Prepositions are small words, but they play a crucial role in conveying precise meanings in sentences. One of the most important types of prepositions in the English language are prepositions of time. These prepositions help to indicate when something happens, often answering questions like “When?” “How long?” and “How often?” Mastering the use of prepositions of time can significantly improve your fluency and comprehension in English. In this article, we will explore the various prepositions of time, their uses, and common mistakes to avoid.
Common Prepositions of Time
There are several prepositions of time that are frequently used in English. These include: at, on, in, by, before, after, during, for, since, until, and from. Understanding the specific contexts in which each of these prepositions is used can help you make more accurate and meaningful sentences.
At
The preposition at is used to specify a precise or particular point in time. Some common uses include:
– **Clock Times**: “The meeting starts at 3 PM.”
– **Holidays and Festivals**: “We exchange gifts at Christmas.”
– **Specific Moments**: “She arrived at the right moment.”
On
The preposition on is used for days and dates. Examples include:
– **Days of the Week**: “We have a meeting on Monday.”
– **Specific Dates**: “The concert is on December 25th.”
– **Specific Days**: “I will call you on my birthday.”
In
The preposition in is used for longer periods of time such as months, years, centuries, and long periods. Examples include:
– **Months**: “Her birthday is in August.”
– **Years**: “He was born in 1990.”
– **Seasons**: “We go hiking in the summer.”
– **Parts of the Day**: “I exercise in the morning.”
By
The preposition by is used to indicate a deadline or the latest time by which something should be done. Examples include:
– **Deadlines**: “Submit the report by Friday.”
– **Specific Times**: “I will be home by 6 PM.”
Before
The preposition before is used to indicate an earlier time. Examples include:
– **Events**: “Finish your homework before dinner.”
– **Specific Times**: “I wake up before 7 AM.”
After
The preposition after is used to indicate a later time. Examples include:
– **Events**: “We will go for a walk after lunch.”
– **Specific Times**: “I usually relax after 8 PM.”
During
The preposition during is used to indicate a period of time in which an event happens. Examples include:
– **Events**: “No talking during the movie.”
– **Specific Periods**: “I met him during my vacation.”
For
The preposition for is used to specify the length of time an action lasts. Examples include:
– **Periods of Time**: “We stayed for a week.”
– **Duration**: “I have been studying for three hours.”
Since
The preposition since is used to indicate a starting point in time and is often used with the present perfect tense. Examples include:
– **Starting Points**: “I have been working here since 2010.”
– **Specific Dates**: “They have known each other since high school.”
Until (Till)
The preposition until (often shortened to till) is used to indicate the end point of a period of time. Examples include:
– **End Points**: “The store is open until 9 PM.”
– **Specific Times**: “I waited until he arrived.”
From
The preposition from is used to indicate the starting point of a period of time, and it is often paired with to or until. Examples include:
– **Start and End Points**: “The event runs from 9 AM to 5 PM.”
– **Specific Periods**: “I will be on vacation from Monday until Friday.”
Common Mistakes and Tips
Learning prepositions of time can be tricky because they often do not translate directly from other languages. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them:
Mixing Up “On” and “In”
Many learners confuse on and in when talking about days and months. Remember:
– Use on for days and dates: “I have a meeting on Monday.”
– Use in for months and years: “I was born in July.”
Using “At” Incorrectly
Learners often misuse at by using it for longer periods instead of specific times. Remember:
– Use at for precise times: “The show starts at 8 PM.”
– Use in for periods: “I will visit you in the afternoon.”
Confusing “For” and “Since”
“For” and “since” are often confused, especially by non-native speakers. Remember:
– Use for to specify the duration: “I studied for three hours.”
– Use since to specify the starting point: “I have been here since 9 AM.”
Overusing “Until”
Some learners overuse until when they should use by. Remember:
– Use until to talk about the end point of a period: “Wait until I return.”
– Use by to talk about deadlines: “Finish the task by Friday.”
Practice Exercises
To master prepositions of time, practice is key. Here are a few exercises to help you:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
1. She was born ___ 1995.
2. The meeting is ___ Monday.
3. I will call you ___ 8 PM.
4. We stayed in Paris ___ a week.
5. He has lived here ___ 2015.
Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes
1. I will meet you in Monday.
2. She has been waiting since two hours.
3. We will finish the project at next week.
4. He works at the morning.
5. The store is open by 9 PM.
Exercise 3: Multiple Choice
1. I have a dentist appointment ___ 3 PM.
– a) at
– b) on
– c) in
2. We go skiing ___ the winter.
– a) in
– b) on
– c) at
3. He has been a teacher ___ 10 years.
– a) for
– b) since
– c) by
4. She will finish her work ___ Friday.
– a) until
– b) by
– c) in
5. They arrived ___ the morning.
– a) at
– b) on
– c) in
Answers
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
1. in
2. on
3. at
4. for
5. since
Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes
1. on Monday
2. for two hours
3. next week
4. in the morning
5. until 9 PM
Exercise 3: Multiple Choice
1. a) at
2. a) in
3. a) for
4. b) by
5. c) in
Conclusion
Prepositions of time are an essential part of English grammar. They help to provide clarity and precision in communication. By understanding the specific contexts in which each preposition is used, you can avoid common mistakes and improve your fluency. Practice regularly with exercises to reinforce your understanding and usage of prepositions of time. Remember, consistency is key in mastering any aspect of a language. Happy learning!
