Prepositions are essential elements of English grammar that help us express relationships between different elements within a sentence. Among these, prepositions of time play a crucial role in indicating when an event occurs. Mastering prepositions of time is fundamental for anyone looking to achieve fluency in English. This article will comprehensively cover the most commonly used prepositions of time, including “in,” “on,” “at,” “since,” “for,” “during,” “by,” and “until,” among others. By the end of this article, you will have a robust understanding of how to use these prepositions effectively to convey precise temporal information.
Understanding the Basics
Prepositions of time are used to provide more information about when something happens. They are typically placed before a noun or pronoun and can be tricky for learners because their usage is often governed by specific rules and patterns. Let’s start with the most common prepositions of time: “in,” “on,” and “at.”
In
The preposition “in” is used for non-specific times within longer periods, such as months, years, centuries, and long periods. Here are some examples:
– In April
– In 2020
– In the 21st century
– In the morning/afternoon/evening
For example:
– She was born in 1990.
– We will go on vacation in December.
– The meeting is scheduled in the afternoon.
On
The preposition “on” is used for specific days and dates. Here are some examples:
– On Monday
– On Christmas Day
– On July 4th
For example:
– The project is due on Friday.
– He was born on January 1st.
– We usually have a family dinner on Thanksgiving.
At
The preposition “at” is used for precise times and also for some specific periods like festivals and weekends. Here are some examples:
– At 3 o’clock
– At noon
– At midnight
– At the weekend (British English)
– At Christmas/Easter
For example:
– The train leaves at 6 PM.
– She usually goes to bed at midnight.
– We will meet at the weekend.
Other Important Prepositions of Time
While “in,” “on,” and “at” are the most commonly used prepositions of time, several other prepositions are equally important for expressing temporal relationships. Let’s explore some of these:
Since
The preposition “since” is used to indicate the starting point of an action or event that continues up to the present. It is often used with the present perfect tense. Here are some examples:
– Since 2010
– Since last Monday
– Since yesterday
For example:
– She has lived in New York since 2015.
– I have been working here since March.
– They have been friends since childhood.
For
The preposition “for” is used to indicate the duration of an action or event. It can be used with various tenses. Here are some examples:
– For two hours
– For a week
– For many years
For example:
– I have known her for ten years.
– He has been studying for three hours.
– They will stay in Paris for a month.
During
The preposition “during” is used to indicate that something happens within the time of a particular event or period. Here are some examples:
– During the meeting
– During the night
– During summer
For example:
– She fell asleep during the movie.
– He was very busy during the holidays.
– We met many interesting people during our trip.
By
The preposition “by” is used to indicate the latest time at which an action will be completed. Here are some examples:
– By 5 PM
– By tomorrow
– By next week
For example:
– Please finish the report by Monday.
– She promised to be back by 10 PM.
– The project should be completed by the end of the month.
Until/Till
The prepositions “until” and “till” are used to indicate the end point of a period of time. They are often interchangeable, though “till” is considered more informal. Here are some examples:
– Until Friday
– Until the end of the year
– Till midnight
For example:
– I will wait here until you come back.
– The store is open until 9 PM.
– He worked on the project till late at night.
Common Mistakes and Tips
Mastering prepositions of time involves understanding their specific usages and avoiding common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid common pitfalls:
Using “in” vs. “on”
One common mistake is using “in” instead of “on” for specific days and dates. Remember, “in” is for longer, non-specific periods, while “on” is for specific days and dates.
Incorrect: We will meet in Monday.
Correct: We will meet on Monday.
Incorrect: He was born in July 4th.
Correct: He was born on July 4th.
Using “at” for parts of the day
Another mistake is using “at” instead of “in” for parts of the day. “At” is used for specific times, while “in” is used for parts of the day.
Incorrect: I will see you at the morning.
Correct: I will see you in the morning.
Incorrect: They arrived at the evening.
Correct: They arrived in the evening.
Mixing up “since” and “for”
“Since” is used to indicate the starting point of an action, while “for” is used to indicate the duration. Mixing these up can lead to confusion.
Incorrect: I have lived here for 2010.
Correct: I have lived here since 2010.
Incorrect: She has been working since five hours.
Correct: She has been working for five hours.
Overusing “during”
The preposition “during” is often overused in place of “in,” “on,” or “at.” Remember, “during” is used to indicate that something happens within the time of a particular event or period.
Incorrect: I will visit you during Monday.
Correct: I will visit you on Monday.
Incorrect: He studied during the morning.
Correct: He studied in the morning.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
Once you have a solid grasp of the basic prepositions of time, it’s useful to explore more advanced usages and nuances. Let’s delve into some of these:
Combining Prepositions
In some cases, you may need to combine prepositions to convey more precise temporal information. Here are a few examples:
– From Monday to Friday
– Between 9 AM and 5 PM
– Over the weekend
For example:
– The office is open from Monday to Friday.
– I have meetings between 1 PM and 3 PM.
– We will travel over the weekend.
Using “within”
The preposition “within” is used to indicate that something will happen before a certain period has passed. Here are some examples:
– Within a week
– Within 24 hours
For example:
– The package will arrive within three days.
– She will respond within an hour.
Prepositions in Phrasal Verbs
Prepositions of time also appear in phrasal verbs, adding another layer of complexity. Here are a few examples:
– Catch up (with): To reach the same level or standard as someone or something else.
– I need to catch up with my work.
– Run out (of): To use all of something and have no more left.
– We have run out of time.
– Look forward (to): To feel pleased and excited about something that is going to happen.
– I look forward to the weekend.
Idiomatic Expressions
Many idiomatic expressions in English involve prepositions of time. Understanding these can greatly enhance your fluency. Here are a few examples:
– In no time: Very quickly.
– We finished the project in no time.
– On time: Punctually.
– The train arrived on time.
– At the last minute: Just before the deadline.
– He submitted his assignment at the last minute.
Practice and Application
The best way to master prepositions of time is through practice and application. Here are some exercises and tips to help you:
Fill-in-the-Blank Exercises
1. She has been living here ____ 2010. (since/for)
2. The meeting is scheduled ____ Monday morning. (in/on)
3. I will finish the report ____ 5 PM. (by/at)
4. They worked on the project ____ the night. (during/at)
5. He has been studying ____ three hours. (since/for)
Sentence Correction
Correct the following sentences:
1. I will call you in Monday.
2. She was born on 1995.
3. He has been waiting since two hours.
4. The store is open in the weekend.
5. We will meet during 3 PM.
Writing Practice
Write a short paragraph describing your daily routine, using at least five different prepositions of time. For example:
“I usually wake up at 7 AM. In the morning, I go for a jog in the park. I start work at 9 AM and take a break at noon. During the afternoon, I focus on meetings and project work. I finish my day by 6 PM and spend the evening relaxing with family.”
Conclusion
Prepositions of time are indispensable tools for expressing when actions and events occur. By understanding the specific rules and patterns governing their usage, you can communicate more clearly and effectively in English. Remember to practice regularly and pay attention to context to master these prepositions. With consistent effort, you’ll find that using prepositions of time becomes second nature, enhancing your overall fluency and confidence in English.
