arrive in time vs arrive on time

Both "arrive in time" and "arrive on time" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Arrive in time" is used when referring to arriving before a particular event or deadline, while "arrive on time" is used when referring to arriving at the scheduled time.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 2088 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to arriving before a particular event or deadline.

"arrive in time"

This phrase is used when someone arrives before a specific event or deadline. It implies that the arrival occurred with enough time to spare.

Examples:

I need to arrive in time for the meeting.
She arrived in time to catch the train.
Please make sure you arrive in time for the concert.
He always manages to arrive in time for his appointments.
We must arrive in time to secure good seats.

Show examples from the web [+]

I was so afraid the gifts wouldn't arrive in time.
You arrive in time for carnival.
That is, assuming the reinforcements arrive in time.
As we wait, hoping the fire department will arrive in time to rescue Santa Claus from almost certain death.
And all that - if we may be critical - has been spoilt by inefficiency and red-tape which have ensured that studies do not arrive in time, that they cannot be used, that the money spent has been badly allocated by not arriving in time.
I prayed for you to arrive in time.
I think they are in the House and will arrive in time.
But they won't arrive in time for us.
The new one should arrive in time, though.
Just not long before we know the last runner... will arrive in time.
It's so great how the shipments arrive in time for my shift.
If you take the shortcut across the marshes, you should arrive in time to intercept her.
When someone gets sick, and with the traffic, he did not arrive in time at the hospital, and he dies.
The backup didn't arrive in time?
I hope to God she won't remember the temper tantrum I threw when I found out the Japanese peonies would not arrive in time for the ceremony.
To conclude, will the Lisbon Strategy arrive in time to finance research and innovation?
Every day he's fighting to arrive in time... and believe me, that's his best victory.
It should be pointed out that the delays have reached a point where in some cases the Council act does not arrive in time to pay the first instalment of the financial contribution.
Mrs Green, had you arrived a few minutes earlier, you would have heard that I contacted Mr Hume's office in an attempt to find out whether or not he would arrive in time to hear these statements.
If we do not fall behind, arrive in time for the draw Bingo, is not it?

Alternatives:

arrive before the deadline
arrive before the event
arrive with time to spare

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to arriving at the scheduled time.

"arrive on time"

This phrase is used when someone arrives exactly at the scheduled time, neither early nor late.

Examples:

Make sure you arrive on time for the meeting.
The train is expected to arrive on time.
She always arrives on time for work.
Please be sure to arrive on time for the appointment.
He is never late; he always arrives on time.

Show examples from the web [+]

Why do we have to make them wait when we can arrive on time?
Let's hope to arrive on time.
Make sure you arrive on time for today's interview.
As the man who made trains arrive on time.
I don't doubt that Tom will arrive on time.
Do not arrive on time, Thor.
The first reason is to arrive on time.
If you do not arrive on time, you poison.
If EU money does not arrive on time, people lose their jobs.
During the war, I always managed to arrive on time... even contending with doodlebugs.
As soon as the stationmaster at Brod sees that we do not arrive on time, he will send...
On the other hand, it has to be recognised that HGV traffic ensures that, in our complex society, products and foodstuffs arrive on time.
Tom doesn't always arrive on time, but Mary usually does.
I shall find out why and make sure that answers arrive on time.
Quickly or I will not arrive on time!
What punishment awaits me if I don't arrive on time?
If I didn't arrive on time, you would have been frozen to death!
We will not arrive on time.
Do you think you will arrive on time?
Calm yourself, we'll arrive on time.

Alternatives:

be punctual
be on schedule
be timely

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arrive in time vs arrive on time

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