Prepositions are short words that link nouns and pronouns to other words. Prepositions of time answer the question "When?" and are used to discuss a specific time period such as dates, days of the week, or the actual time something takes place.
Prepositions of time can be the same words as the prepositions of place but used in a different way, depending on the context.
Example
Explanation
I like reading at night.
At is the preposition of time.
At / In / On
Some of the most common prepositions of time include:
- at for a precise time and specific time frames,
- in for months, seasons, years, centuries, general times of day, and longer periods of time,
- on for certain days of the week, specific dates, and special days.
| At | In | On |
|---|---|---|
| at 7am | in June | on Monday |
| at night | in the 1970s | on 3rd of May |
| at the moment | in the past | on New Year's Eve |
| At | In | On |
|---|---|---|
| at 7am | in June | on Monday |
| at night | in the 1970s | on 3rd of May |
| at the moment | in the past | on New Year's Eve |
Prepositions of Time: Overview
Before / After
Example
Explanation
You should wash your teeth before going to bed.
Before means earlier than a certain point in time.
He plays video games after school.
After means later than a certain point in time.
During
Example
Explanation
We've discussed several issues during the meeting.
During means within a period of time.
As Of / From
Example
Explanation
I'm on vacation as of/from tomorrow.
Prepositions as of and from express the time or date something begins.
Until / Till
Example
Explanation
She's on vacation until/till next Monday.
Prepositions until and till express how much longer something will last.
By
Example
Explanation
I need to be back by 10pm.
By means before or up until a certain point in time and can be used in the meaning of at the latest.
For / Ago / Since
Example
Explanation
He has studied English for two years.
For means during a certain period of time.
He has started to learn English two years ago.
Ago indicates a certain time or date in the past.
They have lived in New York since 1995.
Since shows that something has started at a certain point in the past.
Quiz
1/4
Choose the right preposition. My birthday is ___ July.
0
correct answers.