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English
24
1st February 2003
A little bit of GRAMMAR
Hi
everyone, we hope you enjoyed this week's lesson. This week we tackled
what can often be confusing for students, the difference between
on time and in time. Just in case you missed anything
during the audio lesson, you can read through the following explanation
and examples before going on to try the practice exercises.
ON
time = punctual, not late. If something happens ON time,
it happens at the exact time which it was planned to happen.
§
The 7.35am train left on time for a change! (=it left at
exactly 7.35am)
§ Vicky: Do you fancy meeting at the Rose and Crown
at 8.30 tonight?
Francesca: Yeah that sounds good but be on time I
don't want to be hanging about for ages. (= don't be late/ be there
at 8.30)
§ Yesterday's conference was really well organised. Everything
started and finished on time.
IN
time (for something/for someone/ to do something) = soon enough
for something/for someone; soon enough to do something:
§
Will you be home in time for lunch? (soon enough for lunch)
§ I sent Jacob his Xmas present yesterday. I hope it arrives
in time (for Xmas) (before Xmas)
§ Sorry I've got to dash, I want to be at the bar in time to
see Inter. (soon enough to see the Inter match)
The
opposite of in time is too late
§
Due to the heavy traffic last night, I got to the supermarket too
late, it was already closed.
Another
good expression to keep in mind is JUST IN TIME
§
I slept-in this morning, but I managed to get to the station just
in time to catch the train.
§ A little boy ran out in front of the car, thankfully we had
a lucky escape I managed to stop just in time
§ (to avoid the little boy)
Practice
Exercises
Exercise
1
In this exercise you must complete the following sentences inserting
either on time or in time.
e.g. The train was late this morning, which is strange as it's usually
on time.
1.
Eliza is always late for everything. So today when she turned up
for work ___ we were stunned!
2. I have to pop to the supermarket to buy a few things, but don't
worry I should be back _____ for dinner.
3. When we played in freezing cold conditions, one of our best players
was injured. We are all hoping he will be match fit _____ for the
next round of the Champions League.
4. Please don't be late on Friday, we want to leave ___.
5. It is looking highly unlikely that Sean will be able to go to
the States. His flight is in 10 days time, but he's still waiting
for his visa, let's hope it arrives ____.
6. Don't worry, it doesn't matter if you're a little a late for
the wedding, traditionally the bride never arrives ___.
7. I washed your football shirt this morning so it should be dry
___ for your match tonight.
8. I always arrive ____ for work, unlike Clair who is always late.
Exercise 2
In this exercise you have to make sentences with the expression
just in time.
e.g. A little girl ran out in front of the car. You saw her
at the last moment. ( I /managed/stop/time) I managed to stop just
in time.
1.
You left the house without an umbrella. Just as you arrived at work
the heavens opened*! ( I /get / work /time) I _________________
2. You arrive home. You can hear the phone ringing from outside
the front door. You manage to answer it before it stops ringing.
(I/ answer /the phone/ time) I ______________________________
3. You finished work later than usual. You were convinced you would
miss your train home. But you got to the train station on time.
(I /arrive/ at the station/ time/ catch/ train) I __________________________.
4. You thought you'd missed the start of the film, but when you
turned over, it was about to start. (I /changed/channels/time/for/
the / start / of /the /film)
*it
started to rain very heavily
Answers
below
Answers
Exercise 1
1. on time; 2. in time; 3. in time; 4. on time; 5. in time; 6. on
time; 7. in time; 8. on time
Exercise
2
1. I got to work just in time
2. I answered the phone just in time
3. I arrived at the station just in time to catch the train
4. I changed channels just in time for the start of the film
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