Prepositions of Time helps you communicate about points, days, periods, deadlines and durations. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can use at, on, in and other time prepositions accurately.
- Recognise and build the form: at + clock time; on + day/date; in + month/year/period.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Prepositions of Time for points, days, periods, deadlines and durations. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
The meeting starts at 9:30.
Use 'at' with a precise clock time.
We have English class on Monday.
Use 'on' with a day of the week.
She was born in 1995.
Use 'in' with a year.
at + clock time; on + day/date; in + month/year/periodKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- Use 'at' with a precise clock time.
- Use 'on' with a day of the week.
- Use 'in' with a year.
- 'By Friday' means no later than Friday.
- Use 'since' with the starting point of a continuing period.
Common mistakes
Not:The meeting starts on 9:30.
Use:The meeting starts at 9:30.
Use 'at' with a precise clock time.
Not:We have English class at Monday.
Use:We have English class on Monday.
Use 'on' with a day of the week.
Not:She was born on 1995.
Use:She was born in 1995.
Use 'in' with a year.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
Please submit the form ____ Friday.
by
'By Friday' means no later than Friday.
I have lived here ____ 2020.
since
Use 'since' with the starting point of a continuing period.
They stayed in Hue ____ three days.
for
Use 'for' with the length of a period.