Grammar is the backbone of English language. It is essential to use it properly or the sentence turns out to be meaningless. Learning the basics of English grammar is important to make your English knowledge stronger. No matter how good English skills one has, once in a while he/she certainly gets confused with the usage of in and on. Prepositions are small words that are used to link nouns, pronouns, adverbs, adjectives etc. In and on are prepositions of time and place. When referring to time, they denote the days of the week, months, etc. In today’s blog, we will explain the difference between in time and on time.
In Time
In time means doing something before a deadline or before it becomes unavailable or something happened at the last moment before it was too late.
Examples:
She got stuck in traffic and arrived just in time to catch her flight.
The accident victim was seriously injured; they got him to the hospital just in time. Thank God, his life was saved.
I missed the golden opportunity to go to Xavier’s college because I didn’t submit my application in time.
We also use the phrase just in time to highlight something that happened before the deadline.
Example:
I reached the conference room just in time. It was my turn to start the presentation.
We also use the expression – in the nick of the time which highlights something happens in the end/ last moment.
Example:
Often the bomb in the movies is defused in the nick of the time.
On Time:
On time means something like an appointment or a meeting that happens exactly on the expected time that has been set by someone.
Examples:
The interview is scheduled at 11 AM. I got there on time.
The train is scheduled to arrive at 12:30 PM.It is on time.
The test is supposed to start at 01:00.
If I arrive at 11:00 AM, I am on time for the interview. Equally, if the train leaves at 12:30 AM and the test starts at 9 then they are on time.
However, the difference between two is not that much noticeable. In short, In time means to be punctual and on time means before it is too late. The above-mentioned examples of prepositions in time and on time will help you understand the difference. Keep practicing these prepositions and improve your communication skills by using them appropriately. You can study them with the help of an online English guide that will help you improve and develop your English grammar skills.
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