on time
/ɒn taɪm/
Meaning
'On time' means at the planned, scheduled, or expected time; not late. In business, punctuality is highly valued, so this phrase is frequently used for meetings, project deliveries, and arriving at work. It has a neutral, professional, and practical tone.
Examples
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Please make sure you arrive on time for the client presentation.
Please make sure you arrive on time for the client presentation.
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Despite the heavy traffic, she managed to get to the office on time.
Despite the heavy traffic, she managed to get to the office on time.
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We need to submit this proposal on time to win the contract.
We need to submit this proposal on time to win the contract.
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The train was late, so I couldn't start the meeting on time.
The train was late, so I couldn't start the meeting on time.
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He is a very reliable employee who always finishes his tasks on time.
He is a very reliable employee who always finishes his tasks on time.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I arrived in time for my 9 AM shift.
✓ I arrived on time for my 9 AM shift.
While 'in time' means early enough to do something, 'on time' specifically means at the exact scheduled time. For schedules, 'on time' is preferred.
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✗ The meeting started at time.
✓ The meeting started on time.
The correct preposition is 'on', not 'at', when describing punctuality.
Related Expressions
Practice
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The project must be finished ___ or we will lose the client.
💡 At the scheduled deadline.
Show answer
on time
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He is never late; he always arrives ___.
💡 Punctually.
Show answer
on time