[General] In time or on time?

[Marusha]

Hello everyone!

Could you tell me please, how it is better to say "in time or on time"?

He always comes in/on time.
She has to finish the project in/on time.

I learnt that "in time" is correct. But now I hear mostly "on time".

Thanks in advance,
Marusha

[xpert]

In time
Meaning:before the time by which it is necessary for something to be done
Example:Will you be able to finish it in time?

On time
Meaning:at the correct time (punctual) or the time that was arranged, i.e. arriving, happening, or being done at exactly the time that has been arranged
Example:The teacher arrived on time as usual.

[Geishawhelk]

A good way to remember the subtle difference is that 'in time' could also have the word 'good' inserted.

He finished the essay IN (good) time.
In other words, with time left over to spare.

He handed in the exam papers ON time.
In other words, he handed them in punctually, or at the right time.

We made it in (good) time to catch the train. It left on time.

[engee30]

Originally Posted by Marusha

Hello everyone!

Could you tell me please, how it is better to say "in time or on time"?

He always comes in/on time.
She has to finish the project in/on time.

I learnt that "in time" is correct. But now I hear mostly "on time".

Thanks in advance,
Marusha

He always comes on time (= always comes at the correct time and not late).
She has to finish the project on time (= not later than the time scheduled).

in time normally means early enough to do something or for something:
I got to the airport just in time to check in.