make it in time

USAGE SUMMARY

"make it in time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when you are trying to accomplish something before a certain deadline or by a specific time. For example: "I need to finish this project by noon - I have to make it in time!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Unfortunately, by the time the train resumed its course, it was looking unlikely that we would make it in time to catch the bus.

The Guardian - Opinion

She did not make it in time.

The Guardian

You may even make it in time for today's activities.

The Guardian - Travel

His mother and father did not make it in time.

The New York Times

I believe we can still make it in time.

The Guardian - Opinion

With luck I'd make it in time for one more sunset, and one more Hawaiian song.

The New York Times - Travel

"And I tell her not to worry, we'll make it in time".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

I make it in times of uncertainty – after a death for example.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Jam is really only a way of preserving fruit in a palatable form, so you make it in times of plenty and eat it in times of need.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Foxman made it in time to meet the president.

The Guardian

Over five million textbooks also made it in time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make it in time", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the 'it' refers to. For example, specify whether it's a meeting, a deadline, or an event to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

A common mistake is using the wrong tense. For example, instead of "I will make it in time", some might incorrectly say "I would make it in time" when a simple future tense is needed. Ensure the tense matches the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make it in time" typically functions as a verb phrase indicating the successful completion of an action or arrival at a destination before a deadline or specific point in time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

16%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make it in time" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey the successful completion of an action or arrival at a destination before a deadline. Ludwig provides numerous examples from reputable sources, confirming its widespread use across various contexts. The phrase has a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, "make it in time" is a versatile phrase, used when it's important to emphasize accomplishing a goal before a specific moment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meet the deadline

This alternative highlights the successful completion of a task before the cutoff point.

not be late

This is a simpler way of expressing the idea of avoiding tardiness.

arrive punctually

This alternative focuses on the act of arriving at a specific place before the designated time.

reach on schedule

This emphasizes reaching a destination according to the planned time.

be on schedule

This phrase emphasizes adherence to a pre-arranged timeline.

get there in advance

This implies arriving with some buffer before the actual start time.

be in good time

This emphasizes achieving something with sufficient time to spare.

complete it promptly

This suggestion puts emphasis on finishing a task quickly.

accomplish within the timeframe

This option emphasizes completing something within a designated duration.

succeed before time runs out

This option brings focus to accomplishing a goal before the allocated duration ends.

FAQs

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

You can use "make it in time" to express managing to reach a destination or complete a task before a deadline. For instance, "I need to rush so I can "make it in time" for the meeting", or "Despite the traffic, we managed to "make it in time" for the movie".

What phrases are similar to "make it in time"?

Similar phrases include "meet the deadline", "arrive punctually", or "be on schedule". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "made it in time"?

Yes, "made it in time" is the past tense form of "make it in time". For example, "She rushed to the station and thankfully, she made it in time for her train".

What's the difference between "make it in time" and "be on time"?

"Make it in time" suggests an effort to meet a deadline or reach a destination before it's too late, implying potential difficulty or urgency. "Be on time" simply means arriving or completing something at the scheduled time without necessarily implying difficulty.