Understanding prepositions of time is essential for mastering English. These small words—such as “in,” “on,” “at,” “during,” and “since”—help us specify when something happens. Although they might seem trivial, their correct usage is crucial for clear and precise communication. In this article, we’ll delve into the most common prepositions of time, their uses, and how to avoid common mistakes.
The Basics of Prepositions of Time
Prepositions of time are words that link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words in a sentence, specifically in terms of when something occurs. They provide context and clarity, making it easier for the listener or reader to understand the timing of events. Let’s start by exploring the three most commonly used prepositions of time: “in,” “on,” and “at.”
Using “In”
The preposition “in” is used for longer periods of time. These can include:
– **Months:** “in January,” “in July”
– **Years:** “in 1990,” “in 2023”
– **Decades:** “in the 1990s,” “in the 21st century”
– **Centuries:** “in the 18th century,” “in the Middle Ages”
– **Seasons:** “in the summer,” “in the winter”
– **Periods of the day:** “in the morning,” “in the evening” (note: we say “at night”)
Examples:
– “She was born in April.”
– “They moved to the city in 2005.”
– “The event took place in the 18th century.”
– “I usually exercise in the morning.”
Using “On”
The preposition “on” is used for specific days and dates. These can include:
– **Days of the week:** “on Monday,” “on Friday”
– **Specific dates:** “on July 4th,” “on December 25th”
– **Special days:** “on my birthday,” “on New Year’s Eve”
Examples:
– “We have a meeting on Tuesday.”
– “Her birthday is on October 10th.”
– “They got married on Valentine’s Day.”
Using “At”
The preposition “at” is used for precise times and specific points of the day. These can include:
– **Clock times:** “at 3:00 PM,” “at noon”
– **Specific points in the day:** “at midnight,” “at dawn”
– **Holidays without ‘day’:** “at Christmas,” “at Easter”
Examples:
– “The train arrives at 6:30 PM.”
– “He usually goes to bed at midnight.”
– “We will see our family at Christmas.”
Other Important Prepositions of Time
Beyond “in,” “on,” and “at,” there are several other prepositions of time that are crucial for conveying precise information about when something happens. Let’s explore these in detail.
Using “During”
The preposition “during” is used to indicate that something happens within a particular period of time. It emphasizes that an event occurs at some point within the timeframe mentioned.
Examples:
– “I read a lot of books during the summer.”
– “She felt sleepy during the lecture.”
– “They traveled during the holidays.”
Using “For”
“For” is used to specify the length of time an action or event lasts. It answers the question “how long?”
Examples:
– “We stayed in Paris for a week.”
– “She has been studying for three hours.”
– “They lived in Germany for five years.”
Using “Since”
“Since” is used to indicate the starting point of an action or event that continues into the present. It answers the question “from when?”
Examples:
– “He has been working here since 2010.”
– “She has lived in New York since she was a child.”
– “They have been friends since high school.”
Using “Until” and “Till”
“Until” (or the informal “till”) is used to indicate up to a certain point in time. It answers the question “up to when?”
Examples:
– “We will wait until you arrive.”
– “The store is open till midnight.”
– “She worked on the project until it was finished.”
Using “By”
The preposition “by” indicates a time limit, meaning “not later than.” It is used to specify the latest time at which an action or event can occur.
Examples:
– “Please submit your assignment by Friday.”
– “We need to leave by 6:00 AM.”
– “The report must be completed by the end of the month.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even advanced learners of English can struggle with prepositions of time. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.
Confusing “In” and “On”
A frequent error is using “in” instead of “on,” or vice versa. Remember, use “in” for longer periods (months, years, seasons) and “on” for specific days and dates.
Incorrect: “She was born on April.”
Correct: “She was born in April.”
Incorrect: “The meeting is in Monday.”
Correct: “The meeting is on Monday.”
Using “At” Incorrectly
Another common mistake is using “at” with days or dates, which should be reserved for specific times or points in the day.
Incorrect: “We will meet at Monday.”
Correct: “We will meet on Monday.”
Incorrect: “The party is at July 4th.”
Correct: “The party is on July 4th.”
Misusing “During” and “For”
“During” and “for” can sometimes be confused. Remember, “during” is used for unspecified times within a period, whereas “for” is used to specify the duration.
Incorrect: “I slept for the movie.”
Correct: “I slept during the movie.”
Incorrect: “She has been studying during three hours.”
Correct: “She has been studying for three hours.”
Overusing “Since”
Since is often misused when referring to the duration of an action rather than the starting point.
Incorrect: “I have known her since five years.”
Correct: “I have known her for five years.”
Incorrect: “They have been here since three hours.”
Correct: “They have been here for three hours.”
Practice Makes Perfect
Understanding prepositions of time is one thing; using them correctly in conversation and writing is another. Practice is key. Here are some exercises to help you master these prepositions.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition of time: in, on, at, during, for, since, until, by.
1. The concert is ______ 8:00 PM.
2. They moved to Spain ______ 2018.
3. She has been waiting ______ an hour.
4. The store is open ______ 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
5. He has been working here ______ five years.
6. I read a lot of books ______ the summer.
7. We will be there ______ 10:00.
8. She has lived in New York ______ she was a child.
9. He studied ______ the night.
10. The project must be completed ______ Friday.
Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.
1. We will meet in Monday.
2. The meeting is at July 4th.
3. She has been studying during three hours.
4. I have known her since five years.
5. They have been here since three hours.
Exercise 3: Creative Writing
Write a short paragraph (5-7 sentences) about your typical day. Use at least five different prepositions of time.
Example:
I usually wake up at 7:00 AM. In the morning, I go for a run. I have breakfast at 8:00 AM. I work during the day and take a break at noon. In the evening, I relax and read a book.
Conclusion
Prepositions of time are fundamental building blocks in the English language, providing clarity and context to our sentences. While they may seem small and insignificant, their correct use is crucial for effective communication. By understanding the rules and practicing regularly, you can master the use of prepositions of time and enhance your English proficiency. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep practicing and soon you’ll find that using prepositions of time comes naturally.
