Prepositions are small yet powerful words that often dictate the relationship between different elements in a sentence. Among them, prepositions of time are essential as they help us to specify when something occurs. Understanding and using these prepositions accurately can significantly enhance your fluency and clarity in English. In this article, we will delve deep into the most commonly used prepositions of time, their applications, and their nuances.
Common Prepositions of Time
Some of the most frequently used prepositions of time include at, on, and in. While they might seem straightforward, their usage can sometimes be tricky. Let’s explore each one in detail.
At
The preposition at is used to specify precise times. Here are some common uses:
1. **Clock Time**: Use at when referring to specific times on the clock.
– Example: The meeting starts at 3 PM.
2. **Mealtimes**: Use at for common mealtimes.
– Example: We always have lunch at noon.
3. **Festivals and Holidays**: Use at when referring to holidays without the word “day.”
– Example: We gather at Christmas.
4. **Expressions of Time**: Use at with expressions like “at night,” “at the weekend” (British English), and “at the moment.”
– Example: The streets are quiet at night.
– Example: She is busy at the moment.
On
The preposition on is used for days and dates. Here’s how you can use it:
1. **Days of the Week**: Use on before days of the week.
– Example: We have a meeting on Monday.
2. **Specific Dates**: Use on when mentioning specific dates.
– Example: Her birthday is on December 3rd.
3. **Special Days**: Use on with special days like “on Christmas Day,” “on New Year’s Eve,” and so forth.
– Example: They got engaged on Valentine’s Day.
In
The preposition in is used for longer periods such as months, years, centuries, and longer spans of time. Here’s a breakdown:
1. **Months and Years**: Use in when referring to months and years.
– Example: She was born in July.
– Example: They moved here in 2010.
2. **Centuries and Decades**: Use in for centuries and decades.
– Example: The castle was built in the 16th century.
– Example: This style was popular in the 1980s.
3. **Periods of Time**: Use in for periods of time, such as “in the morning,” “in the afternoon,” and “in the evening.”
– Example: She works out in the morning.
4. **Future Time**: Use in when talking about the future, indicating the period before something happens.
– Example: We will finish the project in two weeks.
Other Prepositions of Time
While at, on, and in are the most commonly used prepositions of time, there are several others that are equally important.
By
The preposition by is used to indicate a deadline or the end time for something to happen. It means “not later than.”
– Example: Please submit your assignment by Friday.
– Example: She promised to be back by 10 PM.
For
The preposition for is used to indicate the duration of an action or event. It specifies how long something lasts.
– Example: They have been traveling for three months.
– Example: I will be on vacation for two weeks.
During
The preposition during is used to indicate a period of time in which something happens. It often refers to an event or activity.
– Example: She fell asleep during the movie.
– Example: We met many interesting people during our trip.
Since
The preposition since is used to indicate the starting point of an action that continues to the present. It is often used with the present perfect tense.
– Example: They have been friends since childhood.
– Example: I haven’t seen him since last year.
Until
The preposition until (or till) is used to indicate the end point of an action or event.
– Example: We waited until midnight.
– Example: The store is open until 9 PM.
After
The preposition after indicates that something happens following an event or a point in time.
– Example: We went for dinner after the meeting.
– Example: She felt better after taking the medicine.
Before
The preposition before is used to indicate that something happens earlier than a particular time or event.
– Example: Please arrive before 8 AM.
– Example: She had to finish her homework before going out.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Prepositions of time can be confusing, especially when similar expressions in other languages use different prepositions. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them:
1. **Using “in” instead of “on” for days**:
– Incorrect: We will meet in Monday.
– Correct: We will meet on Monday.
2. **Using “at” instead of “on” for dates**:
– Incorrect: Her birthday is at December 3rd.
– Correct: Her birthday is on December 3rd.
3. **Using “in” instead of “at” for specific times**:
– Incorrect: The meeting starts in 3 PM.
– Correct: The meeting starts at 3 PM.
4. **Confusing “since” and “for”**:
– Incorrect: They have lived here since three years.
– Correct: They have lived here for three years.
– Incorrect: They have lived here for 2010.
– Correct: They have lived here since 2010.
5. **Using “during” instead of “for”**:
– Incorrect: She stayed there during a week.
– Correct: She stayed there for a week.
Exercises to Practice
To master prepositions of time, it’s essential to practice. Here are a few exercises to help you get started:
1. **Fill in the Blanks**: Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition of time.
– The concert starts ___ 8 PM.
– She was born ___ July 15th.
– We visited France ___ the summer.
– He has been working here ___ 2015.
– The project is due ___ Monday.
2. **Sentence Correction**: Correct the sentences by replacing the incorrect prepositions with the correct ones.
– I will call you in Monday.
– We have a meeting at 3 PM.
– She has been here since three hours.
– They moved to the new house in 2010.
– The movie starts in 7 PM.
3. **Translation Practice**: Translate the following sentences into your native language, then translate them back into English, paying special attention to the prepositions of time.
– I will see you on Wednesday.
– The store is open until 9 PM.
– They have known each other since childhood.
– We went out for dinner after the meeting.
– She will arrive by noon.
Conclusion
Understanding and correctly using prepositions of time is crucial for effective communication in English. While it may seem daunting at first, with practice and attention to detail, you can master their usage. Remember, prepositions are small words with significant impact, and getting them right can make a big difference in how clearly and accurately you express yourself. Keep practicing, and soon, using prepositions of time will become second nature to you.
