Prepositions of time are essential in English to indicate when something happens. They help in describing the time aspect in sentences, making communication clear and effective.
Definition of Prepositions of Time
Prepositions of time are words used to specify when an event occurs, indicating the timing of an action relative to another event.
1. At
Usage: Indicates specific times.
Example: Meet me at 5 o’clock.
2. On
Usage: Refers to specific days or dates.
Example: We left on Monday morning.
3. In
Usage: Used for months, years, centuries.
Example: She was born in 1992.
4. Before
Usage: Indicates something happening earlier.
Example: Finish your homework before dinner.
5. After
Usage: Refers to something following another.
Example: We will talk after the meeting.
6. By
Usage: No later than a specific time.
Example: Please arrive by noon tomorrow.
7. During
Usage: Throughout a period or event.
Example: It rained during the night.
8. While
Usage: Concurrent duration of time.
Example: She reads while he cooks.
9. Until
Usage: Up to a certain point.
Example: Work until you finish.
10. Since
Usage: From a specific past time.
Example: I have known her since 2003.
11. Within
Usage: Inside a period of time.
Example: Call me within an hour.
12. Throughout
Usage: All through a period.
Example: He was busy throughout July.
13. From…to
Usage: Marks the beginning and end.
Example: The show is from 6 to 9 PM.
14. Till
Usage: Up to a certain time (informal).
Example: Wait till I come back.
15. For
Usage: Duration of time.
Example: She lived there for three years.
16. Over
Usage: More than a period of time.
Example: It happened over the weekend.
17. Past
Usage: Just after the hour in time.
Example: It’s ten past five now.
18. Around
Usage: Approximately at a time.
Example: She’ll arrive around noon.
19. Between…and
Usage: In the interval separating times.
Example: Between Monday and Friday, I work.
20. About
Usage: Close to a certain time.
Example: It’s about time to leave.
Related:
Learn 20 Prepositions of Direction in English
30+ List of Prepositions of Place in English
