Understanding how to use prepositions of time correctly can significantly improve your English fluency and accuracy. These small words might seem insignificant, but they can change the meaning of sentences and make your expressions clearer and more precise. In this article, we will delve into the most common prepositions of time: “in,” “on,” “at,” and others. By the end, you will have a clearer understanding of how to use them correctly in various contexts.
Prepositions of Time: In, On, and At
Using “In”
The preposition “in” is often used to refer to larger periods of time, such as months, years, centuries, and longer periods. Here are some examples to illustrate its use:
– **Months:** “I was born in May.”
– **Years:** “She graduated in 2015.”
– **Decades:** “Fashion changed a lot in the 1990s.”
– **Centuries:** “This painting was created in the 18th century.”
– **Longer Periods:** “Dinosaurs roamed the Earth in prehistoric times.”
“In” is also used for parts of the day, such as the morning, afternoon, and evening:
– “I like to go for a run in the morning.”
– “She studies best in the afternoon.”
– “We often watch TV in the evening.”
However, there are exceptions. For instance, we say “at night” instead of “in the night.”
Using “On”
The preposition “on” is used to refer to specific days and dates:
– **Days of the Week:** “I have a meeting on Monday.”
– **Specific Dates:** “Her birthday is on July 22nd.”
“On” is also used for specific days combined with parts of the day:
– “We have classes on Tuesday mornings.”
– “The concert is on Friday night.”
Additionally, “on” is used for holidays that include the word “day”:
– “We usually have a big meal on Christmas Day.”
– “They met on Valentine’s Day.”
Using “At”
The preposition “at” is used for specific times of the day and specific points in time:
– **Clock Times:** “The train arrives at 3:30 PM.”
– **Specific Times of the Day:** “She goes to bed at midnight.”
“At” is also used for some common expressions of time:
– “at noon”
– “at dawn”
– “at dusk”
Furthermore, “at” is used with certain holidays and festival periods, although these do not include the word “day”:
– “We visit our grandparents at Christmas.”
– “They have a big party at New Year.”
Other Prepositions of Time
While “in,” “on,” and “at” are the most common prepositions of time, several others are also frequently used in English. Let’s take a look at some of these:
Using “By”
“By” is used to indicate a deadline or the end of a particular period:
– “Please submit your report by Friday.”
– “She plans to finish the project by next week.”
In this context, “by” implies that something should be done before or at the latest by a certain time.
Using “During”
“During” is used to refer to a period or event in which something happens:
– “I learned a lot during the workshop.”
– “They stayed silent during the movie.”
“During” emphasizes that an action or event occurs within the entire duration of a period.
Using “For”
“For” is used to indicate the duration of time:
– “We lived in Paris for two years.”
– “He has been studying for three hours.”
“For” answers the question “how long?” and is typically used to describe the length of an activity or event.
Using “Since”
“Since” is used to refer to the starting point of an action or event that continues to the present:
– “She has been working here since 2010.”
– “They’ve been friends since childhood.”
“Since” is often used with the present perfect tense to indicate that something began in the past and is still true or relevant.
Using “Until” and “Till”
“Until” (or its less formal variation “till”) is used to indicate up to a certain point in time:
– “The store is open until 9 PM.”
– “Wait here till I get back.”
“Until” emphasizes the continuation of an action or state up to a specific time.
Using “Before” and “After”
“Before” and “After” are used to indicate that something happens earlier or later than a specific point in time:
– “She always stretches before exercising.”
– “Let’s have dinner after the movie.”
These prepositions help to sequence events in time, making it clear which action occurs first and which one follows.
Common Mistakes and Tips to Avoid Them
Even advanced learners of English sometimes struggle with prepositions of time. Here are some common mistakes and tips to help you avoid them:
Common Mistake 1: Using “In” Instead of “On” for Dates
Incorrect: “Her birthday is in July 22nd.”
Correct: “Her birthday is on July 22nd.”
**Tip:** Remember that “in” is for months and years, while “on” is for specific days and dates.
Common Mistake 2: Using “At” Instead of “In” for Parts of the Day
Incorrect: “I will call you at the morning.”
Correct: “I will call you in the morning.”
**Tip:** Use “in” for parts of the day (morning, afternoon, evening) but “at” for specific times (at noon, at night).
Common Mistake 3: Using “For” Instead of “Since” with a Starting Point
Incorrect: “He has been living here for 2010.”
Correct: “He has been living here since 2010.”
**Tip:** Use “since” to indicate the starting point of an action that continues to the present. “For” is used for the duration of time.
Common Mistake 4: Mixing Up “Until” and “By”
Incorrect: “I need to finish this until Friday.”
Correct: “I need to finish this by Friday.”
**Tip:** Use “by” to indicate a deadline and “until” to indicate the continuation of an action up to a specific point in time.
Practice Exercises
To reinforce your understanding of prepositions of time, here are some practice exercises. Try to fill in the blanks with the correct prepositions: “in,” “on,” “at,” “by,” “during,” “for,” “since,” “until,” “before,” or “after.”
1. The meeting is scheduled ___ 3 PM.
2. She has been working here ___ five years.
3. The movie starts ___ 7 PM.
4. We traveled to Japan ___ the summer.
5. He was born ___ 1990.
6. They will finish the project ___ next Monday.
7. I like to read ___ the evening.
8. She has been studying English ___ she was a child.
9. The store will be closed ___ noon.
10. They usually go hiking ___ the weekend.
Answers
1. at
2. for
3. at
4. in
5. in
6. by
7. in
8. since
9. until
10. on
Conclusion
Mastering prepositions of time is essential for clear and accurate communication in English. Although they can be tricky, understanding their specific uses and practicing them in context will help you become more confident in your language skills. Remember to pay attention to the context and the specific time references to choose the correct preposition. With time and practice, using “in,” “on,” “at,” and other prepositions of time will become second nature. Happy learning!
