word choice - "In time" versus "on time"


Which one is correct:




  • Submit your work in time.

  • Submit your work on time.




Answer



"In time" usually has an implicit "for (some event)", whereas "on time" means "before some deadline".


The "event" could be a deadline, but in that case "on time" is much more common.


Examples:


"I got there in time for the parade"


"I delivered the report in time for him to read it before the meeting"


"I got to town in time (for)/(to catch) the last train"


"I got there in time" - meaning "in time for some event which is assumed to be known".


but


"I got there on time" - meaning "before the deadline" - which may be known to the hearer, but does not need to be, because the phrase itself implies a deadline as opposed to some other event.


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