On time vs. in time

[Haihao]

English Idioms and Expressions, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #25 "Mark Idioms", question 9

As they were very slow off the mark, they missed some of the good bargains.

(a) not sure on time
(b) not clear on time
(c) not fine on time
(d) not ready on time

English Idioms and Expressions, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #25 "Mark Idioms", answer 9

As they were not ready on time, they missed some of the good bargains.

Correct answer: (d) not ready on time
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Hi,

Could 'not ready in time' be used here?

haihao

[Mister Micawber]

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Yes.
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Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber

[Haihao]

Thank you. And which is better?

haihao

[Yankee]

Hi Haihao

'On time' is probably a more appropriate description since it refers to a very specific starting time. But I personally wouldn't use either on time or in time in the sentence. I think on time was given mainly as a choice of definition, not as a typical usage in the sentence.

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

[Haihao]

Hi Amy,

Thank you very much for your comments and directions, as always. I was like trying to say 'as they didn't hit the road in time, they.... I felt weird to say 'as they were not ready on time, they....

Thanks again.

haihao