I had to be there in time. vs I had to be there on time.

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. 'I had to be there on time' is the more common and idiomatic expression, meaning that you needed to arrive at a specific time. 'I had to be there in time' could also be correct depending on the context, but it emphasizes the need to be present before a certain event or deadline.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 986 views

This phrase is correct depending on the context. It emphasizes the need to be present before a certain event or deadline.

"I had to be there in time."

This phrase is used when emphasizing the importance of being present before a specific event or deadline. It implies a sense of urgency or necessity to arrive before a certain time.

Show examples from the web [+]

Want to be there in time for this barbecue.
That's the other thing I'm offering you, a chance to be there in time.
I'll be there in time for the lessons.
I'll be there in time for the kill.
And if we hurry, we can be there in time for rehearsal.
I had an appointment at 2:30, but I got caught in traffic and couldn't get there in time.
Look, man, if I hadn't spotted Starla - there's no way we would have gotten there in time.
I couldn't get there in time.
It's our only chance to get there in time.
I'm just glad I got there in time.
Let's hope we get there in time.
I can't get there in time.
Fingers crossed it gets there in time.
It won't explode if we get there in time.
McGee, we can't get there in time.
You're lucky we got there in time.
NCPD and emergency rescue workers are en route but eyewitness accounts suggest they may not get there in time.
I managed to get there in time.
We couldn't get there in time.
We'll never get there in time.

Alternatives:

I had to be there before the meeting started.
I had to be there ahead of time.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express the need to arrive at a specific time.

"I had to be there on time."

'I had to be there on time' is a common expression used to convey the necessity of arriving at a specific time, without being late.

Show examples from the web [+]

Just please be there on time.
You tell her Jake'll be there on time.
You need to promise me you'll be there on time.
I told Abby I'd be there on time.
The man said, "Next Sunday is the baptism. Be there on time." Death appeared as he had promised, and served as godfather in an orderly manner.
I'm driving there now, but I don't know if I'll be there on time.
I'll be there on time, yes.
If I'm going to be there on time, I have to be up at five a.m.
You'll find this fighter force and get there on time.
Just get him there on time.
It's more important that you get there on time.
And broke my neck to get there on time.
Get the money there on time.
Yet you weren't there on time.
And we still got them there on time.
I can't be there on time if I'm getting bad information.
I'll make sure she gets there on time.
Gemma's going to kill me if we don't get the girls there on time.
Hopefully, get the money there on time.
All I'm saying is that this guy isn't going to be happy if we are not there on time.

Alternatives:

I had to be punctual.
I had to be there at the scheduled time.

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I had to be there in time. vs I had to be there on time.