On time vs. in time

[jumana]

Test No. incompl/advan-14 "Time Expressions (2)", question 2

The railways system is very efficient as the trains always arrive ......... time.

(a) up
(b) at
(c) for
(d) on

Test No. incompl/advan-14 "Time Expressions (2)", answer 2

The railways system is very efficient as the trains always arrive on time.

Correct answer: (d) on
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i wanna ask about the difference between on time and in time

[Alan]

Hi jumana,

The difference is as follows:

on time means punctual/punctually
in time means with enough time to do what you want before an agreed time.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Here comes 2004...

[Andreana]

Hi Alan, thanks for this explanation. In time and on time are almost the same to me and now I can distinguish between both expressions. I just wanted to ask, isn't there an expression like in time with? The sports update on CNN is sponsored by Rolex and the slogan says In time with Rolex. So, what does in time with mean exactly?
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A smile will open doors

[Mister Micawber]

I think the idea is that if you have a Rolex, you will always be in time--for meetings, etc. (Of course, if you can afford a Rolex, you are probably the boss, so you are automatically in time for any meeting anyway.)

But then, you should never trust the grammar of advertising copy-- it often bends both logic and grammar.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Alan]

Hi Andreana,

In answer to your question I would say that this expression is very much in line with advertising language since it has a double meaning. In time with can mean that having the watch you are always in time for your appointments but it also has a musical connotation because it could mean that you are in tune with the watch - that it pleases or suits you. If you tap your fingers or your foot while listening to a piece of music in the same rhythm, you are doing this in time with the music.

Hope this helps

Alan
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English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Words, words, words...