Prepositions of Time

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.
prepositions of time

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.
prepositions of time

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.
prepositions of time
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1. I want to be a pilot ____ the future.

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2. I was born ____ April.

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

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4. The meeting is ____ 9:30 AM.

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

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

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7. I will start my new job ____ Monday.

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

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9. We met them ____ Thanksgiving.

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

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