Prepositions can be a challenging aspect of learning English, especially when they are used with time expressions. Understanding how to use prepositions correctly can significantly improve your fluency and accuracy. In this article, we will delve into the most commonly used prepositions with time expressions: “in,” “on,” and “at.” We will also explore some other prepositions and phrases that can be used to talk about time. By the end of this article, you should have a clearer understanding of how to use these prepositions effectively.
Using “In” with Time Expressions
The preposition “in” is often used with longer periods of time. Here are some common scenarios where “in” is appropriate:
Months
When talking about months, we use “in”:
– I will visit my family in June.
– We met in October.
Years
For years, “in” is also the correct preposition:
– She was born in 1990.
– The company was founded in 2005.
Decades and Centuries
“In” is used when referring to decades and centuries:
– The internet became popular in the 1990s.
– Many important events happened in the 20th century.
Seasons
Seasons of the year also use “in”:
– We usually go skiing in winter.
– The flowers bloom in spring.
Parts of the Day
For parts of the day, “in” is appropriate with the exception of “night”:
– I like to exercise in the morning.
– She reads books in the evening.
Using “On” with Time Expressions
The preposition “on” is typically used with specific days and dates. Here’s how it is used:
Days of the Week
When referring to days of the week, “on” is the correct preposition:
– We have a meeting on Monday.
– They go to the gym on Fridays.
Specific Dates
For specific dates, “on” is used:
– Her birthday is on July 20th.
– The concert is on December 5th.
Special Days
When talking about holidays or special days, use “on”:
– We open presents on Christmas Day.
– The parade is on New Year’s Day.
Using “At” with Time Expressions
The preposition “at” is generally used for specific points in time. Here are some examples:
Clock Times
When referring to clock times, “at” is used:
– The train arrives at 3:00 PM.
– We usually have dinner at 7:30 PM.
Specific Moments
For specific moments, “at” is appropriate:
– The fireworks start at midnight.
– I will see you at noon.
Holidays Without “Day”
When referring to holidays without the word “day,” “at” is correct:
– We will celebrate at Christmas.
– She loves to visit family at Easter.
Other Time-Related Prepositions
While “in,” “on,” and “at” are the most common prepositions used with time expressions, there are other prepositions and phrases that can also be used. Let’s explore some of them:
By
The preposition “by” is used to indicate a deadline or the latest time something will happen:
– Please submit your report by Friday.
– We need to finish the project by the end of the month.
Before
“Before” is used to indicate any time prior to a specific point:
– I will call you before 5:00 PM.
– She left before the meeting started.
After
“After” is used to indicate any time following a specific point:
– We can go out after lunch.
– He came home after midnight.
During
“During” is used to indicate a time period in which something happens:
– She was very happy during the holidays.
– I met him during the conference.
For
“For” is used to indicate the duration of time:
– They have lived here for ten years.
– I will be on vacation for two weeks.
Since
“Since” is used to indicate a starting point in time that continues to the present:
– He has worked here since 2010.
– They have been friends since childhood.
From…To/Until
“From…to” or “from…until” is used to indicate the beginning and end of a time period:
– The store is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
– The event runs from Monday until Friday.
Common Mistakes and Tips for Correct Usage
Learning to use prepositions with time expressions correctly can be tricky, but here are some tips to help you avoid common mistakes:
Mixing Up “In,” “On,” and “At”
One common mistake is mixing up “in,” “on,” and “at.” Remember:
– Use “in” for longer periods (months, years, decades, centuries, seasons, parts of the day).
– Use “on” for specific days and dates.
– Use “at” for specific points in time (clock times, specific moments, holidays without “day”).
Forgetting Prepositions with Holidays
Another mistake is forgetting which preposition to use with holidays. Use “on” for holidays with “day” (e.g., “on Christmas Day”) and “at” for holidays without “day” (e.g., “at Christmas”).
Incorrect Use of “By” and “Until”
“By” and “until” can be confusing. “By” is used for deadlines, meaning any time up to that point:
– Correct: Submit the report by Friday (any time before or on Friday).
– Incorrect: Submit the report until Friday.
“Until” is used to indicate a continuous action up to a point:
– Correct: The event runs until Friday.
– Incorrect: The event runs by Friday.
Using “For” with Specific Times
A common error is using “for” with specific times instead of durations:
– Incorrect: I will meet you for 3 PM.
– Correct: I will meet you at 3 PM.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of prepositions with time expressions, try these practice exercises.
Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct preposition to complete each sentence.
1. I will see you ___ Monday.
2. She was born ___ 1995.
3. The movie starts ___ 7:00 PM.
4. They moved here ___ spring.
5. We will meet ___ Christmas Day.
6. He has been working since ___ 2012.
7. The event lasts ___ three days.
8. Please submit the form ___ the end of the week.
9. She left ___ the meeting ended.
10. The store is open ___ 9 AM to 6 PM.
Answers
1. on
2. in
3. at
4. in
5. on
6. since
7. for
8. by
9. after
10. from
Conclusion
Mastering prepositions with time expressions is crucial for effective communication in English. By understanding the rules and practicing regularly, you can improve your fluency and accuracy. Remember to use “in” for longer periods, “on” for specific days and dates, and “at” for specific points in time. Additionally, familiarize yourself with other prepositions like “by,” “before,” “after,” “during,” “for,” “since,” and “from…to/until” to express time accurately. Keep practicing, and soon you will find that using these prepositions becomes second nature. Happy learning!
