Main Difference – In Time vs On Time
In time and on time are two phrases that have similar meanings. However, these two phrases are used in slightly different situations. In time means that something is happening at the last moment or just before the deadline. On time means that something is happening at the specific time. This is the main difference between in time and on time. However, it is important to note that in time connotes a sense of lateness or tardiness since it implies that something happened at the last minute.
This article examines,
1. What Does In Time Mean? – Meaning, Usage and Examples of the phrase In Time
2. What Does On Time Mean? – Meaning, Usage and Examples of the phrase On Time
3. Difference Between In Time and On Time
What Does In Time Mean
In time means that something happened at the last minute, but before it’s too late. Doing something in time means doing it before a deadline or before something bad would have happened. For example, a person who arrives at the airport just in time to catch the flight arrives before the departure of the flight, but he is not exactly punctual. If someone says that the accident victim was taken to the hospital just in time, it implies that the patient would have died if they have gotten late.
He started panicking when he realized that he wasn’t going to make it in time.
I couldn’t submit the assignment in time.
He came back in time for dinner.
They rushed him to the hospital just in time.
In time also have another meaning related to time. It has a similar meaning as eventually. Here, it refers to a specific point in future. For example,
In time, she might discover her hidden powers.
The firefighters arrived just in time.
What Does On Time Mean
The phrase on time indicates punctuality. On time indicates that there is a specific time on when something is expected to or supposed to happen. On time is used when something happens at the specific time. For example, when a person is always on time that means he is punctual. Doing something on time means accomplishing a task exactly on schedule. On time also indicates that you are neither early nor late. For example, if you have a meeting at 4.00 PM, and you arrive at the venue at exactly 4.00PM, then you are on time.
He hardly goes to work on time.
Her flight’s on time; she’ll meet us in 20 minutes.
He arrived on time, exactly at 8’o clock.
They always pay the rent on time.
Difference Between In Time and On Time
Time
In Time means that something is happening at the last minute.
On Time means that something is happening at the specific time.
Punctuality
In Time implies a sense of tardiness.
On Time implies a sense of punctuality.
Eventuality
In Time can mean eventually.
On Time does not mean eventually.
Image Courtesy:
“Be on time for meetings” by gdsteam (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
“Aircraft Rescue Firefighting training” By Manuel F. Guerrero, U.S. Marine Corps – ID 090613-M-2906G-005 (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
