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 19th century
- in the 20th century
- in the 21st 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 2nd
- 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 5th.
- When do you start work? I start work on Monday.
References