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.
- Our English class started on time.
- The teacher arrived on time at 10:00.
In time (soon enough)
Use: not too late; often with for + noun or to + infinitive. “Just in time” = at the last possible moment.
- I got home in time for my online lesson.
- We arrived in time to do the warm-up.
- I found my notebook just in time to start the test.
At the end (of)
Form: at the end of + noun (time/place/thing).
- There is a small quiz at the end of the lesson.
- We had a short review at the end of the class.
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, I chose the easier exercise.
- I was nervous, but in the end, I spoke English.
Quick checks
- The lesson began on time ✔
- I arrived in time to print my homework ✔
- There is a summary at the end (of the page) ✔
- In the end, we finished all the tasks ✔
- I arrived on time to do my homework ✗ → I arrived in time to do my homework.
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
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
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 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.