Ask Marilyn

What’s the difference between these phrases?

1. In the right place at the right time

2. In the right place at the wrong time

3. In the wrong place at the right time

4. In the wrong place at the wrong time

—Anthony C., Romeoville, Ill. Say four people are crossing a street. Two are in a crosswalk with the light in their favor; two are jaywalking. One of each is hit by a cyclist. The unhurt person in the crosswalk was in the right place at the right time; the hurt person was in the right place at the wrong time. The unhurt jaywalker was in the wrong place at the right time; the hurt jaywalker was in the wrong place at the wrong time.