Learning how to use prepositions of time correctly is essential for mastering English. Prepositions are small words that create relationships between other words in a sentence. Prepositions of time, in particular, help to link events to specific moments or periods. This article will delve deeply into the most common prepositions of time: at, in, and on, as well as a few others like before, after, during, for, and since. By the end of this article, you will have a thorough understanding of how to use these prepositions effectively.
At
The preposition at is used to denote specific points in time. This can be precise clock times, certain points in a day, or specific moments in a period.
Specific Times
When referring to specific times, use at:
– “The meeting starts at 3:00 PM.”
– “I will see you at noon.”
– “The store opens at 9:00 AM.”
Specific Points of the Day
Use at to denote certain points in the day:
– “I usually have a cup of tea at sunrise.”
– “She goes for a walk at dusk.”
– “The kids go to bed at night.”
In
The preposition in is used for longer, more general periods of time. This includes months, years, centuries, and longer periods.
Months, Years, and Centuries
When referring to months, years, and centuries, use in:
– “She was born in July.”
– “The company was founded in 1990.”
– “Significant technological advancements happened in the 20th century.”
Parts of the Day
Use in for general parts of the day, except for night:
– “I like to exercise in the morning.”
– “He reads in the afternoon.”
– “We usually watch TV in the evening.”
Seasons
When talking about seasons, use in:
– “We often travel in summer.”
– “The flowers bloom in spring.”
– “It gets very cold in winter.”
On
The preposition on is used for specific days and dates. This can include days of the week, specific calendar dates, and special days.
Days of the Week
When referring to days of the week, use on:
– “We have a meeting on Monday.”
– “I usually go to the gym on Fridays.”
– “They visit their grandparents on Sundays.”
Dates
Use on for specific calendar dates:
– “My birthday is on July 15th.”
– “The project is due on December 1st.”
– “They got married on June 25th.”
Special Days
For special days, use on:
– “We celebrate Independence Day on July 4th.”
– “There’s a party on New Year’s Eve.”
– “We have a family dinner on Christmas Day.”
Before and After
The prepositions before and after are used to indicate that something happens earlier or later than a specific point in time.
Before
Use before to indicate an action that happens earlier:
– “I like to meditate before breakfast.”
– “She finished the report before the deadline.”
– “We should arrive before sunset.”
After
Use after to indicate an action that happens later:
– “He goes for a run after work.”
– “They went out for dinner after the movie.”
– “I’ll call you after the meeting.”
During
The preposition during is used to express that something happens within a specific period of time.
Specific Periods
Use during to indicate actions within a specific period:
– “I read a lot of books during the summer vacation.”
– “She felt nervous during the exam.”
– “We stayed indoors during the storm.”
For and Since
The prepositions for and since are used to describe the duration of time, but they are used differently.
For
Use for to indicate the length of time something happens:
– “We have been waiting for an hour.”
– “She has lived here for ten years.”
– “They will stay for a week.”
Since
Use since to indicate the starting point of an action or event that continues into the present:
– “I have been working here since 2015.”
– “She has been studying English since last year.”
– “They have been friends since childhood.”
Examples and Exercises
Understanding the theory behind prepositions of time is essential, but practice is equally important. Here are some examples and exercises to help you master these prepositions.
Example Sentences
– “The concert starts at 8:00 PM.”
– “We are going on vacation in August.”
– “They always have a family dinner on Thanksgiving.”
– “You should complete the assignment before Friday.”
– “He usually takes a nap after lunch.”
– “She felt very relaxed during the massage.”
– “I have known him for over a decade.”
– “They have been married since 2001.”
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct preposition of time to complete each sentence.
1. The movie starts ___ 7:30 PM.
2. She was born ___ December.
3. We have a meeting ___ Wednesday.
4. They will arrive ___ the afternoon.
5. He has been working here ___ five years.
6. I haven’t seen him ___ last week.
7. We usually travel ___ summer.
8. She likes to read ___ the morning.
Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.
1. We will meet in 5:00 PM.
2. She moved here on 2010.
3. The party is at Saturday.
4. He usually exercises in night.
5. They have been friends for 2018.
6. I like to go for a walk during the sunset.
7. She finished her homework after the class started.
8. He has been studying French since three years.
Common Mistakes and Tips
Even advanced learners can make mistakes with prepositions of time. Here are some common pitfalls and tips to avoid them.
Common Mistakes
– Mixing up at, in, and on: Remember that at is for specific times, in is for longer periods, and on is for days and dates.
– Using since with a period of time: Use since with a specific starting point and for with a duration.
– Forgetting exceptions: Remember that we say “at night” but “in the morning/afternoon/evening.”
Tips
– Practice regularly: Consistent practice will help you internalize the correct usage.
– Use real-life examples: Think of your daily routines and try to describe them using prepositions of time.
– Review and revise: Go back to your exercises and notes frequently to reinforce your learning.
Conclusion
Mastering prepositions of time is crucial for fluency in English. These small words play a significant role in conveying the exact timing of actions and events. By understanding the rules and practicing consistently, you can use at, in, on, before, after, during, for, and since with confidence and precision. Keep practicing, and you’ll find that these prepositions will become second nature in no time.
