Prepositions are an integral part of the English language, often used to indicate relationships between different elements within a sentence. One of the most common types of prepositions is the preposition of time. These prepositions help us describe when something happens, providing clarity and precision to our communication. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of prepositions of time, exploring their usage, differences, and common errors to help you master this essential aspect of English grammar.
What are Prepositions of Time?
Prepositions of time are words that connect nouns or pronouns to other elements in a sentence, specifically to indicate when something happens. They provide context to our sentences, allowing us to answer questions like “When did it happen?” or “For how long did it occur?”. The most common prepositions of time include at, on, in, by, before, after, during, for, since, and until.
Common Prepositions of Time and Their Usage
At
The preposition at is used to indicate a specific time. It is often utilized for precise moments on the clock, such as:
– “The meeting starts at 3 PM.”
– “She usually wakes up at 7 AM.”
Additionally, at can be used with specific points in time like holidays or weekends:
– “We will meet at Christmas.”
– “He is leaving at the weekend.”
On
The preposition on is used with days and dates. For example:
– “I have a dentist appointment on Monday.”
– “Her birthday is on April 5th.”
It can also be used for specific parts of the day when accompanied by a day of the week:
– “He has a meeting on Friday morning.”
– “She goes for a jog on Sunday evenings.”
In
The preposition in is used for longer periods of time, such as months, years, centuries, and parts of the day:
– “We are going on vacation in July.”
– “He was born in 1990.”
– “This building was constructed in the 18th century.”
– “I usually take a nap in the afternoon.”
By
The preposition by is used to indicate a deadline or the latest time something will happen:
– “Please submit your assignment by Friday.”
– “She promised to be here by 6 PM.”
Before and After
The prepositions before and after indicate relative time, describing events that happen prior to or following a certain point in time:
– “We should finish the project before the deadline.”
– “She likes to meditate before breakfast.”
– “He usually reads the newspaper after dinner.”
– “The movie starts after the previews.”
During
The preposition during is used to indicate a period of time in which something occurs:
– “She fell asleep during the lecture.”
– “They met during the summer vacation.”
For
The preposition for is used to indicate the duration of an event or action:
– “He has lived in New York for five years.”
– “They talked for hours.”
Since
The preposition since is used to indicate the starting point of an action or event that continues to the present:
– “She has been working here since 2010.”
– “He has been studying since 8 AM.”
Until (or Till)
The preposition until (or till) is used to indicate the end point of a period of time:
– “The store is open until 9 PM.”
– “He stayed up until midnight.”
Common Errors with Prepositions of Time
Even advanced English learners can make mistakes with prepositions of time. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them:
Confusing “At” and “On”
A common mistake is using at when on is needed, or vice versa. Remember, at is used for specific times, while on is used for days and dates:
– Incorrect: “I will see you at Monday.”
– Correct: “I will see you on Monday.”
Using “In” for Specific Times
Another frequent error is using in for specific times on the clock, which should use at:
– Incorrect: “The meeting starts in 3 PM.”
– Correct: “The meeting starts at 3 PM.”
Misusing “Since” and “For”
Learners often confuse since and for. Use since for the starting point and for to indicate the duration:
– Incorrect: “I have been living here for 2010.”
– Correct: “I have been living here since 2010.”
Exercises to Practice Prepositions of Time
To master prepositions of time, practice is essential. Here are a few exercises to help you get started:
Fill in the Blanks
1. The train leaves ____ 8 AM.
2. She was born ____ 1995.
3. We have a meeting ____ Tuesday.
4. He has been studying ____ two hours.
5. The store is open ____ 10 PM.
Answers:
1. at
2. in
3. on
4. for
5. until
Correct the Sentences
1. I will call you in Monday.
2. She has been working here for 2010.
3. The movie starts at the evening.
4. He usually exercises on the morning.
5. They will arrive since 6 PM.
Corrected Sentences:
1. I will call you on Monday.
2. She has been working here since 2010.
3. The movie starts in the evening.
4. He usually exercises in the morning.
5. They will arrive by 6 PM.
Prepositions of Time in Context
To further understand how prepositions of time work in real-life scenarios, let’s look at a few example paragraphs:
A Day in the Life
Jane wakes up at 6 AM every day. After she gets out of bed, she goes for a jog in the park. She usually finishes her jog by 7 AM and then takes a shower. During breakfast, she reads the news. On weekdays, she leaves for work at 8 AM. Her office is close to her home, so she arrives in 15 minutes. She works until 5 PM and then heads back home. In the evenings, she likes to relax and watch TV. She usually goes to bed at 10 PM.
Planning a Trip
We are planning to visit Paris in June. We will leave on the 10th and come back on the 20th. Our flight is scheduled to depart at 9 AM, so we need to be at the airport by 7 AM. During our stay, we plan to visit many famous landmarks. Before we leave, we need to book our hotel and buy tickets for the attractions. We are looking forward to exploring the city and experiencing its culture.
Conclusion
Prepositions of time are essential for conveying accurate information about when events occur. By understanding the specific uses of at, on, in, by, before, after, during, for, since, and until, you can enhance your communication skills and avoid common errors. Practice using these prepositions in different contexts to gain confidence and fluency in your English language skills. Remember, mastering prepositions takes time and practice, but with consistent effort, you will improve and become more proficient in using them accurately.
