Prepositions of Time

Introduction

Prepositions of time help us explain when something happens. We use them when talking about dates, days, months, years, specific times, and different periods of the day.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use three common prepositions of time: in, on, and at.

What Are Prepositions of Time?

Prepositions of time are words that connect an event or activity to a particular time or period.

For example:

• My birthday is in September.
• We have a meeting on Thursday.
• The film starts at 8:30 p.m.

Although these prepositions all refer to time, they are used in different situations.

IN

We use “in” when talking about longer periods of time.

We commonly use “in” with:

• Months
• Years
• Seasons
• Decades and centuries
• Parts of the day (morning, afternoon, evening)

Examples:

• She started her new job in March.
• My parents got married in 1995.
• Many people go swimming in summer.
• Technology developed rapidly in the 1990s.
• I usually exercise in the morning.

Remember: Use “in” when referring to a longer period of time rather than a specific day or clock time.

ON

We use “on” when referring to particular days and dates.

We commonly use “on” with:

• Days of the week
• Specific dates
• Special days
• Days combined with parts of the day

Examples:

• We have English lessons on Tuesdays.
• The conference begins on 12 June.
• I visited my grandparents on Christmas Day.
• They usually have a team meeting on Monday morning.
• Her appointment is on Friday afternoon.

Remember: Use ON when referring to a specific day or date.

AT

We use at when talking about precise times or particular points in time.

We commonly use “at” with:

• Clock times
• Noon and midnight
• Night
• Certain holiday periods
• Fixed time expressions

Examples:

• The train leaves at 6:45 a.m.
• We usually have lunch at noon.
• The streets are quieter at night.
• Many families get together at Christmas.
• I prefer studying at the weekend. (British English)

Remember: Use “at” when referring to a particular point in time.

Important: We generally don’t use IN, ON or AT before expressions such as last, next, this and every.

For example:

• I visited her last Friday.
• We’re meeting next week.
• I’m working from home this afternoon.
• He exercises every morning.

Practice 1: Fill in the Blanks

Speaking Practice

Answer each question in a complete sentence. Choose the correct preposition: in, on, or at.

1. What year were you born?
2. What time do you usually wake up?
3. What day is your next English lesson?
4. What part of the day do you feel most energetic?
5. When is your favourite holiday?
6. What month does winter begin in your country?