Definition

1. Adverb:
   • At the appropriate or proper time; without being late: Refers to something happening at a suitable moment, often with the implication of being punctual or timely.
   • With time to spare; early enough: Indicates that something is completed or arrives before a deadline or expected time.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • The package arrived in good time for her birthday. (The package arrived early enough, so it was available for her birthday.)
  • If we leave now, we will get to the airport in good time. (If we leave now, we will arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare before our flight.)
  • The report was submitted in good time for the meeting. (The report was submitted at the appropriate time, allowing it to be reviewed before the meeting.)

Advanced Usage

• "In good time" vs. "In due course/time": While both phrases relate to timeliness, "in good time" often emphasizes being or . "In due course" or "in due time" emphasizes that something will happen or .
  • We will address your application in due course. (It will be processed in the proper order, but not necessarily immediately.)
  • Please arrive in good time for the interview. (Please arrive early enough, i.e., punctually.)

Variants and Related Words

• Punctually (adv): At the agreed or proper time; on time.
  • He arrives punctually for every appointment.
• Timely (adj): Done or occurring at a favorable or useful time; opportune.
  • Her timely intervention prevented an accident.

Synonyms

• Early enough
• With time to spare
• Punctually
• Promptly

Related Phrases

• In plenty of time: With more than enough time available.
  • We finished the project in plenty of time before the deadline.
• Ahead of time: Before the scheduled time; early.
  • The bus arrived ahead of time.

Related Idioms

• Better late than never: It is better for something to happen or arrive late than not to happen at all. (This contrasts with the punctuality implied by "in good time".)
  • He finally apologized, which is better late than never.
• Just in the nick of time: At the last possible moment.
  • The ambulance arrived just in the nick of time. (This implies a much closer call than "in good time".)

Adverb

1. at the appropriate time
   • we'll get to this question in due course