PREPOSITIONS OF TIME

Prepositions of time show when things happen. Basic examples of time prepositions include:

At is used for clock times (exactly at that time), holidays and festivals, and other very specific time frames including exceptions, such as “at night.” Examples:

I get up at 8:00 o’clock.

We usually have lunch at noon.

What are you doing at Christmas?

I go to bed at night.

We normally go to the country at weekends. (British English) 

On is used for days of the week or portions of days of the week, specific dates, and special holiday days such as “on New Year’s Day.” On time: at the right time. Examples:

The meeting will be on Monday.

The football match is on Friday evening.

My birthday is on the 23^rd of December.

We will celebrate a party on my birthday. 

Lovers give flowers on Valentine’s Day.

We had a lot of fun on my wedding day.

I usually wake up early on weekdays.

On holidays I always try to visit a new country.

The train arrived just on time.

I usually wake up late on the weekend. (American English)

I don’t have good memories on that day.

In is used for months, seasons, years, centuries, decades, parts of the day (except at night), length of time and longer periods of time such as “in the past.”. In time: early enough, not late. Examples:

I have breakfast in the morning.

My birthday is in December.

We wear warm clothes in winter.

I was born in 1980.

We live in 21^st century.

We will get to London in time.

I used to listen to rock music in the 90’s.

I would like to live in the middle ages.

What do you want to do in the future?

Dinner will be ready in 20 minutes.

I will see you in two months. 

After: Used when we want to say “later in time than.” Use after + phrase. Example: I’ll call you after the meeting.

Before: Refers to any time previous to a specific point in time; earlier than. Example: I always wash my hands before lunch.

Ago: Refers to how far back in time something happened. We use ago to talk about past times in reference to the current moment. Example: I bought my car two years ago.

By: Not later than. Use by for one specific event that will happen before a certain time in the future. Example: I’ll get home by 6 p.m.

Until/ Till: Up to a certain time. How long something is going to last or when something will stop in the future. Example: I’ll be in the office until 10 o’clock.

During: Refers to something that happens throughout the course or duration something else is happening. Example: She cried during the movie.

From…to: To show when something begins and ends. Example: The shops are open from Monday to Friday. From 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

To/ Past: Telling the time. We use to when referring to the number of minutes that left to the next hour. Example: It’s quarter to six. Past refers to the minutes that past the hour. Example: It`s ten past two.

For: Indicates a period of time. States how long something happens during a length of time. Example: I was living in London for five months.

Since: From a specific point in time until now (past till now). Refers back to a point in time when something began. Example: I live in New York since 1980.

Between…and: To talk about time that separates two points. Example: I lived in London between 2000 and 2003.

Within: Refers to a span of time during which something may occur. Example: You should receive the letter within seven days. 

Write some sentences using the prepositions of time learnt in this topic.