in time

USAGE SUMMARY

"in time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe meeting a deadline or doing something before a deadline expires, but it can also be used to describe a period of waiting or a gradual change. For example, "After months of hard work, the project was completed in time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just in time, too.

The New York Times - Sports

In time, I improved.

The New Yorker

The cost in time?

The New York Times

In time, we will.

The New York Times

In time, he relented.

The New Yorker

They exist in time.

The New York Times

All things in time.

The New York Times

A man in time.

The New Yorker

You're just in time!

The New Yorker

--Stefan Kanfer in "Time".

The New Yorker

And in time?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in time" to mean 'eventually', ensure the context clearly indicates a process or change happening gradually. For example, "In time, you'll understand."

Common error

Avoid using "in time" when you specifically mean "on time", which indicates adhering to a precise schedule. "In time" suggests a broader window or eventual occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in time" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate when an action occurs. Ludwig's examples show it denoting either meeting a deadline or happening eventually. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

18%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

As analyzed by Ludwig, the phrase "in time" is a versatile and grammatically sound adverbial phrase with multiple meanings. It can refer to meeting a deadline, the eventual occurrence of something, or rhythmic synchronization. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, from news articles to informal conversations. While "in time" is often used correctly, it's important to distinguish it from "on time", which denotes a precise moment. With its widespread usage and clear grammatical function, mastering "in time" enhances writing clarity and precision, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on time

Stresses meeting an exact schedule

in due course

Suggests that something will happen at the appropriate or expected time.

eventually

Focuses on the eventual occurrence of something, without specific reference to deadlines.

with time

Emphasizes the gradual change or development that occurs over a period.

sooner or later

Emphasizes the inevitability of something happening at some point in the future.

as time goes on

Similar to "with time", but with a more explicit focus on the passing of time.

on schedule

Specifically refers to adhering to a pre-set timeline or plan.

in the nick of time

Suggests something happened just before it was too late, often implying a narrow escape.

punctually

Highlights the importance of arriving or completing something at the exact designated time.

before the deadline

Highlights meeting a specific target date.

FAQs

How can I use "in time" in a sentence?

"In time" can denote meeting a deadline (e.g., "We finished the project "in time" for the presentation") or the passing of time (e.g., "In time, things will get better").

What's a good alternative to "in time"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "eventually", "on time", or "in due course".

Is there a difference between "in time" and "on time"?

"In time" suggests before a deadline or as time passes, while ""on time"" means precisely at the scheduled moment.

What does "in the nick of time" mean?

"In the nick of time" means just before it's too late. It implies that something was almost missed or didn't happen.