Understanding prepositions of time is crucial for clear and accurate communication in English. These small but mighty words – in, at, and on – specify when an event happens, but choosing the right one can be tricky. This article provides a comprehensive guide to mastering prepositions of time, complete with clear definitions, detailed examples, usage rules, common mistakes, and practice exercises. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will help you confidently navigate the nuances of English grammar.
This article will benefit English language learners of all levels, from beginners who are just starting to grasp the basics of grammar to advanced learners who want to refine their understanding and usage of prepositions of time. Native English speakers who wish to brush up on their grammar skills may also find this guide useful.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Prepositions of Time
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories
- Examples of Prepositions of Time
- Examples with “In”
- Examples with “At”
- Examples with “On”
- Mixed Examples
- Usage Rules for Prepositions of Time
- Usage Rules for “In”
- Usage Rules for “At”
- Usage Rules for “On”
- Common Mistakes with Prepositions of Time
- Practice Exercises
- Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
- Exercise 2: Error Correction
- Exercise 3: Sentence Completion
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of Prepositions of Time
Prepositions of time are words that indicate when something happens, happened, or will happen. They help us specify the temporal relationship between events and actions. The most common prepositions of time are in, at, and on, but others exist, such as before, after, during, until, since, and for. This article primarily focuses on in, at, and on, as they are the most frequently used and often the most confusing for English learners.
Prepositions of time function as connectors, linking a noun or pronoun (the object of the preposition) to the rest of the sentence. The object of the preposition is often a specific time, date, or period. For instance, in the sentence “I will see you in the morning,” the preposition in connects the verb “see” to the time “the morning.” Prepositions of time are essential for constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences when discussing temporal aspects.
The context in which these prepositions are used often dictates the correct choice. Understanding the nuances of each preposition and their specific applications is key to mastering English grammar and avoiding common errors.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure involving prepositions of time is relatively straightforward: Preposition + Time Expression. The time expression can be a noun, a noun phrase, or a pronoun that indicates a specific point in time or a duration. The preposition acts as a bridge, connecting this time expression to the verb or other part of the sentence.
For example:
- In the evening, I like to relax.
- At 5 o’clock, we will have dinner.
- On Tuesday, I have a meeting.
In each case, the preposition (in, at, on) is followed by a time expression (the evening, 5 o’clock, Tuesday), which together function as an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb and providing information about when the action takes place.
It’s important to note that the choice of preposition depends on the specificity of the time expression. Generally, in is used for broader time periods, at for specific times, and on for specific days and dates. However, there are exceptions and idiomatic expressions that require memorization and practice.
Types and Categories
While the core prepositions of time are in, at, and on, they each have distinct categories of usage based on the type of time expression they modify. Understanding these categories can help you choose the correct preposition in different situations.
“In” – For General Time Periods
In is typically used for general or longer periods of time, such as:
- Months: in January, in February, etc.
- Years: in 2023, in 1995, etc.
- Decades: in the 1980s, in the 2000s, etc.
- Centuries: in the 20th century, in the 18th century, etc.
- Seasons: in the summer, in the winter, etc.
- Parts of the day: in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening (but at night)
- Long periods: in the past, in the future
“At” – For Specific Times
At is used for specific points in time, such as:
- Specific times: at 3:00 PM, at noon, at midnight
- Mealtimes: at breakfast, at lunch, at dinner
- Holidays (without “day”): at Christmas, at Easter
- Specific locations (in a time context): at the same time, at that moment
- Age: at the age of 25
“On” – For Specific Days and Dates
On is used for specific days and dates, such as:
- Days of the week: on Monday, on Friday, etc.
- Specific dates: on July 4th, on December 25th
- Holidays (with “day”): on Christmas Day, on New Year’s Day
- Specific parts of a day: on Sunday morning, on Saturday evening
Examples of Prepositions of Time
To further illustrate the usage of in, at, and on, let’s examine a variety of examples organized by preposition category.
Examples with “In”
The following table provides examples of using the preposition “in” with various time expressions. Notice how “in” is used for broader, more general timeframes.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I was born in 1990. | “In” is used with a specific year. |
| She will graduate in June. | “In” is used with a specific month. |
| We always go skiing in the winter. | “In” is used with a season. |
| He likes to read in the evening. | “In” is used with a part of the day (except “night”). |
| The dinosaurs lived in the Mesozoic Era. | “In” is used with a geological era. |
| Many changes happened in the 20th century. | “In” is used with a century. |
| They got married in the 1980s. | “In” is used with a decade. |
| The project will be completed in two weeks. | “In” is used with a duration of time. |
| I hope to travel to Europe in the future. | “In” is used with general periods like “the future.” |
| People used to write letters in the past. | “In” is used with general periods like “the past.” |
| The store is usually busy in the afternoon. | “In” is used with a part of the day (afternoon). |
| She plans to start her own business in the next few years. | “In” is used with a timeframe spanning several years. |
| The flowers bloom beautifully in the spring. | “In” is used with a season (spring). |
| He finished writing his novel in six months. | “In” indicates the duration it took to complete the novel. |
| The conference will be held in October. | “In” is used with a specific month (October). |
| We expect significant advancements in the field of medicine. | “In” is used to indicate a field or area where advancements occur. |
| The population of the city grew rapidly in the early 2000s. | “In” is used with a decade (early 2000s). |
| The company was founded in 1975. | “In” is used with a specific year (1975). |
| The renovations will be finished in a month. | “In” is used with a duration of time (a month). |
| I like to go for a walk in the morning before work. | “In” is used with a part of the day (morning). |
| The new regulations will come into effect in January. | “In” is used with a specific month (January). |
| He hopes to retire in ten years. | “In” is used with a duration of time (ten years). |
| The project is scheduled to begin in the fall. | “In” is used with a season (fall). |
Examples with “At”
The following table provides examples of using the preposition “at” with various time expressions. Notice how “at” is used for specific points in time or activities.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The meeting will start at 9:00 AM. | “At” is used with a specific time. |
| I usually eat breakfast at 7:30 AM. | “At” is used with a specific time. |
| See you at lunchtime. | “At” is used with a mealtime. |
| We always exchange gifts at Christmas. | “At” is used with a holiday (without “day”). |
| I don’t like driving at night. | “At” is used with “night”. |
| The movie starts at noon. | “At” is used with “noon”. |
| They arrived at the same time. | “At” is used to indicate a specific moment. |
| He finally succeeded at the age of 30. | “At” is used to specify an age. |
| The concert began promptly at 8 PM. | “At” specifies the exact starting time of the concert. |
| I will be available to take your call at any time. | “At” refers to a specific moment when availability exists. |
| The children were excited to open their presents at dawn. | “At” specifies a particular time when the action occurred. |
| She always feels most creative at midnight. | “At” refers to a specific time when creativity peaks. |
| The negotiations reached a critical point at the eleventh hour. | “At” indicates a specific, crucial moment in the negotiations. |
| The family gathers together at Thanksgiving. | “At” is used with a holiday (Thanksgiving). |
| I prefer to study at the library. | “At” can indicate a location in a time context. |
| She will meet her friends at the coffee shop. | “At” can indicate a location in a time context. |
| The event is scheduled to begin at precisely 6:30 PM. | “At” is used with a very specific time. |
| They always have a family gathering at Easter. | “At” is used with a holiday (without “day”). |
| He enjoys watching the sunset at dusk. | “At” is used with a specific time of day (dusk). |
| The presentation will start promptly at 10:00 AM. | “At” is used with a specific time (10:00 AM). |
| I often feel most productive at lunchtime. | “At” is used with a mealtime (lunchtime). |
| The store closes at 9:00 PM every night. | “At” is used with a specific time (9:00 PM). |
| They plan to arrive at the airport early. | “At” refers to a specific moment of arrival. |
Examples with “On”
The following table provides examples of using the preposition “on” with various time expressions. Notice how “on” is used for specific days and dates.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I have a meeting on Monday. | “On” is used with a day of the week. |
| Her birthday is on May 15th. | “On” is used with a specific date. |
| We always have a big dinner on Christmas Day. | “On” is used with a holiday (with “day”). |
| I like to sleep late on Sunday morning. | “On” is used with a day and part of the day. |
| The package will be delivered on Tuesday. | “On” is used with a day of the week. |
| The concert is on Saturday evening. | “On” is used with a day and part of the day. |
| They got engaged on Valentine’s Day. | “On” is used with a holiday (with “day”). |
| The new product will be launched on July 1st. | “On” is used with a specific date. |
| The parade is held annually on Independence Day. | “On” is used with a holiday (with “day”). |
| The restaurant is usually crowded on Friday nights. | “On” is used with a day and part of the day. |
| She plans to visit her family on Thanksgiving Day. | “On” is used with a holiday (with “day”). |
| I have a doctor’s appointment scheduled on Wednesday afternoon. | “On” is used with a day and part of the day. |
| The museum is closed on Mondays. | “On” is used with a day of the week (plural). |
| The conference will be held on June 20th. | “On” is used with a specific date. |
| The store has a sale on Black Friday. | “On” is used with a specific day (Black Friday). |
| The fireworks display is on New Year’s Eve. | “On” is used with a specific day (New Year’s Eve). |
| He enjoys going for a run on Sunday mornings. | “On” is used with a day and part of the day. |
| The deadline for the project is on October 31st. | “On” is used with a specific date. |
| The party is scheduled on Saturday night. | “On” is used with a day and part of the day. |
| The event will take place on the first of May. | “On” is used with a specific date. |
| The ceremony is held on Memorial Day. | “On” is used with a holiday (with “day”). |
| I plan to start my diet on Monday. | “On” is used with a day of the week. |
| The package should arrive on Friday. | “On” is used with a day of the week. |
Mixed Examples
This table offers a mixture of examples using “in,” “at,” and “on” to help distinguish their specific uses in different contexts. Pay close attention to the time expressions used with each preposition.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I will see you in the morning. | “In” is used with a part of the day. |
| The meeting starts at 10:00 AM. | “At” is used with a specific time. |
| We are going to the beach on Saturday. | “On” is used with a day of the week. |
| She was born in 1985. | “In” is used with a year. |
| The movie starts at noon. | “At” is used with “noon.” |
| The party is on New Year’s Day. | “On” is used with a holiday (with “Day”). |
| They got married in June. | “In” is used with a month. |
| I have a class at 3:00 PM. | “At” is used with a specific time. |
| We will celebrate on July 4th. | “On” is used with a specific date. |
| The conference is in the fall. | “In” is used with a season. |
| I enjoy reading at night. | “At” is used with “night.” |
| The event is on Friday evening. | “On” is used with a day and part of the day. |
| The company was founded in the 1990s. | “In” is used with a decade. |
| The concert begins at 7:30 PM. | “At” is used with a specific time. |
| The delivery will arrive on Tuesday. | “On” is used with a day of the week. |
| The festival takes place in August. | “In” is used with a month. |
| I eat dinner at 6:00 PM. | “At” is used with a specific time. |
| We always visit our grandparents on Christmas Day. | “On” is used with a holiday (with “Day”). |
| The project will be finished in two months. | “In” is used with a duration of time. |
| I will meet you at the library. | “At” can indicate a location in a time context. |
| She plans to graduate in the spring. | “In” is used with a season. |
| The show starts at 8 PM sharp. | “At” is used with a specific time. |
| The game is on Sunday afternoon. | “On” is used with a day and part of the day. |
Usage Rules for Prepositions of Time
Understanding the general guidelines for using in, at, and on is crucial, but it’s equally important to be aware of specific rules and exceptions.
Usage Rules for “In”
- Use in with months, years, decades, centuries, and seasons.
- Use in with parts of the day (morning, afternoon, evening), but use at with night.
- Use in with durations of time (e.g., in two weeks, in a few days).
- Use in with general periods like the past and the future.
Usage Rules for “At”
- Use at with specific times (e.g., at 3:00 PM, at noon).
- Use at with mealtimes (e.g., at breakfast, at dinner).
- Use at with holidays if the word “day” is not included (e.g., at Christmas, at Easter).
- Use at to indicate being present in a place, but in the context of time (e.g., at the library).
Usage Rules for “On”
- Use on with days of the week (e.g., on Monday, on Friday).
- Use on with specific dates (e.g., on July 4th, on December 25th).
- Use on with holidays when the word “day” is included (e.g., on Christmas Day, on New Year’s Day).
- Use on with a day and part of the day (e.g., on Sunday morning, on Saturday evening).
Common Mistakes with Prepositions of Time
One of the most prevalent issues for English learners is choosing the incorrect preposition of time. Understanding typical errors can help you avoid them.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I will see you on the morning. | I will see you in the morning. | “In” is used with parts of the day. |
| The meeting is in 3 PM. | The meeting is at 3 PM. | “At” is used with specific times. |
| We are going to the party at Friday. | We are going to the party on Friday. | “On” is used with days of the week. |
| I was born at 1990. | I was born in 1990. | “In” is used with years. |
| See you on lunchtime. | See you at lunchtime. | “At” is used with mealtimes. |
| We always have a big dinner at Christmas Day. | We always have a big dinner on Christmas Day. | “On” is used when “Day” is included in the holiday name. |
| I like to read on night. | I like to read at night. | “At” is used with “night.” |
| The event is in Friday evening. | The event is on Friday evening. | “On” is used with a day and part of the day. |
| We are meeting on noon. | We are meeting at noon. | “At” is used with “noon.” |
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of prepositions of time, complete the following practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition of time (in, at, on).
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I will see you _______ the morning. | in |
| 2. The meeting starts _______ 9:00 AM. | at |
| 3. We are going to the park _______ Sunday. | on |
| 4. She was born _______ 1988. | in |
| 5. I usually eat lunch _______ noon. | at |
| 6. They celebrate _______ Christmas Day. | on |
| 7. We will travel _______ July. | in |
| 8. See you _______ lunchtime. | at |
| 9. The concert is _______ Saturday evening. | on |
| 10. He finished the project _______ two weeks. | in |
Exercise 2: Error Correction
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
| Incorrect Sentence | Correct Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1. I will meet you on the afternoon. | I will meet you in the afternoon. |
| 2. The class starts in 10 AM. | The class starts at 10 AM. |
| 3. We are going to the zoo at Monday. | We are going to the zoo on Monday. |
| 4. She was born at 1995. | She was born in 1995. |
| 5. I like to read on night. | I like to read at night. |
| 6. The event is in Friday. | The event is on Friday. |
| 7. We celebrate New Year at January first. | We celebrate New Year on January first. |
| 8. I’ll see you at the morning. | I’ll see you in the morning. |
| 9. The store opens in 8 AM. | The store opens at 8 AM. |
| 10. The deadline is at next week. | The deadline is in next week. |
Exercise 3: Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences using the appropriate preposition of time (in, at, on) and the given time expression.
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I will call you _______ (the evening). | in the evening |
| 2. The train arrives _______ (6:00 PM). | at 6:00 PM |
| 3. We have a meeting _______ (Tuesday). | on Tuesday |
| 4. She was born _______ (May). | in May |
| 5. I usually eat dinner _______ (7:00 PM). | at 7:00 PM |
| 6. They celebrate _______ (New Year’s Day). | on New Year’s Day |
| 7. The project will be completed _______ (three months). | in three months |
| 8. I like to relax _______ (night). | at night |
| 9. The show starts _______ (Friday night). | on Friday night |
| 10. The store is closed _______ (Sundays). | on Sundays |
Advanced Topics
Beyond the basic rules, some advanced nuances can further enhance your understanding of prepositions of time.
- Omission of Prepositions: In certain contexts, prepositions of time can be omitted, especially with next, last, this, and every. For example: “I will see you next week” (instead of “on next week”).
- Idiomatic Expressions: English is full of idiomatic expressions that use prepositions of time in unique ways. For example, “once in a blue moon” means rarely.
- Regional Variations: While the general rules apply universally, some regional variations in usage may exist. Be aware of these differences when communicating with speakers from different regions.
- Prepositions with Clauses: Prepositions can also be used with time clauses, such as “after I finish work” or “before the meeting starts.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about prepositions of time.
- Q: What is the difference between “in” and “during”?
A: While both “in” and “during” indicate when something happens, “in” is generally used with nouns referring to a specific period, while “during” is often used with nouns referring to an event or activity. For example, “I visited Paris in the summer” vs. “I met him during the conference.” “During” implies that the event happened at some point within the duration of the noun it modifies.
- Q: Can I use “on” with months?
A: No, “on” is not typically used with months. Use “in” with months (e.g., “in July”). However, if you are specifying a date within the month, then you would use “on” (e.g., “on July 4th”).
- Q: When do I use “at” versus “in” with locations related to time?
A: You would use “at” to specify that an action or event
occurs at a particular location in a time context. For example, “I will meet you at the library” implies that the meeting time is associated with the library. “In” is generally used to describe activities within a particular field of study, like “advancements in the field of medicine.” - Q: Are there exceptions to the rules for “in,” “at,” and “on”?
A: Yes, English has many exceptions and idiomatic expressions. For example, we say “at night” even though “in” is generally used with parts of the day. These exceptions often require memorization and practice.
- Q: Is it ever correct to omit prepositions of time?
A: Yes, prepositions of time are often omitted before “last,” “next,” “this,” and “every.” For example, “I’ll see you next week” is correct, and so is “I go to the gym every day.”
Conclusion
Mastering prepositions of time is essential for expressing temporal relationships accurately in English. By understanding the specific uses of in, at, and on, and by practicing regularly, you can avoid common mistakes and communicate more effectively. Remember to pay attention to the context, memorize exceptions, and continue to refine your understanding through exposure to the language. With consistent effort, you can confidently navigate the intricacies of English grammar and achieve fluency.