0
Simon_phlui Posted 21 years ago
Grammar

Meaning of "in time"

I'm puzzled by the use of the phrase "in time". In the following:

You will hand in your homework in time

It seems that it can be interpreted as:

1. You will hand in your homework before the deadline
2. You will hand in your homework as time goes by

Please correct me if I'm wrong. Thanks.
  

Top answer

To me only the second sentence contains the idea of "in time". For the idea expressed by the first sentence, I would say "on time". "in time" followed by something else might be a different story ("in time for", "in time to").

— CalifJim

  • To me only the second sentence contains the idea of "in time".
  • For the idea expressed by the first sentence, I would say "on time".
  • "in time" followed by something else might be a different story ("in time for", "in time to").
  • I reached the station in time to catch the train.
  • I was late; I thought I would not be in time to catch the train, so I was hoping the train would not be on time.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

1 Answers
0
To me only the second sentence contains the idea of "in time".
For the idea expressed by the first sentence, I would say "on time".

"in time" followed by something else might be a different story ("in time for", "in time to").

I reached the station in time to catch the train.
I was late; I thought I would not be in time to catch the train, so I was hoping the train w
0

Related Questions