Prepositions are a fundamental part of English grammar, and understanding them is essential for effective communication. Among the various types of prepositions, prepositions of time play a crucial role in expressing when an action occurs. These prepositions can sometimes be confusing for learners due to their subtleties and specific usage rules. This article will delve into the most commonly used prepositions of time in English and provide detailed explanations and examples to help you master them.
Understanding Prepositions of Time
Prepositions of time are words that link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other parts of the sentence, specifically to indicate when something happens. Some of the most commonly used prepositions of time include at, on, in, by, during, for, since, from, until, and within. Each of these prepositions has specific rules regarding its use, and they are not interchangeable. Let’s explore each one in detail.
At
The preposition at is used to specify a precise time or a specific point in time. It is commonly used with clock times, specific moments of the day, holidays, and festivals.
– **Clock Times**: “The meeting starts at 9:00 AM.”
– **Specific Moments of the Day**: “He usually has a coffee at sunrise.”
– **Holidays and Festivals**: “We always have a big dinner at Christmas.”
Note that at is not used with dates or longer periods.
On
The preposition on is used to specify days and dates. It is used with days of the week, specific dates, and special days.
– **Days of the Week**: “We have a meeting on Monday.”
– **Specific Dates**: “Her birthday is on October 5th.”
– **Special Days**: “We celebrate our anniversary on Valentine’s Day.”
Remember that on is not used with months or years.
In
The preposition in is used for longer periods such as months, seasons, years, centuries, and longer spans of time.
– **Months**: “She will visit us in July.”
– **Seasons**: “They go skiing in winter.”
– **Years**: “He was born in 1990.”
– **Centuries**: “The castle was built in the 12th century.”
– **Longer Periods**: “A lot has changed in the last decade.”
By
The preposition by indicates a deadline or the latest time at which something will happen. It is used to mean ‘not later than’ a specific time.
– “Please submit your report by Friday.”
– “She promised to be back by 5 PM.”
During
The preposition during is used to talk about something that happens within a particular period of time or an event.
– “We met during the conference.”
– “The power went out during the storm.”
For
The preposition for is used to specify the duration of time over which something happens.
– “They lived in France for five years.”
– “She has been studying for three hours.”
Since
The preposition since is used to indicate the starting point of an action that continues up to the present moment.
– “She has been working here since 2010.”
– “I have known him since we were kids.”
From
The preposition from is used to indicate the starting point of an action or event in time.
– “The exhibition runs from June to August.”
– “She works from 9 AM to 5 PM.”
Until
The preposition until (often shortened to till) indicates up to a certain point in time.
– “The store is open until 9 PM.”
– “He waited until she arrived.”
Within
The preposition within is used to indicate that something will happen inside a particular period of time.
– “The package will arrive within a week.”
– “Please respond within 24 hours.”
Common Mistakes with Prepositions of Time
Understanding the correct use of prepositions of time can be challenging, and learners often make mistakes. Here are some common errors and tips on how to avoid them:
1. **Using ‘at’ with days or dates**:
Incorrect: “She will come at Monday.”
Correct: “She will come on Monday.”
2. **Using ‘in’ with specific times or dates**:
Incorrect: “The meeting is in 3 PM.”
Correct: “The meeting is at 3 PM.”
3. **Using ‘on’ with months or years**:
Incorrect: “He was born on 1995.”
Correct: “He was born in 1995.”
4. **Using ‘since’ with duration**:
Incorrect: “I have been here since three hours.”
Correct: “I have been here for three hours.”
5. **Using ‘for’ with starting points**:
Incorrect: “I have known her for 2015.”
Correct: “I have known her since 2015.”
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of prepositions of time, try these practice exercises. Choose the correct preposition to complete each sentence.
1. She arrived ___ 7 PM.
– a) at
– b) on
– c) in
2. They have been friends ___ childhood.
– a) at
– b) since
– c) for
3. The project is due ___ Monday.
– a) in
– b) on
– c) at
4. We traveled to Europe ___ summer.
– a) in
– b) on
– c) at
5. He has been working here ___ five years.
– a) since
– b) for
– c) during
6. The store will be open ___ 9 AM to 5 PM.
– a) from
– b) by
– c) until
7. The movie starts ___ 8:30.
– a) on
– b) at
– c) in
8. She will return ___ a week.
– a) within
– b) by
– c) during
Answers:
1. a) at
2. b) since
3. b) on
4. a) in
5. b) for
6. a) from
7. b) at
8. a) within
Conclusion
Mastering prepositions of time is essential for clear and accurate communication in English. While they can be tricky, understanding the specific contexts in which each preposition is used will greatly enhance your language skills. Remember to practice regularly and pay attention to how native speakers use these prepositions in everyday conversation. With time and practice, you will find yourself using prepositions of time with confidence and precision.
