On Time vs In Time | Difference Between On Time and In Time

To maintain a daily routine in our daily life, we make a schedule according to our plans or activities. To maintain this schedule in our daily life we usually use the words On time and In time. We use randomly these words in any sentence to refer to a time. But these words ( On time and In time ) are not the same. They have different meanings. It is very important to know the exact meaning of these words ( On time and In time ). As a result, we can use these two words correctly in sentences. Through this article, we will learn each and every concept about On Time and In Time. 

On Time vs. In Time 

‘On time’ and ‘In time’ both the words are used to mean a time. 

‘On time’ is used to refer at a specific time. When something happens at the planned time or in fixed time, we generally use On time. 

‘In time’ is used to refer early enough of a fixed time. When something happens at the last moment of a planned time, we use In time. 

Difference Between On Time and In Time

Subject	On Time	In Time
Meaning	On time is used to mean a specific time or a particular time.	In time is used to mean an early time or the last time of a fixed timing.
Function	Duties or Obligations	Deadlines
Denotes	Punctuality	Indicator or Tardiness
Antonym	Late	Too late
Manner	Planned or Scheduled	Casually
Examples	He arrived at the meeting on time.	He arrived at the meeting comfortably in time.

Meaning of On Time 

‘On Time’ is used to refer that something occurs or performs on the expected time and is not late. On time means timely. It takes place at a particular time or at a fixed time. 

Meaning of In Time

‘In Time’ is used to refer that something happens at an early time. It means that some planned events take place without being late or it takes place just before the expected time. 

Key Difference Between On Time and In Time

We use randomly these words (on time and in time) in any sentences to refer a time. But these words ( On time and In time ) are not same. They have different meanings. Here we will discuss the key Difference between On Time and In time. 

I) We use the word ‘On Time’ when something is happened at the expected time or at the fixed time. 

We use the word ‘In Time’ when something is happened just before the expected time. 

II) ‘On Time’ is used for duties or Obligations. 

‘In Time’ is used for deadlines. 

III) ‘On Time’ indicates punctuality. 

‘In Time’ indicates an indicator. 

IV) Opposite meaning of ‘On Time’ is late. 

Opposite meaning of ‘In Time’ is too late. 

Examples of On Time

1. The flight was on time. 

2. The class started on time. 

3. The meeting time is fixed at 11 am. You should come on time. 

4. We did not reach at station on time because of traffic. 

5. They reached at the airport on time. 

Examples of In Time

1. The boy may reach there in time. 

2. The project will not complete in time. 

3. I am sure that they will come here in time.  

4. The workers come in time. 

5. They will reach station in time. 

How to Remember the Difference – On Time and In Time

From the above discussion we can say that ‘on time’ is used for something which is happened on the expected time. 

But when something is done just before the expected time, we use ‘ in time ‘. 

Conclusion

Here in this article we discussed full concept of ‘On Time’ and ‘In Time’. Go through this article carefully, you must get a complete idea about this topic. And also you can boost your preparation by practicing different types of questions.  

Frequently Asked Questions- 

Q1. What does you mean by On Time?  

Ans: ‘On time’ is used to refer at a specific time. When something happens at the planned time or in fixed time, we generally use On time.

Q2. What does you mean by In Time? 

Ans: ‘In time’ is used to refer early enough of a fixed time. When something happens at the last moment of a planned time, we use In time.

Q3. How to remember if you should use On Time and In Time? 

Ans: From the above discussion we can say that ‘on time’ is used for something which is happened on the expected time.

But when something is done just before the expected time, we use ‘ in time ‘. 

Q4. Write some examples of On Time and In Time.

Ans: Examples of On Time: 

1. The flight was on time.

2. The class started on time.

3. The meeting time is fixed at 11 am. You should come on time.

4. We did not reach at station on time because of traffic.

5. They reached at the airport on time.

Examples of In Time :

1. The boy may reach there in time.

2. The project will not complete in time.

3. I am sure that they will come here in time.  

4. The workers come in time.

5. They will reach station in time. 

Q5. Which to choose between On Time and In Time? 

Ans: On time’ and ‘In time’ both the words are used to mean a time.

‘On time’ is used to refer at a specific time. When something happens at the planned time or in fixed time, we generally use On time.

‘In time’ is used to refer early enough of a fixed time. When something happens at the last moment of a planned time, we use In time.