Prepositions of Time in English Grammar

Understanding prepositions of time is crucial for mastering English grammar. Prepositions of time are words that link nouns, pronouns, and phrases to other words in a sentence, showing the relationship with respect to time. These prepositions tell us when something happens. They help us understand and communicate more precisely. In English, the most commonly used prepositions of time are “in,” “on,” and “at.” Each of these prepositions serves a specific purpose and is used in different contexts. In this article, we will explore these prepositions in detail, including examples and explanations to help you grasp their usage more effectively.

Preposition “In”

The preposition “in” is used to indicate periods of time, such as months, seasons, years, centuries, and long periods.

Months

Use “in” when referring to months. For example:
– I was born in January.
– The project will start in June.

Seasons

Use “in” when talking about seasons:
– We often go hiking in the spring.
– The leaves change color in autumn.

Years

Use “in” to specify years:
– She graduated in 2010.
– The company was founded in 1995.

Centuries

“In” is also used when discussing centuries:
– The cathedral was built in the 12th century.
– Many scientific discoveries were made in the 20th century.

Long Periods

For longer periods of time, use “in”:
– The technology has evolved significantly in the last few decades.
– Dinosaurs roamed the Earth in prehistoric times.

Preposition “On”

The preposition “on” is used to specify days and dates.

Days of the Week

Use “on” when referring to days of the week:
– I have a meeting on Monday.
– We usually go grocery shopping on Saturday.

Specific Dates

Use “on” to specify exact dates:
– The concert is on July 24th.
– Her birthday is on December 12th.

Days + Parts of the Day

“On” is used for days combined with parts of the day:
– The workshop is on Tuesday morning.
– We have a class on Friday afternoon.

Special Days

Use “on” for special days:
– We celebrate Christmas on December 25th.
– The parade is on New Year’s Day.

Preposition “At”

The preposition “at” is used to indicate specific times and specific points in time.

Clock Times

Use “at” when referring to specific times on the clock:
– The meeting starts at 3 PM.
– I usually wake up at 7 AM.

Specific Points in Time

“At” is used for specific points in time:
– The fireworks will begin at midnight.
– The store closes at noon.

Holidays and Festivals

Use “at” for holidays and festivals without “day”:
– We visit our relatives at Christmas.
– She loves to travel at Easter.

Expressions with “At”

There are some common expressions where “at” is used:
– I feel most productive at night.
– Let’s meet at lunchtime.

Other Prepositions of Time

In addition to “in,” “on,” and “at,” there are other prepositions of time that are frequently used in English.

Before

“Before” is used to indicate a time earlier than a specific point:
– I need to finish this report before noon.
– We should leave before it gets dark.

After

“After” is used to indicate a time later than a specific point:
– Let’s go for coffee after the meeting.
– The movie will start after dinner.

During

“During” indicates a period within which something happens:
– I fell asleep during the movie.
– We met some interesting people during our trip.

For

“For” is used to specify the duration of an action:
– She studied in France for two years.
– They have been dating for a long time.

Since

“Since” indicates the starting point of an action that continues into the present:
– I have been working here since 2015.
– He has not visited his hometown since he moved abroad.

By

“By” is used to indicate a deadline or the latest time something will happen:
– Please submit your assignment by Friday.
– We need to finish this project by the end of the month.

Until

“Until” (or “till”) indicates the time up to a specific point:
– I will wait until you arrive.
– The store is open until 9 PM.

From… to

“From… to” is used to indicate the start and end points of a period:
– The exhibition runs from March to June.
– I work from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Common Mistakes with Prepositions of Time

Using prepositions of time correctly can be tricky, and even advanced learners make mistakes. Here are some common errors and tips to avoid them.

Confusing “In” with “On” and “At”

Learners often confuse “in,” “on,” and “at.” Remember:
– Use “in” for months, years, centuries, and long periods.
– Use “on” for days and dates.
– Use “at” for specific times and points in time.

Incorrect: I will meet you in Monday.
Correct: I will meet you on Monday.

Using “In” Instead of “At” for Specific Times

Incorrect: The train arrives in 5 PM.
Correct: The train arrives at 5 PM.

Using “On” Instead of “In” for Months and Years

Incorrect: She was born on 1990.
Correct: She was born in 1990.

Omitting Prepositions

Sometimes learners omit prepositions, especially in informal speech, but this can lead to confusion.
Incorrect: I’ll see you Friday.
Correct: I’ll see you on Friday.

Practice and Application

To master prepositions of time, practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help you.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with the correct preposition of time (“in,” “on,” “at”).

1. The conference is __________ March.
2. She goes jogging __________ the morning.
3. I will call you __________ 8 PM.
4. They moved to Spain __________ 2012.
5. His birthday is __________ July 5th.

Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes

Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.

1. We have a meeting in 3 PM.
2. The store opens on 9 AM.
3. My vacation starts on June.
4. She was born at 1995.
5. The movie will start in Friday.

Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentences

Write five sentences using different prepositions of time (“in,” “on,” “at,” “before,” “after,” “during,” “for,” “since,” “by,” “until,” “from… to”).

Conclusion

Understanding and correctly using prepositions of time is essential for effective communication in English. By mastering the use of “in,” “on,” and “at,” as well as other time-related prepositions, you can convey time-related information accurately and clearly. Remember to practice regularly and pay attention to the context in which these prepositions are used. With consistent effort, you will become more confident and proficient in using prepositions of time in your everyday conversations and writing.

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