Prepositions are small but mighty words that play a crucial role in the English language. They help to indicate relationships between different elements in a sentence, adding clarity and meaning to our expressions. One essential category of prepositions is the prepositions of time. These prepositions help us specify when something happens, making our communication more precise and effective. In this article, we will explore the most common prepositions of time, their usage, and examples to help you master them.
Understanding Prepositions of Time
Prepositions of time are used to indicate when something happens. They provide important details about the timing of events, actions, or states. Without these prepositions, our sentences would lack specificity, making it difficult for listeners or readers to understand the exact timing of events. The most commonly used prepositions of time are at, on, and in. Each of these prepositions has specific rules and contexts in which they are used.
At
The preposition at is used to indicate specific points in time. It is often used with clock times, holidays, and specific periods of the day. Here are some examples to illustrate its usage:
1. **Clock times**:
– The meeting starts at 9:00 AM.
– She usually goes to bed at 11:00 PM.
2. **Holidays**:
– We celebrate Christmas at midnight.
– They have a big family dinner at Thanksgiving.
3. **Specific periods of the day**:
– He likes to exercise at dawn.
– She always takes a break at lunchtime.
In these examples, you can see that at is used to pinpoint an exact time or a specific part of the day.
On
The preposition on is used to refer to specific days, dates, and days of the week. It is also used with special days and occasions. Here are some examples to clarify its usage:
1. **Days of the week**:
– We have a team meeting on Monday.
– They go to the market on Saturdays.
2. **Specific dates**:
– Her birthday is on July 14th.
– The event is scheduled on October 1st.
3. **Special days and occasions**:
– We always have a barbecue on Independence Day.
– She received a promotion on her anniversary.
Using on helps to specify the exact day or date when something occurs.
In
The preposition in is used to indicate longer periods of time, such as months, years, seasons, and centuries. It is also used with parts of the day and durations. Here are some examples to demonstrate its usage:
1. **Months**:
– We are planning a trip in August.
– She started her new job in January.
2. **Years**:
– The company was founded in 1995.
– They got married in 2010.
3. **Seasons**:
– We love going hiking in the summer.
– The flowers bloom in the spring.
4. **Centuries**:
– The castle was built in the 15th century.
– Many technological advancements occurred in the 20th century.
5. **Parts of the day**:
– She likes to read in the morning.
– He works best in the evening.
6. **Durations**:
– The project will be completed in three weeks.
– They will return in a few days.
Using in allows us to refer to broader time frames and durations.
Other Prepositions of Time
While at, on, and in are the most commonly used prepositions of time, there are other prepositions that also play a significant role in indicating time. Let’s explore some of them:
By
The preposition by is used to indicate a deadline or the latest time by which something should happen. It suggests that an action or event will occur before or at a specific time. Here are some examples:
– Please submit your assignment by Friday.
– The report needs to be completed by the end of the month.
– She promised to be home by 6:00 PM.
In these examples, by sets a deadline, indicating the latest possible time for the action to be completed.
During
The preposition during is used to indicate a period of time in which an action or event occurs. It suggests that something happens continuously or repeatedly within a specific time frame. Here are some examples:
– We met some interesting people during our vacation.
– She fell asleep during the movie.
– There was a lot of noise during the concert.
In these examples, during specifies the time frame in which the action or event took place.
For
The preposition for is used to indicate the duration of time for which something happens. It answers the question “how long?” Here are some examples:
– They stayed in Paris for two weeks.
– He has been working here for five years.
– She practiced the piano for an hour.
In these examples, for specifies the length of time an action or state lasts.
Since
The preposition since is used to indicate the starting point of a period of time that continues up to the present. It often appears in perfect tenses. Here are some examples:
– They have been friends since childhood.
– He has lived in New York since 2015.
– She has been studying English since last year.
In these examples, since specifies the starting point of an ongoing action or state.
Until/Till
The prepositions until and till are used to indicate the end point of a period of time. They suggest that an action or event continues up to a specific time. Here are some examples:
– The store is open until 9:00 PM.
– We waited till the last bus arrived.
– She will be in the office until Friday.
In these examples, until and till specify the time up to which the action or event continues.
From…to/until
The combination of from…to or from…until is used to indicate the starting and ending points of a period of time. Here are some examples:
– The conference will be held from Monday to Wednesday.
– The exhibition is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
– She worked there from 2010 until 2018.
In these examples, from…to and from…until specify the beginning and end of the time period.
Common Mistakes with Prepositions of Time
Learning to use prepositions of time correctly can be challenging, and even advanced learners sometimes make mistakes. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:
1. **Using the wrong preposition**:
– Incorrect: She was born on July.
– Correct: She was born in July.
– Tip: Remember that in is used for months, while on is used for specific dates.
2. **Omitting the preposition**:
– Incorrect: He arrived Monday.
– Correct: He arrived on Monday.
– Tip: Always include the appropriate preposition before the time expression.
3. **Confusing “until” and “by”**:
– Incorrect: She will finish the project until Friday.
– Correct: She will finish the project by Friday.
– Tip: Use by to indicate a deadline and until to indicate the end point of a period of time.
4. **Using “at” instead of “in”**:
– Incorrect: We will visit them at the summer.
– Correct: We will visit them in the summer.
– Tip: Use in for longer periods like months, seasons, and years.
5. **Using “in” instead of “on”**:
– Incorrect: The party is in Saturday.
– Correct: The party is on Saturday.
– Tip: Use on for specific days and dates.
Practice Exercises
To reinforce your understanding of prepositions of time, here are some practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct prepositions of time.
1. She usually wakes up ______ 7:00 AM.
2. We are going on vacation ______ August.
3. The meeting is scheduled ______ Monday.
4. He has lived here ______ 2010.
5. The store is open ______ 9:00 AM ______ 6:00 PM.
6. They stayed in the cabin ______ three days.
7. She has been studying French ______ last year.
8. The concert will start ______ 8:00 PM.
9. The flowers bloom ______ the spring.
10. The project needs to be completed ______ the end of the month.
Answers
1. at
2. in
3. on
4. since
5. from, to
6. for
7. since
8. at
9. in
10. by
Conclusion
Prepositions of time are essential tools for conveying precise information about when events occur. By mastering the use of at, on, in, and other time-related prepositions, you can enhance your communication skills and avoid common mistakes. Remember to pay attention to the specific rules and contexts in which each preposition is used. Practice regularly, and soon you will find yourself using prepositions of time with confidence and accuracy. Happy learning!
