When learning English, one of the trickiest aspects can be mastering prepositions. These small but mighty words often convey critical information about the relationship between different elements in a sentence. Today, we will focus on prepositions of time, which are essential for discussing when events occur. Understanding these prepositions will enable you to describe dates, times, durations, and sequences more accurately and naturally.
Common Prepositions of Time
Prepositions of time include words like in, on, at, by, before, after, during, for, and since. Each of these prepositions has specific rules and contexts in which they are used. Let’s delve into each one to understand its usage better.
In
The preposition in is commonly used to denote periods of time, longer durations, and parts of the day. Here are some specific scenarios where you would use in:
1. **Months and Years**:
– “I was born in January.”
– “She graduated in 2010.”
2. **Decades and Centuries**:
– “The internet became popular in the 1990s.”
– “Many scientific advancements were made in the 20th century.”
3. **Seasons**:
– “We love traveling in the summer.”
– “It often snows in the winter.”
4. **Parts of the Day** (except for night, which uses at):
– “I usually exercise in the morning.”
– “We will meet in the afternoon.”
On
The preposition on is used for specific days and dates. Here are some examples:
1. **Days of the Week**:
– “I have a meeting on Monday.”
– “We go to the market on Saturdays.”
2. **Specific Dates**:
– “Her birthday is on July 20th.”
– “The event is scheduled on the 15th of March.”
3. **Special Days**:
– “We celebrate Christmas on December 25th.”
– “The festival is on New Year’s Eve.”
At
The preposition at is used for precise moments and specific points in time. Here are the primary contexts in which you would use at:
1. **Clock Times**:
– “The train arrives at 6:30 PM.”
– “She has a dentist appointment at 9:00 AM.”
2. **Specific Times of Day**:
– “I usually sleep at night.”
– “Let’s meet at noon.”
3. **Holidays and Festivals (without ‘day’)**:
– “We open presents at Christmas.”
– “Fireworks are common at New Year’s.”
By
The preposition by is used to indicate a deadline or the latest time at which something should be done. Here are some ways to use by:
1. **Deadlines**:
– “Please submit your assignment by Friday.”
– “The project must be completed by 5 PM.”
2. **Not Later Than a Specific Time**:
– “She promised to be back by 8 PM.”
– “We should finish the work by the end of the month.”
Before
The preposition before is used to indicate that something happens earlier than a specific point in time. Here are some examples:
1. **Earlier Than a Specific Time**:
– “Finish your homework before dinner.”
– “We need to leave before 10 AM.”
2. **Earlier Than an Event**:
– “She arrived before the meeting started.”
– “I like to wake up before sunrise.”
After
Conversely, the preposition after indicates that something happens later than a specific point in time. Here are some common usages:
1. **Later Than a Specific Time**:
– “Let’s go for a walk after lunch.”
– “He usually relaxes after work.”
2. **Later Than an Event**:
– “We can discuss it after the presentation.”
– “She felt better after taking the medicine.”
During
The preposition during is used to indicate that something happens within a specific period or event. Here are some examples:
1. **Within a Specific Period**:
– “I read a lot of books during the summer.”
– “She stayed in the city during the holidays.”
2. **Within an Event**:
– “No one is allowed to talk during the exam.”
– “He fell asleep during the movie.”
For
The preposition for is used to specify the length of time something lasts. Here are some examples:
1. **Duration of Time**:
– “We have lived here for ten years.”
– “She will be traveling for two weeks.”
2. **Specific Time Periods**:
– “I have been waiting for an hour.”
– “He studied for the entire night.”
Since
The preposition since is used to indicate the starting point of an action or event that continues up to the present. Here are some examples:
1. **Starting Point in Time**:
– “They have been friends since childhood.”
– “I have worked here since 2015.”
2. **Specific Events**:
– “She has not seen him since the party.”
– “We have been waiting since morning.”
Common Mistakes and Tips
Understanding prepositions of time is crucial, but learners often make some common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to avoid and tips to help you master these prepositions:
Confusing ‘in’ and ‘on’
A frequent error is mixing up in and on. Remember, in is used for longer periods like months, years, and parts of the day, while on is used for specific days and dates. For example, say “I was born in 1990″ and “My birthday is on July 5th.”
Using ‘at’ Incorrectly
Learners sometimes misuse at when they should use in or on. For instance, it’s incorrect to say “I will see you at Monday.” Instead, say “I will see you on Monday.” Use at for specific times like “at 5 PM” or “at noon.”
Overusing ‘during’
While during is useful for indicating a period within which something happens, it should not replace other prepositions like in or for. For example, it’s more accurate to say “I will be on vacation for two weeks” rather than “I will be on vacation during two weeks.”
Confusing ‘for’ and ‘since’
Another common mistake is mixing up for and since. Use for to indicate the duration of time and since to denote the starting point. For example, “I have lived here for five years” (duration) and “I have lived here since 2015″ (starting point).
Practice Makes Perfect
To truly master prepositions of time, consistent practice is essential. Engage in exercises that require you to fill in the blanks with the correct prepositions. For example:
1. “I usually work out __ the morning.”
2. “We have a meeting __ Wednesday.”
3. “She has been studying __ three hours.”
4. “They moved here __ 2010.”
5. “He will arrive __ 8 PM.”
Answers:
1. in
2. on
3. for
4. in
5. at
Contextual Learning
One of the best ways to learn prepositions of time is through contextual learning. This means paying attention to how native speakers use these prepositions in real-life contexts. Here are some strategies:
Reading
Reading books, articles, and other written materials can provide numerous examples of how prepositions of time are used. Pay attention to sentences that describe when something happens and note the prepositions used.
Listening
Listening to native speakers through movies, TV shows, podcasts, and conversations can help you understand how prepositions of time are used naturally. Try to mimic the usage you hear.
Speaking and Writing
Practice using prepositions of time in your own speaking and writing. Describe your daily routine, past experiences, and future plans, paying attention to the correct prepositions.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
Once you have a solid grasp of the basic prepositions of time, you can explore some of the more advanced usages and nuances. Here are a few examples:
Time Expressions with ‘in’ and ‘on’
Sometimes, time expressions can be a bit more nuanced. For example:
1. **In the past/future**:
– “He did a lot of traveling in the past.”
– “We will see what happens in the future.”
2. **On time/On schedule**:
– “The train arrived on time.”
– “The project is on schedule.”
Idiomatic Expressions
English has several idiomatic expressions that involve prepositions of time. These can be tricky because they don’t always follow the standard rules:
1. **In time**: Early enough or within the allowed time.
– “I got to the station just in time to catch the train.”
2. **At the last minute**: Just before something happens.
– “He completed the assignment at the last minute.”
3. **By heart**: From memory.
– “She knows the poem by heart.”
Combining Prepositions
Sometimes, prepositions of time can be combined for more precise meanings:
1. **From…to/until**:
– “I will be on vacation from Monday to Friday.”
– “The store is open from 9 AM until 5 PM.”
2. **Since…until**:
– “I have been working here since January until now.”
Understanding prepositions of time is a fundamental aspect of mastering English. These small words play a significant role in conveying when events occur, helping you communicate more precisely and naturally. By paying attention to their usage, practicing consistently, and learning from context, you can become proficient in using prepositions of time effectively. Keep practicing, and soon, you’ll find that using these prepositions becomes second nature.
