In time / On time

Question

I do not have clear what's the difference between these:

I got there in time.
I got there on time.

When should I use one or the other?

I am from the UK but believe the use of on time and in time are the same in USA and Australia - Mardle, Aug 24, 2017

Buena pregunta. Generalmente todo lo que tiene que ver con la diferencia entre "on" e "in" es difícil para los hispanohablantes. - Gekkosan, Aug 24, 2017

Answer 1

To me in time means you got there before the next event happened, you may have been late or early but you were there in time for the next event. You can even add to it eg I got through security in time to have a look round the shops before going to the boarding gate.

Here is the definition in the OALD

OALD

It is at the bottom in idioms. We like to differentiate between just in time (almost too late) and in plenty of time.

On time suggests a deadline which when you meet it means you are punctual. Eg the teacher will say I want your homework on time with no mistakes. The train left on time ie. At the time on the timetable.

I agree. Perfect examples of "in time" vs. "on time". - pringado, Aug 24, 2017

Thank you. I am the type of Brit who might manage just in time! - Mardle, Aug 24, 2017

Good explanation, Mardle ....probably clearer than mine! ;) - FELIZ77, Aug 24, 2017

I liked your point that on time finishes they sentence - Mardle, Aug 24, 2017

Thank you, Mardle :) - FELIZ77, Aug 24, 2017

Answer 2

Hello Mito,

Welcome to our Spanishdict community forum!

You said /asked:

I do not have clear what's the difference between these: I got there in time. I got there on time. When should I use one or the other?

We use the expression in time like this /in this way:

They arrived at the theatre in time to watch the show!

Ellos llegaron al teatro a tiempo para ver el espectáculo

We use this expression in time to mean that somebody arrived sufficiently early to be able to do something.

There is a subtle difference (or a nuance) in English between the first expression in time to do something and the second on time You say on time without specifying an activity:

He had to hurry but he managed to (was able to) arrive on time (punctually or at the agreed time...neither early not late!)

¡Tuvo que darse prisa pero podía llegar en la hora requerida (establecida)!

I hope this helps

Corrijan mi español si es necesario, por favor

I also use British English like Mardle. - FELIZ77, Aug 24, 2017

Answer 3

So, to round it up, is this correct?

In time > "a tiempo para......" On time > "puntualmente", "en la fecha/hora establecida/requerida"

Yes. Basically on time doesn't need to be clarified or modified. It is meeting a deadline. - Mardle, Aug 24, 2017

If you are not sure I am happy to do some more sentences. - Mardle, Aug 24, 2017

Answer 4

I don't know if this is a rule or not, but I think of "I got there in time" has the feeling of "I just made it." "I got there on time" has the feeling of " there was no problem." This is from a USA perspective where I learned my English.

There is no real grammatical difference to my knowledge.

Those nuances don't feel right to me. There's a significant difference between "I got there in time" and "I got there just in time." Also, I might say "I had to hurry and was almost late, but I got there on time." - jtaniel, Aug 24, 2017

That's the way I would explain it too, Dani. Good explanation to me. - rac1, Aug 24, 2017

Answer 5

So, to round it up, is this correct?

In time > "a tiempo para......" On time > "puntualmente", "en la fecha/hora establecida/requerida"

Exacto.

¿Por qué no participas en los hilos diarios o algo? Ahí puedes escribir más y practicar

:) - FELIZ77, Aug 24, 2017

Answer 6

Here's an interesting discussion on the wordreference forum in Spanish. IN TIME vs ON TIME