Prepositions are small but mighty components of the English language, often playing a crucial role in conveying precise meanings. When it comes to expressing time, prepositions like “in,” “on,” “at,” and others are indispensable. However, the correct use of prepositions in time expressions can be perplexing, even for advanced learners. This article aims to clarify the use of prepositions in expressions of time, providing comprehensive guidelines and examples to help you master this essential aspect of English.
Preposition “In”
The preposition “in” is used to denote periods of time, including months, years, centuries, and longer periods.
Months and Years
Use “in” when referring to months and years:
– I was born in July.
– She graduated in 2020.
Centuries and Decades
“In” is also used for centuries and decades:
– The castle was built in the 15th century.
– Fashion trends change in the 1990s.
Seasons
When talking about seasons, “in” is the correct preposition:
– We go skiing in winter.
– Flowers bloom in spring.
Periods of the Day
Use “in” when referring to periods of the day, except for night:
– I work out in the morning.
– She takes a nap in the afternoon.
Preposition “On”
The preposition “on” is typically used for specific days and dates.
Days of the Week
Use “on” with days of the week:
– We have meetings on Monday.
– The event is on Friday.
Dates
When referring to specific dates, “on” is the correct preposition:
– Her birthday is on October 5th.
– The project is due on December 1st.
Special Days
Use “on” for special days and holidays:
– We celebrate Christmas on December 25th.
– The parade is on Independence Day.
Preposition “At”
The preposition “at” is used to indicate precise times and specific moments.
Clock Times
Use “at” when referring to specific times on the clock:
– The train leaves at 6:30 PM.
– She starts work at 9:00 AM.
Specific Points in Time
“At” is also used for specific points in time, such as festivals or periods:
– We met at noon.
– The store opens at midnight.
Preposition “By”
The preposition “by” indicates a deadline or the end of a particular time period.
Deadlines
Use “by” to indicate that something will happen before a specific time:
– The report must be submitted by Friday.
– She will arrive by 5 PM.
End of a Period
“By” is also used to indicate the end of a period within which something happens:
– We need to finish this by the end of the month.
– He plans to retire by the age of 60.
Preposition “For”
The preposition “for” is used to indicate the duration of an action or event.
Duration
Use “for” to specify the length of time something lasts:
– We stayed in Paris for two weeks.
– She has been studying for three hours.
Preposition “Since”
“Since” is used to indicate the starting point of an action or event that continues up to the present.
Starting Point
Use “since” to specify when something began:
– He has been living here since 2010.
– She has been working since morning.
Preposition “During”
The preposition “during” is used to indicate that something happens within a particular time frame.
Specific Periods
Use “during” to specify when something occurs within a larger time frame:
– We traveled during the summer.
– She was quiet during the meeting.
Preposition “Until/Till”
The prepositions “until” and “till” indicate a continuation of an action up to a specific point in time.
Continuation
Use “until” or “till” to denote the endpoint of an action:
– We waited until midnight.
– He will be here till Friday.
Preposition “Ago”
“Ago” is used to measure time from the present moment to a point in the past.
Past Time
Use “ago” to indicate how far back in time something happened:
– She left ten minutes ago.
– They moved here five years ago.
Preposition “From…to/until”
This combination is used to indicate the start and end points of an action or event.
Start and End Points
Use “from…to/until” to specify the duration between two points in time:
– The office is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
– The festival runs from Monday until Sunday.
Common Mistakes and Tips
Even with clear guidelines, prepositions of time can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them:
Incorrect Use of “In” for Days
– Incorrect: We have a meeting in Monday.
– Correct: We have a meeting on Monday.
Incorrect Use of “On” for Months
– Incorrect: She was born on July.
– Correct: She was born in July.
Overusing “At” for Periods of the Day
– Incorrect: I exercise at the morning.
– Correct: I exercise in the morning.
Confusion Between “For” and “Since”
– Incorrect: I have lived here for 2010.
– Correct: I have lived here since 2010.
Using “By” Instead of “Until”
– Incorrect: We will wait by he comes.
– Correct: We will wait until he comes.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding, try these exercises:
Fill in the Blanks
1. We will meet ___ noon.
2. She has been studying ___ three hours.
3. The store closes ___ midnight.
4. He has lived here ___ 2015.
5. The project is due ___ Friday.
Answers:
1. at
2. for
3. at
4. since
5. by
Multiple Choice
1. The concert is ___ July.
a) in
b) on
c) at
2. She will arrive ___ 5 PM.
a) in
b) at
c) on
3. We have a meeting ___ Monday.
a) in
b) on
c) at
4. He has been working here ___ five years.
a) since
b) for
c) by
5. The party lasts ___ 7 PM ___ midnight.
a) from, to
b) from, until
c) until, to
Answers:
1. a) in
2. b) at
3. b) on
4. b) for
5. b) from, until
Conclusion
Mastering the use of prepositions in expressions of time is essential for clear and accurate communication in English. By understanding the specific contexts in which each preposition is used, you can avoid common mistakes and convey your intended meaning more precisely. Practice regularly, and soon you’ll find that using prepositions correctly becomes second nature. Happy learning!
