Prepositions of Time

The preposition of time describes when or for how long something has occurred or will occur. Prepositions of time include: at, in, on, for, during, since, by, until, before, after, to, past.

The Preposition of Time: At

The preposition of time “at” is used to describe specific and short times of the day. Here are some examples:

1.He’s going to arrive at midnight.

2. John will be there at three o’clock.

3. Lunch will be served at noon.

The Preposition of Time: In

The preposition of time “in” is used to describe months, years and specific times of day. Here are some examples:

1. My son will start school in August.
2. In 2004, I finished college.
3. I will complete my homework in the night.

The Preposition of Time: On

The preposition of time “on” is used to describe days and dates. Here are some examples:

1. On Tuesday, I’m going to Boa Vista.

2. Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December every year.

The Preposition of Time: For

The preposition of time “for” is used to describe durations of time. For examples:

1. The teacher taught the class for one hour.
2. He lived abroad for several years.
3. They will be in Suriname for three days.

The Preposition of Time: During

The preposition of time “during” is used to describe simultaneous events. Here are some examples:

1. Do not leave the classroom during the lecture session.
2. We will look at the project during the lunch hour.
3. These plants grow best during the rainy season.

The Preposition of Time: Since

The preposition of time “since” is used to describe a continuous event originating from a specific point in the past. Here are some examples:

The Preposition of Time: By

The preposition of time “by” is used to describe a specific point in the future before which an event must be completed. Here are some examples:

1. We must reach the office by eight o’clock.
2. Please make the delivery by tomorrow.
3. You must be there by six o’clock.

The Preposition of Time: Until

The preposition of time “until” is used to describe a continuous event that will terminate at a specific point in the future. Here are some examples:

1. The rain will fall until eight o’clock tonight.
2. We can’t leave until three o’clock this afternoon.
3. We will work until the sun goes down.

The Preposition of Time: Before

The preposition of time “before” is used to describe something prior to a specific time or event. Here are some examples:

1. The cock crows before the sun comes up.
2. The wind rages before the rain falls.
3. We see the lightning before we hear the thunder.

The Preposition of Time: After

The preposition of time “after” is used to describe something following a specific time or event. Here are some examples:

The Preposition of Time: To

The preposition of time “to” is used to describe time in relation to the next hour of the day. Here are some examples:

1. It is now ten minutes to three o’clock.
2. We will be leaving at fifteen minutes to six.
3. The bus arrived at ten minutes to five.

The Preposition of Time: Past

The preposition of time “past” is used to describe time in relation to the previous hour of the day. Here are some examples:

1. We reached there a quarter past nine.
2. School starts at half past eight.
3. We are going there at fifteen minutes past ten.