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Detailed insight into prepositions of time in English

The prepositions of time are one of the important grammatical items that describe the time of events and actions. However, many students still do not clearly understand how to use each type of preposition of time. In this article, PREP will help you get insight into English prepositions of time. Let's see!

I. What are prepositions of time?

The preposition of time plays as a connector between the verb and the time-related word in a sentence. Using prepositions of time informs us about the time frame or period during which an action or event occurs.

Below are some examples of preposition of time:

Martin gets up at 5 am everyday.
Jenny decided to go to the library on Friday.

II. The usages of prepositions of time in English

1. “at”

“At”
Usage	Example
The preposition "at" can be used to denote specific and precise time milestones, such as clock times, meal times during the day (breakfast, lunch, dinner...), ages, and moments during the day (midday, midnight, night, bedtime, sunset, sunrise).	She leads such an unhealthy lifestyle. She often goes to bed late and gets up at midday Our family eats together at lunch and dinner.
The preposition "at" can also be used for short holidays like New Year's, Christmas, Easter, weekends, etc.	Our family usually goes traveling at New Year. She spends a whole day shopping at the weekend.
The preposition "at" can be combined with certain nouns to form phrases indicating a period of time: "at the end of", "at the beginning of", "at the moment", "at that time", and so on.	At the end of this month, I will go abroad for studies. My mom is not at home at the moment. You can come back later.

2. “in”

“In”
Usage	Example
The time preposition "in" is used to refer to longer periods of time such as months, years, seasons, decades, centuries, and so on.	Jenny was born in 2001. This building was built in the 19th century.
The preposition "in" is used to indicate a specific holiday, school term/semester, or time periods within the day.	Hanna will arrive at 7 o’clock in the morning. Peter is looking for a temporary job in the summer holidays.
The time preposition "in" can also be used to refer to a future period of time required to complete something.	Jenny did the crossword in 10 minutes.

3. “on”

“On”
Usage	Example
The time preposition "on" is used to refer to specific days of the week or dates within a month/year.	Jenny’s birthday is on 14th May. Anna will meet John on Sunday.
The time preposition "on" can be used to refer to a specific day during a holiday period or certain times of the day.	Hanna often goes out on Sunday evenings. My class had a party on Christmas Day.

Note: The time prepositions "at", "on", and "in" should not be used before certain quantity-related terms like "all", "each", "every", "some", "last", "next", "this", "today", "tomorrow", and "yesterday".

For example:

Hanna will see you next Monday.
Is Tom free tomorrow evening?

4. Other time prepositions in English

Besides the time prepositions In, On, At used in English, there exist additional time prepositions that serve different purposes. Let's examine the table provided below!

Preposition of time	Usage	Example
In time	Describe the timely arrival or occurrence of someone or something	Will Harry be home in time for dinner?
On time	Describe the punctuality	Martin is never on time. He is always late.
During	Describe an action that occurred over a period of time.	During my stay in Seoul, I did a lot of sightseeing.
For	Indicate a period of time Indicate that something is arranged or intended to happen at a particular time.	Jenny is going to Korea for a few days. There is an appointment for May 25.
Since	Refer to the period of time from the past until a later time in the late past or until now.	Martin has been off work since Monday.
From	Indicate a period of time since something started.	John was blind from birth.
To	Indicate a period of time before something started.	It’s five to nine.
By	The preposition of time “by” expresses a time that is no later than the time mentioned.	Can Hanna finish the homework by 7 o’clock?
Before	The time preposition "before" indicates something occurring or happening prior to a specific time or event.	Jenny left her keys at reception before going out.
After	The preposition "after" signifies something occurring or happening subsequent to a particular time or event.	Martin is available after this night.
Until	Express the meaning of "up to the point when”	Until John spoke I hadn’t realized he wasn’t English.
Within	Indicate a period of time	Julia can write a letter within 10 minutes.
Between	Signify an action occurring within a specific period or interval of time.	Peter mustn’t eat between meals.

III. Preposition-of-time exercises

Once we've covered the theory of prepositions of time, let's move on to practicing the exercises provided below!

Exercise 1: Choose the correct answer

Jenny usually gets up ______ 7 o’clock in the morning to go to school.
- A. in
- B. at
- C. on
- D. for
The workers will check out their shift ______ the evening.
- A. at
- B. for
- C. when
- D. in
Julia was born _____ a small town_____March 15th.
- A. in – on
- B. in – at
- C. at – on
- D. for – over
What is Hanna going to buy _____ Black Friday?
- A. on
- B. at
- C. in
- D. when

Exercise 2: Fill in the blank with the appropriate preposition

Martin has been working in this company _______ 8 years.
_______ the summer, Sara has practiced the TOEIC test _____ order to study abroad.
The Pepsi advertisement is the most well-known video all _______ the world.
Jenny and her friend spent 4 years together _________ the secondary school years.
Daisy had lived in London _________ 6 years before moving to Korea.

Answers:

Exercise 1	Exercise 2
B D A A	For During – in Over Throughout For

PREP has compiled comprehensive information on prepositions of time in English in the preceding article, encompassing usage explanations, illustrative examples, and exercises complete with answers. It's a valuable resource to effectively study for the exam!

Master Tu Pham

Founder/CEO at Prep

Founder of Prep Smart Test Preparation Platform. With over 10 years of experience in teaching and test preparation, Mr. Tú has helped thousands of students achieve high scores in the IELTS exam. In addition, Mr. Tú Phạm is also a consulting expert in British Council programs and a speaker at many leading educational events, programs, and conferences.