Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. What Are Prepositions of Time?
  3. Common Prepositions of Time
  4. How to Use Prepositions of Time
  5. Common Mistakes with Prepositions of Time
  6. Prepositions of Time Exercises
  7. Answers
  8. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Prepositions of Time in English! Prepositions of time are essential words that help us express when something happens. They allow us to talk about dates, times, durations, and the relationships between events. Mastering prepositions of time will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in English.

This guide is designed specifically for ESL students. We’ll explore the most common prepositions of time, explain how to use them correctly, provide plenty of examples, and offer exercises to test your understanding. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident using prepositions of time in everyday conversations and writing.

What Are Prepositions of Time?

Prepositions of time are words that connect nouns or pronouns to other words in a sentence, indicating when something happens. They help answer questions like “When?” and “How long?” Examples include at, on, in, by, until, and more.

For example:

  • We will meet at 3 p.m.
  • She was born on Monday.
  • They moved here in 2010.

Common Prepositions of Time

Let’s delve into the most frequently used prepositions of time and learn how to use them correctly.

At

At is used for precise times and some expressions.

  • We have a meeting at 9 o’clock.
  • She usually gets up at sunrise.
  • They arrived at midnight.

On

On is used for days and dates.

  • I will see you on Friday.
  • Her birthday is on 12th June.
  • We met on Christmas Day.

In

In is used for months, years, centuries, seasons, and longer periods.

  • They moved here in 2015.
  • Flowers bloom in spring.
  • He was born in the 19th century.

By

By indicates a time not later than a specific point.

  • Please finish the report by Friday.
  • She promised to be back by 5 p.m.

Until

Until means up to a certain point in time.

  • The shop is open until 9 p.m.
  • I will wait until you arrive.

Since

Since indicates a starting point in the past continuing to the present.

  • She has lived here since 2010.
  • It’s been raining since morning.

For

For is used to indicate a duration of time.

  • They have been travelling for two weeks.
  • He studied French for five years.

During

During is used to say when something happens within a period of time.

  • We stayed indoors during the storm.
  • She fell asleep during the movie.

Before

Before indicates earlier than a certain time.

  • Please arrive before noon.
  • She always exercises before breakfast.

After

After means later than a certain time.

  • Let’s meet after work.
  • He felt tired after the long journey.

How to Use Prepositions of Time

Using prepositions of time correctly is crucial for clear communication. Here are some guidelines with examples.

Using “At” for Specific Times

Use “at” when referring to exact times.

  • The train departs at 6:30 a.m.
  • I usually go to bed at midnight.

Using “On” for Days and Dates

Use “on” with days of the week and specific dates.

  • We have a meeting on Tuesday.
  • Her appointment is on the 15th of May.

Using “In” for Longer Periods

Use “in” with months, years, seasons, and parts of the day.

  • They will travel in July.
  • He was born in 1990.
  • We enjoy walks in the evening.

Using “By” to Indicate a Deadline

“By” is used to express something that will happen not later than a specific time.

  • Submit your application by next Friday.
  • She hopes to finish the project by the end of the month.

Using “Until” to Indicate Continuation

“Until” shows that an action continues up to a certain point.

  • He will be here until Sunday.
  • We can’t leave until the rain stops.

Using “Since” and “For” with Perfect Tenses

“Since” and “for” are often used with perfect tenses to express duration.

  • They have been friends since childhood.
  • I’ve known her for ten years.

Using “During” to Specify a Period

“During” is used to say when something happens within a particular period.

  • We visited many places during our holiday.
  • He felt ill during the meeting.

Using “Before” and “After”

Use “before” and “after” to relate events in time.

  • She always stretches before running.
  • Let’s have dinner after the movie.

Common Mistakes with Prepositions of Time

Here are some typical errors learners make and tips to avoid them.

1. Confusing “In”, “On”, and “At”

❌ They will arrive in Monday.

✅ They will arrive on Monday.

Tip: Use “on” with days of the week.

2. Incorrect Use of “Since” and “For”

❌ I have lived here since five years.

✅ I have lived here for five years.

Tip: Use “for” with durations and “since” with starting points.

3. Using “At” with Months or Years

❌ We will travel at August.

✅ We will travel in August.

Tip: Use “in” with months and years.

4. Omitting Prepositions

❌ The meeting is Friday.

✅ The meeting is on Friday.

Tip: Remember to include the correct preposition.

5. Misusing “By” and “Until”

❌ I will wait by you return.

✅ I will wait until you return.

Tip: Use “until” to indicate continuation up to a point.

Prepositions of Time Exercises

Now it’s your turn to practise! Complete the following exercises to test your understanding.

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Preposition

Select the correct preposition to complete each sentence.

  1. She was born ___ 1995. (in/on)
  2. I’ll see you ___ Tuesday. (at/on)
  3. The train departs ___ 6 p.m. (at/in)
  4. They have lived here ___ ten years. (since/for)
  5. We have class ___ the morning. (in/at)

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition of time.

  1. He arrived ___ midnight.
  2. They will visit us ___ Christmas.
  3. I’ve been waiting ___ an hour.
  4. She left ___ the meeting.
  5. We usually go swimming ___ summer.

Exercise 3: Correct the Mistakes

Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.

  1. They moved here on 2010.
  2. I have been studying since three hours.
  3. Let’s meet in 5 o’clock.
  4. She was born at April.
  5. The show starts on noon.

Exercise 4: Choose “Since” or “For”

Decide whether to use “since” or “for” in each sentence.

  1. He has been sleeping ___ 8 p.m.
  2. They have known each other ___ childhood.
  3. We’ve been waiting ___ two hours.
  4. She has worked here ___ 2015.
  5. I haven’t seen him ___ last week.

Exercise 5: Write Sentences

Use the given prepositions to write sentences.

  1. At
  2. On
  3. In
  4. By
  5. Until

Answers

Exercise 1

  1. She was born in 1995.
  2. I’ll see you on Tuesday.
  3. The train departs at 6 p.m.
  4. They have lived here for ten years.
  5. We have class in the morning.

Exercise 2

  1. He arrived at midnight.
  2. They will visit us at Christmas.
  3. I’ve been waiting for an hour.
  4. She left after the meeting.
  5. We usually go swimming in summer.

Exercise 3

  1. They moved here in 2010.
  2. I have been studying for three hours.
  3. Let’s meet at 5 o’clock.
  4. She was born in April.
  5. The show starts at noon.

Exercise 4

  1. He has been sleeping since 8 p.m.
  2. They have known each other since childhood.
  3. We’ve been waiting for two hours.
  4. She has worked here since 2015.
  5. I haven’t seen him since last week.

Exercise 5

Your sentences may vary. Here are some examples:

  1. The shop opens at 9 a.m.
  2. We will meet on Saturday.
  3. She likes to travel in autumn.
  4. Please finish your work by tomorrow.
  5. I can’t wait until the holidays.

Conclusion

Understanding and using prepositions of time correctly is essential for expressing when events happen in English. By familiarising yourself with common prepositions and practising their use, you’ll enhance your communication skills significantly.

If you have any questions, thoughts, or would like to share your own sentences using prepositions of time, please leave a comment below. Happy learning!

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