On Time or In Time?
2023-09-23
TXT
大字
小字
滚动
全页
1Hi there! This week on Ask a Teacher, we will answer a question about the difference between "in time" and "on time?" 2Question: 3Dear VOA, 4What 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. 5Have a great day, 6Nguyen 7Answer 8Thanks for this great question, Nguyen! Both "on time" and "in time" have to do with being punctual and deadlines. Sometimes people use these expressions interchangeably, but they are different. And "in time" has a few more uses. 9Let's look at each one. 10On time 11"On time" is an expression that includes a preposition (on) and a noun (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." 12Jordan did not submit her homework on time, so she received 5 points off. 13The train is always on time so I am never late to work. 14Let's move onto "in time." 15In time 16"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. 17It means 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. 18Even though my train was late, I got to work in time for the meeting. 19We made it home in time to watch our favorite show. 20"In time" is also used two other ways. 21In music, "in time" means to keep a rhythm or speed. 22The tap dancer was able to keep time with the musicians. 23And "in time" also means "eventually." We use it to describe the passage of time and something happening in the future. 24In time, the leaves will turn bright colors as autumn settles in. 25The medicine will start to work, and you will feel better in time. 26Please let us know if these explanations and examples have helped you, Nguyen. 27Do you have a question about American English? Send us an email at learningenglish@voanews.com. 28And that's Ask a Teacher. 29I'm Faith Pirlo. 30Faith Pirlo wrote this lesson for VOA Learning English. 31__________________________________________________ 32Words in This Story 33punctual - adj. doing something at the expected time 34rhythm - n. a regular, repeated pattern of sounds or movements