Prepositions of time are an essential part of the English language, providing crucial context to our sentences by indicating when something happens. Understanding these prepositions is vital for both speaking and writing accurately. They might seem small, but prepositions of time can entirely change the meaning of a sentence. In this article, we will explore the most commonly used prepositions of time in English, including “at,” “on,” and “in,” among others. We will provide detailed explanations and examples to help you use them correctly.
At
The preposition “at” is used to specify a particular point in time. It is often used with clock times, festivals, and some common expressions of time.
Specific Times:
– “The meeting starts at 9:00 AM.”
– “She arrived at noon.”
Festivals:
– “We exchange gifts at Christmas.”
– “They have fireworks at New Year.”
Common Expressions:
– “I usually get hungry at lunchtime.”
– “He works best at night.”
Remember, “at” is used for specific times and precise moments, making it highly useful for indicating exact points in time.
On
The preposition “on” is used to refer to days and dates. It is also used for specific parts of particular days.
Days of the Week:
– “We have a meeting on Monday.”
– “He plays soccer on Saturdays.”
Dates:
– “Her birthday is on May 5th.”
– “They got married on July 20, 2010.”
Specific Parts of Days:
– “We will discuss the project on Monday morning.”
– “She likes to jog on Sunday afternoons.”
Using “on” helps specify not just the day but also the particular segment of that day, which can be crucial for planning and scheduling.
In
The preposition “in” is used for longer periods of time such as months, years, centuries, and long periods.
Months:
– “I will visit you in April.”
– “They go on vacation in August.”
Years:
– “She was born in 1990.”
– “The company was founded in 2005.”
Centuries:
– “That castle was built in the 16th century.”
– “There was a lot of exploration in the 19th century.”
Long Periods:
– “We will see results in a few weeks.”
– “He plans to retire in the near future.”
“In” is perfect for indicating extended periods and ranges of time, giving context to events that span over longer durations.
Other Prepositions of Time
While “at,” “on,” and “in” are the most frequently used prepositions of time, there are several others that are equally important for expressing time accurately.
Before
“Before” is used to indicate that an event happens earlier than another event.
– “She usually finishes her homework before dinner.”
– “We need to leave before 5 PM.”
“Before” is essential for sequencing events and ensuring that actions are understood in the correct order.
After
“After” is used to indicate that an event happens later than another event.
– “They went out for coffee after the meeting.”
– “Please call me after 6 PM.”
“After” works in tandem with “before” to establish a clear timeline of events.
During
“During” is used to specify a period within which something happens.
– “She read a book during the flight.”
– “There was a lot of noise during the concert.”
“During” is ideal for highlighting activities that occur within a specific timeframe.
By
“By” is used to indicate a deadline or the latest time by which something should be done.
– “Please submit your report by Friday.”
– “We need to finish this project by the end of the month.”
“By” is crucial for setting and understanding deadlines.
For
“For” is used to indicate the duration of an event.
– “He has lived in Paris for three years.”
– “They talked for hours.”
“For” helps to express the length of time something takes.
Since
“Since” is used to indicate the starting point of an action that continues up to the present.
– “She has been working here since 2010.”
– “I haven’t seen him since last summer.”
“Since” is important for connecting past events with the present.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even advanced English speakers can make mistakes with prepositions of time. Here are some common errors and tips on how to avoid them:
Using “at” instead of “on”:
– Incorrect: “I will call you at Monday.”
– Correct: “I will call you on Monday.”
Using “in” instead of “on”:
– Incorrect: “She was born in July 5th.”
– Correct: “She was born on July 5th.”
Using “on” instead of “in”:
– Incorrect: “They will arrive on April.”
– Correct: “They will arrive in April.”
Confusing “since” and “for”:
– Incorrect: “I have lived here since five years.”
– Correct: “I have lived here for five years.”
Misplacing “by” and “until”:
– Incorrect: “I will stay here by 6 PM.”
– Correct: “I will stay here until 6 PM.”
By paying careful attention to these common errors, you can improve your accuracy and clarity when using prepositions of time.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of prepositions of time, try these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition.
1. She will arrive ___ 7 PM.
2. We have a meeting ___ Monday morning.
3. They moved to the city ___ 2012.
4. The party starts ___ New Year.
5. I have been studying here ___ three years.
6. Please submit your assignment ___ Friday.
7. He was born ___ May 3rd.
8. They will finish the project ___ the end of the month.
9. We watched a movie ___ the flight.
10. She hasn’t seen him ___ last year.
Answers:
1. at
2. on
3. in
4. at
5. for
6. by
7. on
8. by
9. during
10. since
Conclusion
Mastering prepositions of time is an essential skill for anyone learning English. They provide context and clarity, helping to convey when events happen. By understanding and correctly using prepositions like “at,” “on,” “in,” “before,” “after,” “during,” “by,” “for,” and “since,” you can greatly improve your communication skills. Remember, practice is key. The more you use these prepositions in your everyday speech and writing, the more natural they will become. Happy learning!
