"The train leaves after an hour" vs "The train leaves in an hour"

Question

"The train leaves after an hour" vs "The train leaves in an hour"

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'The train leaves after an hour' means the train will depart one hour after a specific event or time, while 'the train leaves in an hour' means the train will depart in one hour from the current time.

Last Updated: April 09, 2024

This phrase is used to express that the train will depart one hour after a particular event or time has occurred. It indicates a delay of one hour before the train leaves.

Examples:

The train leaves after an hour of waiting.
The train leaves after an hour of delay.

Alternatives:

The train leaves one hour later.
The train leaves after waiting for an hour.

This phrase is used to express that the train will depart in one hour from the current time. It indicates a future departure time one hour from the moment of speaking.

Examples:

The train leaves in an hour, so we have time to grab a snack.
The train leaves in an hour, don't be late!

Alternatives:

The train leaves one hour from now.
The train leaves in sixty minutes.

Answer 1

The train leaves after an hour

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that the train will depart one hour after a specific event or time.

Answer 2

The train leaves in an hour

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that the train will depart in one hour from the current time.