Prepositions are essential components of English grammar, serving as the glue that connects different parts of a sentence. When it comes to expressing time, prepositions are particularly critical. They help to clarify when an event occurs, how long it lasts, and how it relates to other events in terms of timing. This article will delve into the various prepositions of time, their correct usage, and examples to solidify your understanding.
Common Prepositions of Time
Prepositions of time are words like at, on, in, by, during, for, since, from, until, and between. Each of these prepositions has specific rules and contexts in which they are used.
At
The preposition at is used to indicate a precise time or a particular point in time. Here are some examples:
– “The meeting starts at 9 AM.”
– “She usually goes to bed at midnight.”
In addition to specific times, at can also be used for certain expressions of time:
– “We’ll meet at lunchtime.”
– “The store closes at sunset.”
On
The preposition on is used with days and dates. Here are a few instances:
– “I have a dentist appointment on Monday.”
– “Her birthday is on June 15th.”
It is also used for specific days and special occasions:
– “We will celebrate on Christmas Eve.”
– “The event is on New Year’s Day.”
In
The preposition in is used for longer periods such as months, years, centuries, and long spans of time. Consider the following examples:
– “She was born in July.”
– “The company was founded in 1990.”
In is also used for periods of the day and for future time expressions:
– “I will see you in the morning.”
– “The project will be completed in three weeks.”
Other Useful Prepositions of Time
While at, on, and in are the most commonly used prepositions of time, several others are equally important for more nuanced expressions of time.
By
The preposition by indicates a deadline or the end of a period. It tells us that something will happen at or before a certain time:
– “Please submit your report by Friday.”
– “She should be here by 6 PM.”
During
The preposition during is used to say when something happens within a specific time period:
– “I read a lot of books during the summer.”
– “He was very active during his youth.”
For
For is used to specify the duration of an action or event. It tells us how long something lasts:
– “She has lived here for five years.”
– “We talked for two hours.”
Since
The preposition since is used to indicate the starting point of an action that continues up to the present:
– “He has been working here since 2010.”
– “It has been raining since this morning.”
From
From is used to specify the starting point in time and is often used with to or until to indicate the end point:
– “The museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.”
– “She will be on vacation from Monday until Friday.”
Until
Until (or till) is used to say when something will stop:
– “I will wait until you arrive.”
– “The shop is open until 9 PM.”
Between
The preposition between is used to indicate the period from one specific time to another:
– “The store is open between 9 AM and 6 PM.”
– “I am busy between 1 PM and 3 PM.”
Usage and Common Mistakes
Understanding the correct usage of prepositions of time can be challenging for language learners. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them:
Confusing “In” and “On”
Many learners mix up in and on when talking about days and months:
– Incorrect: “I was born on July.”
– Correct: “I was born in July.”
– Incorrect: “The meeting is in Monday.”
– Correct: “The meeting is on Monday.”
Misusing “At” for Longer Periods
At should not be used for months, years, or longer periods:
– Incorrect: “She graduated at 2015.”
– Correct: “She graduated in 2015.”
Incorrect Use of “For” and “Since”
For is used for a duration of time, while since is used for a starting point:
– Incorrect: “I have been here for 2010.”
– Correct: “I have been here since 2010.”
– Incorrect: “She has lived here since ten years.”
– Correct: “She has lived here for ten years.”
Practice Exercises
To master prepositions of time, practice is crucial. Here are some exercises to help you apply what you’ve learned:
Fill in the Blanks
1. She will arrive ___ noon.
2. He has been working here ___ five years.
3. The concert is ___ Friday night.
4. I will call you ___ the morning.
5. They moved to this city ___ 2018.
Correct the Mistakes
1. She has been studying English since three years.
2. The meeting is in Monday.
3. I will see you at the weekend.
4. He was born on 1995.
5. The store is open from 9 AM till 9 PM.
Answers
Fill in the Blanks
1. She will arrive at noon.
2. He has been working here for five years.
3. The concert is on Friday night.
4. I will call you in the morning.
5. They moved to this city in 2018.
Correct the Mistakes
1. She has been studying English for three years.
2. The meeting is on Monday.
3. I will see you on the weekend. (Note: In American English, “on the weekend” is used, while in British English, it is “at the weekend.”)
4. He was born in 1995.
5. The store is open from 9 AM to 9 PM.
Conclusion
Mastering prepositions of time is a crucial step in achieving fluency in English. While it may seem daunting initially, consistent practice and attention to detail will help you understand and use these prepositions correctly. Remember, the key is to understand the context and the specific rules that govern each preposition. With time and practice, you’ll find yourself using these prepositions naturally and accurately.
