intime

IPA/ɪntˈaɪm/
IPA/ɪntˈaɪm/

intime — 慣用語

1. early enough so that you are not late, or early enough for something to happen a

1.慣用語B1
釋義

及時

在約定時間之前趕上

early enough so that you are not late, or early enough for something to happen as planned.

例句

Arjun arrived just in time to catch the last train to Taichung.

Arjun 及時趕上了往台中的末班火車。

just in time + to-infinitive

The ambulance reached the hospital in time for the emergency surgery.

救護車及時抵達醫院，趕上了緊急手術。

in time + for + noun phrase

同義詞
  • early enough

    more literal and less idiomatic; used in formal or instructional contexts

  • with time to spare

    suggests arriving earlier than needed, not just barely making it

反義詞
  • too late

    the opposite outcome — after the deadline or event has passed

文法句型

in time + for + noun phrase

in time + to-infinitive

just in time

用法筆記

Often strengthened with 'just' (just in time) to emphasise that something barely made the deadline. Compare with 'on time', which means at the scheduled time rather than early enough to avoid being late.

常見錯誤

❌I arrived on time for the concert, but the doors had already closed.
✅I arrived in time for the concert, but the doors had already closed.
💡'on time' means at the scheduled time; 'in time' means with enough time left before something happens.
❌She came just on time to see the sunset.
✅She came just in time to see the sunset.
💡'just in time' is the correct fixed phrase for barely making it.

2. after a period of time passes; as time goes by, something changes or happens.

2.慣用語B2
釋義

終究

隨時間推移最終發生

after a period of time passes; as time goes by, something changes or happens.

例句

In time, the forest will grow back after the fire.

隨著時間過去，森林在火災後會重新長回來。

sentence-initial 'in time' for eventual outcome

Jessica knew that in time her broken ankle would heal completely.

Jessica 知道她的腳踝骨折終究會完全康復。

同義詞
  • eventually

    more direct; 'in time' carries a softer, more patient tone

  • sooner or later

    more casual; implies certainty despite uncertainty about when

  • after a while

    less formal; suggests a shorter period than 'in time'

反義詞
  • never

    the opposite — something that does not happen regardless of time passing

文法句型

In time, + clause

clause + in time

用法筆記

Used to talk about a change or result that happens gradually, not suddenly. Often appears at the start of a sentence to set the time frame. Distinguish from Sense 1 (EARLY ENOUGH): Sense 2 talks about something happening eventually, not about catching a deadline.

常見錯誤

❌In time, I will call you back in five minutes.
✅In time, you will learn to appreciate classical music.
💡'in time' meaning 'eventually' refers to long-term change, not a short delay.

3. (of music, dance, or rhythmic movement) performed with the correct speed and rhy

3.慣用語B2
釋義

合拍

音樂或舞蹈節奏準確

(of music, dance, or rhythmic movement) performed with the correct speed and rhythm, matching a beat or a partner.

例句

The choir sang perfectly in time under the conductor's direction.

合唱團在指揮的指導下唱得非常合拍。

in time for group performance/synchronisation

Mauricio tapped his foot to keep the band playing in time.

Mauricio 用腳打拍子，讓樂團演奏保持合拍。

同義詞
  • on the beat

    more specific to music; 'in time' can apply to longer rhythmic phrases

  • in rhythm

    more general; 'in time' specifically refers to tempo accuracy

反義詞

文法句型

in time + with + noun

keep + in time

play/sing/dance + in time

用法筆記

Primarily used in music and dance contexts. Can extend to any rhythmic activity (clapping, marching, rowing). The preposition 'with' introduces the reference beat or partner. Frequently used with 'keep': 'keep in time'.