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What are In time and On time? Detailed differentiation between On time and In time!

In time and On time are two phrases that are used a lot in English. However, many people still do not know how to distinguish On time and In time or how to use these phrases in the correct grammar. In this article, PREP will help you solve each of the mentioned problems!

I. What is “on time”?

What is “on time”? “On time” is an English phrase meaning at the arranged or correct time or not late. For example:

The train arrived on time.
She always finishes her assignments on time.
We need to leave now if we want to get to the airport on time.

II. What is “in time”?

What is “in time”? “In time” is an English phrase that means not late, but having enough time to be able to do something. This phrase refers to completing something within the allowed time before something bad happens. For example:

He managed to catch the bus just in time.
She finished her exam in time, even though it was quite challenging.

III. The usage of In time and On time

Let’s find out the usage of On time vs In time with PREP!

	Definition	Usage	Example
On time	At the arranged or correct time or not late	Describe an event that takes place at a pre-planned time.	Borrowers have made continuous on time payments for three or four years.
In time	Not late, with enough time to be able to do something	Describe an event that takes place right at the last moment.	If you don’t hurry up, we won’t be in time to catch the bus.

IV. Differences between In time and On time

Although they both refer to the issue of time, we need to find the difference between In time and On time to avoid basic grammatical errors. Refer to the table below to understand the differences between In time and On time!

Criteria		On time	In time
Similarities		Both On time and In time refer to completion or occurrence at a specific planned or expected time.
Differences	Meaning	Refer to the correct implementation at a specific time, without delay.	Only early implementation enough to not cause problems or negative consequences due to late deadlines.
	Delay	No delays, done exactly according to the scheduled time.	No deadline for completion, but rather about finishing it before something undesirable occurs.
	Example	The train arrived on time, just as scheduled.	She managed to finish her project just in time for the presentation.

V. Synonyms of In time and On time

In English, besides On time or In time to indicate time, we can use other alternative words/phrases to diversify vocabulary and avoid repetition!

1. Synonyms of In time

Synonym	Example
Immediately = Promptly	The package was delivered promptly as they expected it.
With enough time to spare	They managed to arrive at the theater with enough time to spare to find good seats before the movie began.

2. Synonyms of On time

Synonym	Example
Punctually	The meeting started punctually at 9 AM.
As scheduled	The event proceeded as scheduled, without any delays.
According to plan	The project was completed according to the plan, meeting all the milestones.
On the dot	Her presentation started on the dot at 9 AM, and she managed to cover all the key points within the allocated time.

VI. Exercises on In time and On time with detailed answers

Let's practice exercises about On time orr In time with PREP to grasp the knowledge better!

Exercise: Fill On time or In time in the appropriate blanks:

She finished her assignment just _______ for the deadline.
They managed to complete the construction project _______ for the grand opening ceremony.
Please make sure to submit your application forms _______ to be considered for the scholarship.
The flight was delayed, but luckily, we still managed to board the plane _______ for takeoff.
The play started _______, and the audience was captivated from the very beginning.
Despite the heavy traffic, she arrived at the meeting _______.
I got home just _______ – it’s starting to rain.

Answer keys:

in time
in time
on time
in time
on time
on time
in time

Hopefully PREP's article has provided useful information to help Preppies distinguish a pair of words that are easily confused in English: In time and On time. Please regularly visit PREP's website to update the best quality English knowledge!

Master Tu Pham

Founder/CEO at Prep

Founder of Prep Smart Test Preparation Platform. With over 10 years of experience in teaching and test preparation, Mr. Tú has helped thousands of students achieve high scores in the IELTS exam. In addition, Mr. Tú Phạm is also a consulting expert in British Council programs and a speaker at many leading educational events, programs, and conferences.