Both expressions concern timing, but they focus on different things.
The idea
On time means at the planned or agreed time. In time means early enough for an event or to do something; it may be just before it.
Examples
- The train arrived on time.
- We arrived in time to catch the ferry.
- The meeting started on time.
- She got home in time for dinner.
- Please deliver the cake on time.
- They stopped in time to avoid the puddle.
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Watch out
Do not assume in time means exactly at the scheduled time: arriving before a ferry leaves can be enough.
Try it yourself
Choose the best option. The show began exactly as scheduled, ___ . (on time / in time)
Show answer or example answer
on time
on time: the show began at its scheduled hour.
Choose the best option. We reached the cinema ___ to see the opening scene, just before it began. (on time / in time)
Show answer or example answer
in time
in time: arrival was early enough to see the beginning.
Choose the best option. The parcel was delivered at the agreed hour, ___ . (on time / in time)
Show answer or example answer
on time
on time: the delivery matched the agreed hour.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the best option. The show began exactly as scheduled, ___ . (on time / in time)
Choose the best option. We reached the cinema ___ to see the opening scene, just before it began. (on time / in time)
Choose the best option. The parcel was delivered at the agreed hour, ___ . (on time / in time)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Write about a punctual service and a time when you arrived early enough to do something.