Prepositions of time are a vital part of the English language, helping us to specify when something happens. They can seem tricky to master, but with a bit of practice and understanding, you can use them effectively to enhance your communication skills. This article will explore the most commonly used prepositions of time in English, providing clear explanations and examples to help you grasp their usage.
Common Prepositions of Time
At
The preposition “at” is used to indicate a specific point in time. Here are a few common instances:
– **Clock Times**: We use “at” for precise times on the clock. For example:
– “The meeting starts at 9 AM.”
– “I usually have lunch at 1 PM.”
– **Festivals and Holidays**: When referring to holidays without the word “day,” “at” is appropriate:
– “I love the decorations at Christmas.”
– “We usually travel at Easter.”
– **Specific Points of the Day**: We also use “at” for specific points such as:
– “I wake up at dawn.”
– “The stars are visible at night.”
On
The preposition “on” is used to refer to days and dates. Here’s how you can use it:
– **Days of the Week**: Use “on” to specify days:
– “I have a meeting on Monday.”
– “We go to the gym on Fridays.”
– **Dates**: For specific dates, “on” is used:
– “Her birthday is on July 10th.”
– “The event is on December 25th.”
– **Special Days**: Use “on” for special days that are commonly recognized:
– “We have a family dinner on Thanksgiving Day.”
– “The parade is on New Year’s Day.”
In
The preposition “in” is used for longer periods of time such as months, years, centuries, and long periods. Examples include:
– **Months**:
– “I will travel in June.”
– “The flowers bloom in April.”
– **Years**:
– “She was born in 1990.”
– “The company was founded in 2001.”
– **Centuries and Decades**:
– “This building was constructed in the 18th century.”
– “Fashion changed a lot in the 1960s.”
– **Seasons**:
– “We go skiing in the winter.”
– “The park is beautiful in the fall.”
– **Parts of the Day**: For parts of the day, “in” is used except for night:
– “I exercise in the morning.”
– “We have meetings in the afternoon.”
By
The preposition “by” is used to indicate a time limit or deadline. It means “not later than” a particular time. For example:
– “Please submit the report by Friday.”
– “She needs to arrive by 5 PM.”
Until
The preposition “until” (or “till”) is used to refer to a situation or state that will continue up to a certain point in time. Examples include:
– “We have to wait until the bus arrives.”
– “The store is open until 9 PM.”
During
The preposition “during” is used to say when something happens within a period of time. For example:
– “It rained during the night.”
– “She was very productive during her stay.”
For
The preposition “for” is used to indicate the duration of an action or situation. Examples include:
– “He stayed there for two weeks.”
– “We talked for an hour.”
From…To/Until
The combination “from…to” or “from…until” is used to show the starting and ending point of a time period. For example:
– “The conference runs from Monday to Wednesday.”
– “They worked from 9 AM until 5 PM.”
Complex Uses and Variations
Understanding the basic prepositions of time is essential, but there are also more complex uses and variations that can enrich your understanding and usage.
Expressions of Frequency
Prepositions of time are often used with expressions of frequency:
– “I jog in the morning every day.”
– “She visits her grandparents on weekends.”
Idiomatic Expressions
Some prepositions of time are part of idiomatic expressions that may not follow the general rules but are commonly used in English:
– “He works around the clock to meet the deadline.”
– “The project will be done in no time.”
Special Cases
There are certain expressions where prepositions of time are used in ways that might seem unusual:
– “We met over the summer” (indicating the entire summer period).
– “I’ll get it done within a week” (indicating a period not exceeding a week).
Combining Prepositions
Sometimes, prepositions can be combined to give more precise information:
– “I will be there by 5 PM at the latest.”
– “She will visit during the holidays in December.”
Common Mistakes and Tips
Mastering prepositions of time can be challenging, and learners often make mistakes. Here are some common errors and tips to avoid them:
Using “At” with Days
Incorrect: “I will see you at Monday.”
Correct: “I will see you on Monday.”
Using “In” with Specific Times
Incorrect: “The meeting is in 3 PM.”
Correct: “The meeting is at 3 PM.”
Using “On” with Months or Years
Incorrect: “We are going on vacation on July.”
Correct: “We are going on vacation in July.”
Using “By” Incorrectly
Incorrect: “Please finish this until Friday.”
Correct: “Please finish this by Friday.”
Tips for Mastery
1. **Practice Regularly**: The more you practice using prepositions of time, the more natural they will become.
2. **Read and Listen**: Pay attention to how native speakers use prepositions of time in books, articles, movies, and conversations.
3. **Use Mnemonics**: Create memory aids to help remember which prepositions to use with different time expressions.
4. **Ask for Feedback**: Practice speaking and writing with others and ask for feedback on your use of prepositions of time.
Exercises for Practice
To help solidify your understanding of prepositions of time, here are some exercises you can try.
Fill in the Blanks
1. The movie starts ____ 7 PM.
2. We will visit you ____ Monday.
3. She was born ____ 1995.
4. I will finish this project ____ the end of the week.
5. They traveled ____ the summer.
Correct the Mistakes
1. I will call you in Friday.
2. He will arrive at 10 AM in the morning.
3. They lived there on three years.
4. She will be here until 5 PM at the latest.
5. The store is open by 9 AM.
Answer Key
**Fill in the Blanks:**
1. The movie starts at 7 PM.
2. We will visit you on Monday.
3. She was born in 1995.
4. I will finish this project by the end of the week.
5. They traveled during the summer.
**Correct the Mistakes:**
1. I will call you on Friday.
2. He will arrive at 10 AM.
3. They lived there for three years.
4. She will be here by 5 PM at the latest.
5. The store is open until 9 AM.
Understanding and using prepositions of time correctly can greatly improve your English fluency. By practicing regularly and paying attention to how native speakers use these prepositions, you will become more comfortable and accurate in your usage. Keep practicing, and soon, prepositions of time will become second nature to you!
