on time, in time, at the right time
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spongie
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on time = happening or done at the particular moment that it was expected to happen or be done.
The bus arrived right on time.
in time = early enough
I got home just in time - it's starting to rain.
Cambridge Dictionary
Tedwonny
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Thanks, I know how to check them in the dictionaries of course. What I'm really looking for is some 'live' tips for learners to easily distinguish between the two. Perhaps, it's better if I write my interpretations here and see what you guys think:
on time = key concept: expected
in time = key concept: more personal
E.g. I got to school on time = stressing that I arrived at an exact moment expected, say, 8am when the bell rang.
E.g. I got to school in time = stressing I'm not late. I got to school within the expected time range.
at the right time => doesn't tell us whether it's early/late, it tells us appropriateness.
what do you think? =)
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Your basic idea is okay. "In time" is not personal, though. It means that something happened at a time that did not interfer with another previously scheduled things.
I am supposed to meet you outside the theater at 7:30. The show starts at 8.
If I show up at 7:50, I am not on time. I did not arrive when I was exected. However, I still arrived in time to see the show.
Let's say you told me to meet you at 7:30, but you read the Web site wrong and the movie we wanted to see starts at 7:20. If I show up at 7:30, I am on time, but we are not in time to see the movie.
I am supposed to meet you outside the theater at 7:30. The show starts at 8.
If I show up at 7:50, I am not on time. I did not arrive when I was exected. However, I still arrived in time to see the show.
Let's say you told me to meet you at 7:30, but you read the Web site wrong and the movie we wanted to see starts at 7:20. If I show up at 7:30, I am on time, but we are not in time to see the movie.
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