at the end (of) vs in the end — and on time vs in time (GiU Unit 122)

at the end vs in the end

	at the end (of)	in the end
Meaning	the finishing point	finally / after everything
Grammar	at + end + of + period/event	standalone adverb — no of, no noun follows
Example	at the end of the week / of the film / of the road	In the end, we decided to walk.

• ✗ in the end of the week → at the end of the week
• ✗ at the end, we decided → in the end, we decided

Mirror pair — beginning

	at the beginning (of)	in the beginning
Meaning	the starting point	at first
Example	at the beginning of the month	In the beginning I hated it, but later I loved it

Rule: at … of + thing = a point on the timeline. In the end / in the beginning = standalone viewpoint adverbs — of never follows.

on time vs in time

• on time = punctual, at the scheduled moment: “The train arrived on time.” (not late)
• in time = early enough, with margin: “We got to the station in time for the train.” / “I finished just in time to catch the bus.”

	on time	in time
Test	not late	before the deadline, just enough margin
Follows	nothing — standalone punctuality	for + event / to + verb (purpose tail)

Structural fingerprint: in time launches a purpose — in time to have breakfast, in time for the meeting. on time refuses the purpose tail: ✗ on time to have… → “arrived on time” ends there.

Source

Raymond Murphy, English Grammar in Use, Unit 122 — on time / in time, at the end / in the end. Ebot lesson 2026-09-05.