English Lesson Prepositions with Time: On Time or In Time

When we talk about a person or thing that is not late, we can say the person or thing is on time.

• I am usually on time for work. I am usually not late for work.
• I hope the meeting starts on time.
• Do you think the train will come on time today?

The opposite expression is late

• Jack was late for work. Jack was not on time for work.
• Dale said the meeting started late this morning.
• Do you think the train will come late today?

When we talk about a person or thing that happens with enough time or early enough before something starts, we use in time.

• I arrived at the office in time for the meeting. I arrived before the meeting started.
• I hope we can get to the station in time for the express train.
• Even though there was traffic, I was in time for the movie.

When we talk about a person or thing that is almost late (but not late), we can use just in time.

• I arrived at the office just in time for the meeting. I was almost late.
• We got to the station just in time for the express train.
• Because there was a lot of traffic, I was just in time for the movie.

Do you usually arrive at school or your office on time, in time, or just in time? Feel free to leave a comment here for us!
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