrived in time to have some tea before the meeting started.
- Ken came to watch the concert in time.
- The construction was completed in time for the opening.
Main Differences Between On-Time and In-Time (In Points)
- We use ‘on time’ when something takes place according to its scheduled time or place. Whereas ‘in time’ is used when an event occurs just before it is too late or soon enough.
- The phrase ‘on time’ demonstrates the quality of punctuality or being according to the schedule planned. While ‘in time’ may indicate tardiness or procrastination of an individual for whom it is used in the sentence.
- ‘On time’ is mostly used for obligations or duty-related events, we say you must be "on time" when you must arrive at a location or report for duty at a specific time. But, ‘in time’ is used when you must finish something within a specific time limit, "in time" is usually associated with deadlines.
- ‘In time’ examples-
- I arrived just in time for the class.
- She was stuck in traffic but still arrived in time for the dinner party.
- Greg arrived just in time for the lecture.
- ‘On time’ examples-
- We reached the hospital on time.
- I am usually on time for important meetings.
- My class started on time.
Conclusion
In and on are the prepositions of time that depict the days, weeks, etc. Thus, combining it with the word ‘time’ to express the specificity of time helps us to be more particular while writing a sentence. This article helps you to understand the basic introduction to ‘on time’ and ‘in time’ along with its main differences.
Punctuality is implied by the word on time. When something is on time, it means that there is a precise time at which it is anticipated or intended to occur. When something occurs at the predetermined time, we say it was on time.
For Ex-
- Please be on time for tomorrow’s meeting, I don’t want anyone to be late.
- Why can’t you ever be on time?
- My father is always on time.
In-time denotes a last-minute event that occurred before it was too late. When something is completed on time, it signifies that it was completed before the time limit or before a negative event occurred.
For Ex-
- I reached just in time for the annual event.
- The teacher came just in time as the class was going to be over.
- My friend just in time as I was just going to sleep.
- Rita arrived just in time for her friend's wedding.
We might get confused while using ‘in time’ and ‘on time’ as they both have quite a similar meaning. But there are a few circumstances where these two expressions are used differently. ‘In time’ denotes that something is occurring just before the deadline or at the last second. When something occurs as scheduled, it is said to be ‘on time’. Between being in-time and being on time, this is the primary distinction.
References
- https://english.eagetutor.com/spoken-english-grammar/difference-between-in-time-and-on-time
- https://livexp.com/blog/in-time-or-on-time-the-difference-and-examples/?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=%2Fblog%2Fin-time-or-on-time-the-difference-and-examples%2F
- https://www.espressoenglish.net/english-prepositions-difference-between-in-time-and-on-time/
- https://www.callanschool.info/en/free-english-resources/diferencia-entre-in-time-y-on-time-en-ingles
- https://www.woodwardenglish.com/lesson/on-time-in-time-difference/
