In time versus On time

[Tom]

Hi

Could you please tell me if the given pairs of sentences have the same meaning?

1- Can you come there in time?
2- Can you come there on time?

1- She reached there just in time.
2- She reached there just on time.

Tom

[Tamara]

In time vs. On time
http://www.english-test.net/forum/ftopic1381.html
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[dOlier]

in time v on time.

"in time" means not late for what ever is planned, even if it started earlier or later.

"on time" mean at the time scheduled.
If the train departed earlier than scheduled and you reached the station "on time" according to the schedule, you would not be "in time" to catch it.
If the train was late, and you did not arrive "on time", you might still be "in time" to catch it.

[Yankee]

Hi Tom

I agree with Art's explanation, but I'll add that in time does not have to be connected with any kind of schedule at all, whereas on time is always connected with a precise, scheduled time.

On time means punctual/exactly at the time scheduled.

Here is another example for in time:
Imagine there is an automobile accident. The driver is still inside the car, only slightly injured, but unconscious. You were nearby when the accident happened and you pull the unconscious person out of the car. A few minutes later, the car explodes and burns. You managed to pull the injured person out of the car (just) in time. In other words, if you had waited for additional help, it would have been too late to save the person because the car would have exploded and burned with the person still inside.

The main difference between in time and just in time is that there is less time between just in time and "too late".

Just on time doesn't exist as a standard phrase and doesn't really make any sense to me.

Amy
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Amy
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ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English

[Tom]

Quote:

Art's explanation

Many thanks to all!

Amy, do you mean Alan here?

Tom

[Yankee]

.
No, Tom, I was referring to dOlier.

He introduced himself as Art here:

A big hello to all new members!
http://www.english-test.net/forum/ftopic7816-45.html


Amy
_________________
Amy
.
ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English

[dOlier]

Tom , My name is Art