English, German and Spanish grammar, quizzes and linguistic knowledge

in time & on time (difference)

Difference between ‘in time & on time’

Contents

  1. Using ‘in time’ and ‘on time’
  2. Exercise
  3. Further explanations and exercises

How to distinguish between ‘in time’ and ‘on time’

When and how are ‘in time’ and ‘on time’ used?

The English time adverbials in time and on time are often confused when used. Although they sound similar, they have slightly different meanings. For details of where they can appear in a sentence, see adverbials of indefinite time and the grammatical modifier. Compare their usage and the sense they express in the following examples:

  • The expression ‘in time’ is used in the sense of ‘early enough’, which means that there is still some time left:
    • “Will you be ready in time for the meeting?”
    • “I’m awaiting a letter. I hope it will get here in time before the holidays.”
    • “I’m playing tennis this afternoon. I want to be there in time to change.”
    • Information: ‘just in time’ is also often utilised, which means ‘nearly too late’:
      • “I got to the airport just in time to catch my flight.”
  • On the other hand, the phrase ‘on time’ is employed in the sense of ‘punctual’ and refers to a specific point in time, e.g., a time of day:
    • “The next train leaves on time at one o’clock.”
    • “Peter is very reliable. He’s always on time.”
    • “Let’s meet at 11.30 and be there on time, please. This time, I won’t wait.”

Exercise 1 on differentiating between ‘in time’ and ‘on time’

Difference between ‘in/on time’ – drop-down (difficulty: 2 of 5 – rather easy)

Choose the best fitting adverbial for the gaps, either ‘in time’ or ‘on time’.

  • Example: “There was enough food left. We arrived there in time.”

You can check your results with the button below after you have finished. If you still need help with the topic, have another look at the difference of ‘in time’ and ‘on time’.

  1. Could you tell me if the train leaves ?
  2. I almost missed my plane. I got there just .
  3. I sent the package on Thursday so you should receive it .
  4. If we start with the lesson , we will be done by 12 o’clock.
  5. We started and finished . That’s why I’m already here.
  6. You’re just . We’ve almost left without you.
  7. Well, if you get to the job interview , you may be able to talk to the others before.
  8. I’ll see you at eight o’clock. Don’t be late, we have to start .
  9. We don’t need to hurry, we will be there .
  10. Mary and John are so different. She is always late, but he’s always .

Further exercises and explanations related to the use of ‘in/on time’

The following exercises and explanations refer to the use and difference of ‘in time’ and ‘on time’ in English grammar and may also train your skills: