Meaning & use
on time
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
At the planned moment, neither early nor late.
Grammar: Used after verbs like arrive or finish: the train arrived on time.
Patterns
- arrive on time
- finish on time
The train arrived exactly on time.
Please be on time for the interview.
She finished the project on time and under budget.
adjectivebefore a noun
Punctual, as in an on-time delivery or an on-time departure.
Grammar: Often hyphenated before a noun: an on-time arrival.
Patterns
- on-time performance
The airline has a strong on-time record.
On-time payment avoids a late fee.
We rewarded the driver for his on-time deliveries.
Common combinations
- arrive on time
- Try to arrive on time for the exam.
- pay on time
- He always pays his rent on time.
- right on time
- The bus came right on time.
- on time and on budget
- The team delivered the bridge on time and on budget.
- on-time performance
- The airline improved its on-time performance.
Synonyms and how they differ
- punctual
- Punctual describes a person who is regularly on time, whereas on time describes one event.
- promptly
- Promptly stresses speed and readiness, not just matching a schedule.
- on schedule
- On schedule is for plans and projects more than appointments.
- in good time
- In good time means with time to spare, not exactly at the set time.
Opposites
Word family
- time noun
- the base word
- timely adjective
- happening at a suitable moment
- punctuality noun
- the habit of being on time
Commonly confused: on time or in time?
on time vs in time
In time means early enough for something to still happen, such as catching a train; on time means exactly at the scheduled moment.
Practice
Which sentence needs 'in time' rather than 'on time'?
Choose one answer.
In time means early enough to do something before it is too late, so it fits catching the start of the film. The others describe matching a schedule.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “on time”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.