Prepositions of Time in English

Prepositions of Time

In English, we use prepositions of time to talk about specific periods of time.^[1]https://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/preposition/preposition-time/ This is important when talking about date and time.

At

“At” is generally used to describe very specific times such as holidays and times on the clock.

For example:

Expressions

at night
at present
at night

Holidays

at Christmas
at Easter
at Thanksgiving

Mealtimes

at breakfast
at lunch
at dinner

Times of Day

at 2:00 PM
at noon
at midnight
at 3 o’clock

Questions

What time is the meeting at? It is at 5:30 pm.
At what time do you want to talk? Let’s talk at lunchtime.
When will we see you? I will be home at Christmas.

In

“In” is used for general periods of time such as centuries, general time of day, seasons, and months.

For example:

Centuries

in the 19^th century
in the 20^th century
in the 21^st century

Decades

in the 20s
in the 40s
in the 70s

Long Periods

in the past
in the Middle Ages

Months

in February
in March
in September

Parts of the Day

in the morning
in the afternoon
in the evening

Seasons

in spring
in summer
in autumn
in winter

Years

in 1995
in 2001

Questions

When are you going to be home? I will be home in summer.
When were you born? I was born in the 80s.
When is the exam? It is in June.

On

“On” is used to talk about special days, portions of days, specific days, and days of the week.

Dates

on September 2^nd
on June 15th

Days

on Monday
on Tuesday
on your birthday
on New Year’s Day

Parts of Specific Days

on Tuesday morning
on Saturday evening
on Sunday night
on Monday afternoon

Questions

When do you get back? I get back on Friday evening.
When is the party? It is on December 5^th.
When do you start work? I start work on Monday.

10%

Question 1 of 10

1. I ate a lot of cake ____ my birthday.

Question 1 of 10

Question 2 of 10

2. I don't like getting up early ____ the mornings.

Question 2 of 10

Question 3 of 10

3. I want to be a pilot ____ the future.

Question 3 of 10

Question 4 of 10

4. The meeting is ____ 9:30 AM.

Question 4 of 10

Question 5 of 10

5. I was born ____ June 5th, 1979.

Question 5 of 10

Question 6 of 10

6. We met them ____ Thanksgiving.

Question 6 of 10

Question 7 of 10

7. I have a doctor's appointment ____ 2 PM.

Question 7 of 10

Question 8 of 10

8. I was born ____ April.

Question 8 of 10

Question 9 of 10

9. I have a doctor's appointment ____ April.

Question 9 of 10

Question 10 of 10

10. I will start my new job ____ Monday.

Question 10 of 10

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