A2 English GrammarTemporal Prepositions
Master prepositions of time: in, on, at, for, since, during, until, by. Know which preposition to use with different time expressions.
1In, On, At for Time
Use 'at' for specific times, 'on' for days and dates, 'in' for longer periods (months, years, seasons, parts of day except 'night'). Exception: at night, at the weekend (UK).
In, On, At
| Preposition | Use with | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| at | specific time | at 3 o'clock, at noon, at midnight |
| on | days/dates | on Monday, on January 5th, on my birthday |
| in | periods | in May, in 2024, in summer, in the morning |
Examples
The meeting is at 10 AM.
The meeting is at 10 AM.
at + specific time
I was born on March 15th.
I was born on March 15th.
on + date
We go skiing in winter.
We go skiing in winter.
in + season
I'll see you at the weekend.
I'll see you at the weekend.
at the weekend (UK)
2For and Since
'For' indicates duration (how long). 'Since' indicates starting point (from when). Use 'for' with a period of time, 'since' with a specific point in time.
For vs Since
| For (duration) | Since (starting point) |
|---|---|
| for two hours | since 2 o'clock |
| for three days | since Monday |
| for a long time | since 2020 |
| for ages | since I was young |
Examples
I've lived here for ten years.
I've lived here for ten years.
for + duration
I've lived here since 2014.
I've lived here since 2014.
since + starting point
She's been waiting for an hour.
She's been waiting for an hour.
for = how long
He's been working since morning.
He's been working since morning.
since = from when
3During, While, Throughout
'During' is followed by a noun (the time period). 'While' is followed by a clause (subject + verb). 'Throughout' means the whole time from start to end.
Examples
I fell asleep during the movie.
I fell asleep during the movie.
during + noun
I fell asleep while watching the movie.
I fell asleep while watching the movie.
while + clause
It rained throughout the night.
It rained throughout the night.
throughout = the whole time
Don't talk during the exam.
Don't talk during the exam.
during + noun phrase
4Until, By, Before
'Until/till' means up to a point in time. 'By' means no later than. 'Before' means earlier than. These have different implications for when something happens.
Until, By, Before
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| until | up to that time | Wait until 5 PM. |
| by | no later than | Finish by Friday. |
| before | earlier than | Arrive before noon. |
Examples
I'll wait until you arrive.
I'll wait until you arrive.
until = up to that time
Please reply by Friday.
Please reply by Friday.
by = no later than
Call me before 8 PM.
Call me before 8 PM.
before = earlier than
The shop is open until midnight.
The shop is open until midnight.
until = continuous to that point