「時間裡」 versus 「時間上」

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Hello, E-Speller friends, today we will learn about two very confusing phrases, "in time" and "on time". Hopefully, after this lesson, you will never misuse these two phrases again.

"On time" implies there is a set time for something to happen. In others words, whenever there is a specific time point, use "on time"

For example:

• Please have the report done on time. (There is a specific deadline)
• The show starts at 8 pm, please be on time.
• The plane is scheduled to land on time.

On the other hand, "In time" implies the timing is set by an event rather than a certain time.

For example:

• "I will get to the train in time" means "I will get to the train soon enough to catch it".

So you can be "in time" for something but not "on time" according to the scheduled time.

• I was not on time for work but I got there just in time for the meeting. (If work started at 9 am but the meeting started at 9:30 am).
• I was not on time for the party but I got there just in time to see him before he left. (The party started at a certain time that I missed but even though I was late for the party I got to see him before he left.)
• We left in time to catch the midnight show but the traffic was really bad so we were not on time for the show.
• The plane was scheduled to leave at 9 am. We were not on time for the plane but because it was delayed we got there just in time to get on.

They can also be used interchangeably sometimes:

• I will not be in/on time for work.
• I handed in my application in/on time.

Just in Time

• You can say "just in time" but not "just on time".
• I got there just in time. NOT I got there just on time.

Heres a test I found so you can practice. Please find it at the end of the article. And I will reveal the answers next time!

Quiz:

1. I made it to the airport ____ time to catch the plane.
2. The bus was late this morning but it is usually ____ time.
3. The film was supposed to start at 8.30 but it didnt begin ___ time.
4. I like to get up ____ time to have a big breakfast before going to work.
5. We want to start the meeting ___ time, so please dont be late.
6. Ive just washed this shirt. I want to wear it this evening, so I hope it will be dry ____ time.
7. I was almost late for the meeting, but I got there ____ time.
8. I nearly forgot that it was Joes birthday. Fortunately I remembered ____ time.
9. Why are you never ____ time? You always keep everybody waiting.
10. I got home ____ time to see the ping pong match.

I have to go so I can get to work on time!

Bye!

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栗子的知乎答案索引：栗子樹

栗子的微信公眾號：E-Speller 或者 栗子英文 （只有精彩的原創）

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