Prepositions of time
When to use at, in, on, for, since, during, from, to and until.
Explanation
Prepositions of time are words that help establish the relationship between an event or action and a specific time or time frame. They provide important context and clarity when discussing when something happened or will happen. Here are some commonly used prepositions of time along with their explanations:
At: "At" is used to indicate a specific point in time or a particular time of day. It is commonly used with clock times, holidays, and specific events.
Example: I will meet you at 5 o'clock. The party is at midnight.
In: "In" is used to indicate a period of time or a duration. It is used with months, seasons, years, and longer time frames.
Example: We are going on vacation in July. She will finish the project in a week.
On: "On" is used to specify particular days or dates.
Example: I have a meeting on Monday. Our anniversary is on the 10th of August.
For: "For" is used to indicate the duration of time that something lasts or continues. Example: I have been studying French for two years. She will be away on a business trip for a week.
Since: "Since" is used to indicate the starting point of a specific time or event that continues until the present moment.
Example: I have been living in this city since 2010. They have been friends since childhood.
During: "During" is used to specify a period or time frame when something happens. Example: She read a book during her vacation. We had a picnic during the summer.
From: "From" is used to indicate the starting point of a period or time frame.
Example: The shop is open from 9 am to 6 pm. I will be on vacation from Monday to Friday.
To / Until: "To" or "until" is used to indicate the end point of a period or time frame.
Example: The shop is open from 9 am to 6 pm. The movie doesn't start until 9 pm.
| Used with | Examples | |
|---|---|---|
| AT | hours | At six o'clock |
| ON | days | On Monday |
| IN | weeks, months, years, decades | In 3 weeks, In March, In 1999, In the 70s |
Practice
Exercise 1
Choose the correct answer.
1. The party starts ______ 8 o'clock.
2. We've been friends ______ school.
3. The train departs ______ 9:30 AM.
4. They will be away ______ the weekend.
5. I'll be on holiday ______ July.
6. The store is open ______ 9 AM to 6 PM.
7. I've been waiting for you ______ an hour.
8. She has been living in that city ______ 2010.
9. They will be away ______ Monday to Friday.
10. My train arrives ______ an hour.
Exercise 2