Time prepositions in on at English lesson
What are prepositions of time?
We use prepositions to describe a relationship between other words in a sentence. When we use prepositions of time there are 3 common ones, 'at' 'in' and 'on'.
The prepositions of time at, in, and on explained
Using the time preposition in
When talking about years
in 1994, in 2014
When you talk about months
in December, in June
When you talk about decades
in the seventies,
When you talk about centuries
in the 18th century, in the 1850s
When you talk about seasons
in winter, in summer
When you talk about long periods
in the ice age
You can also use in to talk about the past or future
in the next century, in the summer / winter, she started her job in 1998
Using the preposition on
When talking about days
on Tuesday, on my birthday, on New Years Day, on Independence day
When talking about days and morning / afternoon / evening / night
on Monday morning, on Tuesday afternoon, on Monday evening, on Wednesday evening
When talking about dates
on the 4th of August 1999
Using the time preposition at
When you need to use an exact time you use at.
at one o'clock
at 9.40
at one p.m.
When talking about holiday periods at Christmas, at Easter
at night (only use at for night!)
at the weekend
When talking about meal times at lunchtime, at dinnertime, at breakfast time
Examples of how to use prepositions of time in a sentence
I have to meet my friend at 11.30 am.
The supermarket closes at midnight.
Sarah went home at lunchtime as she was unwell.
In the UK, it often snows in winter.
Do you think they will be able to travel to mars in the future?
There is always a lot of progress made in the next century.
Did you work on your birthday?
His birthday is on 12th May.
Where will you go on Christmas Day?
Using in and on prepositions of time
Take note of the use of the time prepositions in and on with these often used expressions
| in | on |
| in the afternoon | on Thursday afternoon |
| in the afternoons | on Sunday afternoon |
| in the afternoon(s) | on Monday afternoon |
| in the evening(s) | on Tuesday evening |
A full list of prepositions of time
We have covered the more common prepositions of time. In the following example is a list of more prepositions with examples of how to use them
Time prepositions
Lessons that might be related to this one
In on at exercise on prepositions learning English
Prepositions of place with pictures
Prepositions position and location vocabulary list
Print the English grammar lesson on prepositions of time
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