VOA名师答疑2023--On Time or In Time?

On Time or In Time?

Hi there! This week on Ask a Teacher, we will answer a question about the difference between "in time" and "on time?"

Question:

Dear VOA,

What is the difference between "in time" and "on time?" I appreciate that you can help me understand them. I'm looking forward to seeing your answer.

Have a great day,

Nguyen

Answer

Thanks for this great question, Nguyen! Both "on time" and "in time" have to do with being punctual¹ and deadlines. Sometimes people use these expressions interchangeably, but they are different. And "in time" has a few more uses.

Let's look at each one.

On time

"On time" is an expression that includes a preposition² (on) and a noun³ (time). If something is "on time" it arrives at or by an exact time or deadline. It is not late. You can think of "on time" as when something happens. And if it happens at that exact time, then it is "on time."

Jordan did not submit⁴ her homework on time, so she received 5 points off.

The train is always on time so I am never late to work.

Let's move onto "in time."

In time

"In time" is also an expression that includes a preposition (in) and the noun "time." Like "on time," it is used to talk about deadlines and times.

It means⁵ early enough or not too late for something to happen. Often, we use it to talk about something in relation to another event or thing using another preposition "for" after the expression.

Even though my train was late, I got to work in time for the meeting.

We made it home in time to watch our favorite show.

"In time" is also used two other ways.

In music, "in time" means to keep a rhythm⁶ or speed.

The tap dancer was able to keep time with the musicians.

Words in This Story

punctual – adj. doing something at the expected time

rhythm – n. a regular, repeated pattern of sounds or movements

1 punctual   

adj.严格守时的；正确的，精确的；点状的

参考例句：

• I have to go now because I must be punctual for class.我现在不得不走了，因为我得准时去上课。
• If you are punctual you are not late.如果你严守时间，你就不会迟到。

2 preposition   

n.介词

参考例句：

• You should cancel this preposition in the sentence.你应该删去句子中的这个介词。
• We use different preposition to talk about time,days,months and seasons.我们用不动的介词来谈论时间，日，月和季节等。

3 noun   

n.名词

参考例句：

• What kind of noun is this?这是哪类名词？
• This word is a collective noun.这个词是个集体名词。

4 submit   

vi.(to)屈服，听从vt.呈送，提交；主张

参考例句：

• He was losing the fight but he would not submit. 他战败了,但不屈服。
• I will not submit to such treatment. 我不甘心忍受这样的待遇。

5 means   

n.方法，手段，折中点，物质财富

参考例句：

• That man used artful means to find out secrets.那人使用狡猾的手段获取机密。
• We must get it done by some means or other.我们总得想办法把它干完。

6 rhythm   

n.韵律；节奏

参考例句：

• He has an ear for the rhythm of Irish speech.他对爱尔兰语的节奏很敏感。
• His poem has a pleasing rhythm.他的诗有和谐的韵律。