Question

Fill in the blank with the most suitable word
I hate being late. I like to arrive _______ time.
a) by
b) on
c) at
d) for

Answer 1

Hint: We have to use a preposition in the given sentence. The most common prepositions used with respect to any time is in, on, and by. In time means to be before the stipulated time, on time means to arrive exactly at 8 AM when the arrival time is 8 AM and by a certain time means to arrive within that time.

Complete answer:
For the given question, the correct answer is option b. The person does not like to be late so if he is asked to arrive by 9 PM, he will arrive either before 9 PM or exactly at 9 PM but never at 9:01 PM. If he arrives before 9 PM, it is called arriving in time and if he arrives at 9 PM, it is called arriving on time. Since the option “in” isn’t there in any of the options, we use option b as the correct answer.
Option a is wrong because by is used when a specific time is mentioned, for example, 7 PM. He arrived by 7 PM. Since the given question does not mention a specific time, “by” cannot be used.
Option c is also wrong because similarly like “by”, “at” is also used when there is a specific time mentioned.
Option d is absolutely wrong because “for” is used when a time period is mentioned. He spoke for 15 minutes. 15 minutes is a time period and not a time.

Note:
Though “by” and “in” have a similar meaning, note that “by” is used when a specific time is mentioned and “in” is used when the word “time” is used in the sentence without mentioning a specific time.