On time vs In time · At the end vs In the end
Four easy pairs that look similar but mean different things.
on time = punctual, according to schedule
in time = soon enough / not too late
at the end (of) = final part of sth
in the end = finally / eventually
On time (punctually)
Use: scheduled events; exact time as planned.
- I hope the flight arrives on time.
- The meeting started on time.
In time (soon enough)
Use: not too late; often with for + noun or to + infinitive. “Just in time” = at the last possible moment.
- The card arrived in time for his birthday.
- We reached the theatre in time to get good seats.
- She got to the airport just in time to catch her flight.
At the end (of)
Form: at the end of + noun (time/place/thing).
- There’s a gift shop at the end of the road.
- The school year finishes at the end of June.
In the end (finally)
Meaning: finally / eventually (opposite of “at first”). When placed at the start or mid-sentence, follow with a comma.
- In the end, we chose the cheaper option.
- We did our best and, in the end, we succeeded.
Quick checks
- Train left on time (8:00 sharp) ✔
- Arrived in time to grab coffee before class ✔
- The film is boring at the end (of the film) ✔
- In the end, we stayed home ✔
- I arrived on time to buy snacks ✗ → I arrived in time to buy snacks.
Recap: on time = punctual; in time = not too late. at the end (of) points to the final part of a thing/time/place; in the end tells the final result.
Exercises:
On time vs In time, At the end vs In the end
Choose the correct expressions to complete the sentences below.
1
We tried three different routes;
we took the motorway.
2
The 10 a.m. briefing started
.
3
We reached the stadium just
to hear the national anthem.
4
Please hand in your lab reports
of the class.
5
We almost cancelled the trip, but
we found cheap tickets.
6
Thanks to the new timetable, buses now arrive
most days.
7
I hope you get back
for dinner.
8
There’s a review
of every chapter.
9
We were worried about the weather, but
the picnic went ahead.
10
The caterers arrived
to set up before guests came.
On time vs In time, At the end vs In the end
Choose ‘on time’, ‘in time’, ‘at the end’, or ‘in the end’ for the gaps below
1
I got home just ____ to see the kids before they went to bed.
A.
B.
C.
D.
2
____ of the school day, we always put our chairs on our desks and wipe the board.
A.
B.
C.
D.
3
The 8:30 train left ____ despite the snow.
A.
B.
C.
D.
4
We tried a few fixes and ____ had to restart the server.
A.
B.
C.
D.
5
Please be there ____ — the meeting starts at nine sharp.
A.
B.
C.
D.
6
She submitted the application just ____ before the portal closed.
A.
B.
C.
D.
7
____ of the meeting, the manager thanked everyone for their hard work.
A.
B.
C.
D.
8
We argued for hours, but ____ we agreed to disagree.
A.
B.
C.
D.
9
Is the city bus usually ____ or does it often arrive late?
A.
B.
C.
D.
10
I woke up late but made it to the airport ____ to check in.
A.
B.
C.
D.
On time vs In time, At the end vs In the end
Fill in the gaps using ‘on time’, ‘in time’, ‘at the end’, or ‘in the end’.
Fill in the gaps with on time, in time, at the end, or in the end.
1
I reached the cinema just to see the opening scene.
2
Despite the heavy snow, the 09:00 flight left .
3
Their newsletter goes out of each month.
4
It was a long discussion, but we agreed to postpone the trip.
5
Please arrive tomorrow; the exam starts at nine.
6
She finished the report to email it before the deadline.
7
The players thanked the fans of the match.
8
We tried three restaurants and chose the tiny café by the river.
9
Do you think you’ll get there for the meeting?
10
The rescue team arrived just to save the hikers before dark.