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Which one is correct:

  • Submit your work in time.
  • Submit your work on time.
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55

"In time" usually has an implicit "for (some event)", whereas "on time" means "before some deadline".

The "event" could be a deadline, but in that case "on time" is much more common.

Examples:

"I got there in time for the parade"

"I delivered the report in time for him to read it before the meeting"

"I got to town in time (for)/(to catch) the last train"

"I got there in time" - meaning "in time for some event which is assumed to be known".

but

"I got there on time" - meaning "before the deadline" - which may be known to the hearer, but does not need to be, because the phrase itself implies a deadline as opposed to some other event.

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On time means at a particular designated time, i.e. neither especially early nor late. The train is scheduled to arrive on time at 13:36.

In time means early enough, i.e. before a deadline or another cutoff. Passengers were required to be at the gate by 3:05pm; we didn't get to the airport till 3, but there was no line at security, so we still made it in time.

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  • There is usually another reference to 'in time' as in "at this point in time". Here 'point in' suggests a specific/designated time, doesn't it?
    – Fr0zenFyr
    May 5, 2012 at 6:28
  • On time can also mean: before a particular designated time (a deadline).
    – reinierpost
    Jul 31, 2018 at 9:28
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In this case, "on time" is the proper choice.

More details about the differences:

"In time" is used to suggest that I was able to perform an action before another event occurred:

I was able to reach you in time.

The difference between "in time" and "on time" would be deadlines or schedules that revolve around very specific date or hour:

The train was on time.

The project was completed on time.

Of note, the phrases can also be used in other unrelated contexts:

(in music) Step in time.

Dorian Gray was stuck in time.

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  • 1
    I am a teacher and i have given my students an assignment and i asked them to submit that tomorrow .how to remind them "submit your work on time "or "in time"
    – aliya
    Mar 22, 2011 at 18:10
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    "On time" is correct.
    – MrHen
    Mar 22, 2011 at 18:14
  • @aliya: The first sentence says, "In this case, 'on time' is the proper choice."
    – Ullallulloo
    Mar 22, 2011 at 18:16
  • @aliya: No problem. It is a tricky, subtle difference between the words. Don't forget to check Robusto or my answer as accepted to help other people who have the same question.
    – MrHen
    Mar 22, 2011 at 18:22
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Without further reference, on time is probably a better construction. A time has been set (a deadline) and the task will be done by then.

The project was scheduled for three months and it came in on time.

In time is usually used to refer to being completed in relation to something else.

I arrived at home in time to see my children before they left for school.

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5

It seems to be the prepositional phrase for xxx that makes the difference. If I say,

Please submit your paper in time.

You may ask

In time for what?

But if I say

Please submit your paper on time.

You might ask

When is it due?

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  • That's a nice way to sort out which one to use.
    – cram2208
    May 25, 2019 at 5:18
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The two are both proper grammar. However, they carry different meanings. "Let the task be done on time." implies it to be completed by a certain time (usually a scheduled deadline) and no later. "Let the task be done in time." implies the task should be completed by the specified time.

Let's use different verbs: "Let the task be started on time." implies it to be started at a certain time and no earlier. "Let the task be started in time." implies the task should be started by the specified time and no later.

Because of limited context, it is hard to say which would fit this case better.

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    I was just writing that.
    – Kit Z. Fox ♦
    Aug 1, 2012 at 17:35
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    You beat me to another answer earlier today. Sweet revenge...
    – Luke_0
    Aug 1, 2012 at 17:36
  • @downvoter Could you please leave a comment to explain?
    – Luke_0
    Aug 1, 2012 at 18:15
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    I'm not your downvoter, but in your example these are incredibly likely to mean the exact same thing. People usually don't complain about early completion of a task. A better example would be the start of scheduled maintenance; people would care if that started early.
    – Chris
    Aug 1, 2012 at 18:37
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You would use "on time" to mean by a certain specific date an time. "In time" describes an event in which the chronology may not be that explicit.

Papers are due on 11/15 by noon. All students are expected to submit their papers on time.

Do you think we can get help on this project in time for it to be useful?

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