What are Prepositions of Time?
Prepositions of time are words that show when something happens. They describe duration, frequency, or specific moments. Common examples include in, on, at, for, during, before, after, and since. They help us understand the timing of events.
Prepositions of time show when something happens — in, on, at, for, during, before, after, since. They answer 'When?' or 'How long?'
- 1↓BEFOREat 9:00 AM, before noon, before tomorrow
- 2↓AT (specific time)at 3 o'clock, at midnight, at dawn
- 3↓DURING (within a period)during the meeting, during summer, during 2024
- 4↓FOR (duration)for 2 hours, for a week, for years
- 5AFTER (later)after lunch, after the meeting, after midnight
Step-by-step worked examples
She arrived at 3 o'clock.
Use 'at' for specific times. 3 o'clock is exact → use 'at'. Correct timing.
We studied during the exam.
Use 'during' for periods of time. Exam is a period → use 'during'. Correct usage.
I waited for two hours.
Use 'for' to show duration. Two hours is length of time → use 'for'. Correct duration.
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.She arrived ___ 5 pm.
Q2.I studied ___ three hours.
Q3.___ the movie, everyone was quiet.
Q4.They work ___ weekdays.
The full card deck, worked steps and AI-tutor support for “What are Prepositions of Time?” are in Notek — study by hand before your exam.
Common mistakes
I will see you in 3 pm. — Correct: I will see you at 3 pm. Use 'at' for clock times.
He worked for the meeting. — Correct: He worked during the meeting. Use 'during' for time periods.
I lived at London for 5 years. — Correct: I lived in London for 5 years. Use 'in' for places, 'for' for duration.
The game starts at Saturday. — Correct: The game starts on Saturday. Use 'on' for days of the week.
FAQ
What are prepositions of time?
Words that show when something happens — in, on, at, for, during, before, after, since, until.
When do I use 'in' for time?
Use 'in' for longer periods: in the morning, in summer, in 2024, in the 1990s.
When do I use 'on' for time?
Use 'on' for days and dates: on Monday, on July 4th, on the weekend.
What is the difference between 'since' and 'for'?
'Since' shows a starting point (since 2020). 'For' shows duration (for 4 years).