[General] It's 2 now. I will return it in 2 hours' time. Will I returen it before 4 or after 4?

[cubezero3]

Hi, everyone.

I thought it meant after two hours. After I saw people heatedly debated about it, I am not quite sure now.

What do you think?

Many thanks

Richard

 

[bhaisahab]

Hi, everyone.

I thought it meant after two hours. After I saw people heatedly debated about it, I am not quite sure now.

What do you think?

Many thanks

Richard

If it's exactly two c'clock and you are going to return it after exactly two hours, what time will it be in your opinion?

 

[cubezero3]

I think in 2 hours' time means after two hours. So in this case, the time I return it would be after 4 o'clock. The reason I got confused now is that I read many people on a site here claiming in 2 hours' time means within the framework of 2 hours. By the look of the structure, it seems to make sense.

 

[Barb_D]

In two hours means exactly two hours.
It's not "within two hours" or "after two hours"

Neither of your choices work - if you said "I'll return in in two hours" I expect you at 4, not 3:30 and certainly not at 4:30.

 

[cubezero3]

I am more confused now. My Oxford dictionary says in here means after a maximum length of time. No, the third possibility has come up.:shock: