In Time vs On Time – Correct Usage

Hello Readers! Very often in English communication, especially when we want to express our punctuality, we get confused between these phrases, In-Time vs On-Time. We may have observed many times that ‘in time’ is used in various sentences, and ‘on time’ is used in many instances too. So, are both of them correct? When is the phrase ‘in-time’ used? When is ‘on time’ used? We shall discuss all those aspects in this article along with some examples regarding both the types.

In-Time vs On-Time – Correct Usage

To answer in a simple way, ‘in time’ means ‘within the prescribed period’ or ‘not being late’. ‘On-time’, on the other hand, means exactly at the prescribed time without being early or late.

• In-time = Early  / Not being Late
• On-time = Neither early nor late, punctual, exactly at the prescribed time.

Let us see some examples to gain more clarity

1. The train left the railway station on time.
2. I have reached the station in time to catch the train.

In the first example, ‘on-time‘ is used since the train left the station exactly when it should- neither before the prescribed time nor after. The time is set and the departure should happen exactly by that time. 

In the second example, ‘in-time‘ is used because it portrays a meaning that I have reached the station before the departure time of the train. 

In-Time vs On-Time: Example Sentences

In-Time :

1. I have reached the parade arena in time. 
2. Can I reach the examination center in time if I start now?
3. I arrived at the book exhibition in time before they closed it for the day.
4. You’re already running late. You can’t reach the airport in time to catch the flight.
5. She reached home in time to hug and kiss her children before they went to sleep.

On-Time 

1. The train is set to arrive at the station on time. 
2. He received his salary on time this month.
3. That bus reaches the station late more often than on time.
4. They will not allow anyone into the examination center after the exam starts on time at 9:30 AM.
5. he managed to pay all his debts exactly on time this month. 

Hope the “In-Time vs On-Time” conundrum is solved. Make sure you check out – Its vs It’s and Above vs Over

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