Table of Contents

Prepositions of Time Level 2

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how to describe when something happens? Using prepositions of time helps us do just that! In this article, we will explore prepositions of time like ‘in’, ‘on’, and ‘at’, and learn how to use them correctly in sentences. Let’s dive into the world of time and language!

Definition and Concept

Prepositions of time are words that help us indicate when something happens. They connect nouns or pronouns to other words in a sentence, giving us information about time.

Some common prepositions of time include:

  • In: Used for months, years, centuries, and long periods (e.g., in April, in 2023).
  • On: Used for days and dates (e.g., on Monday, on July 4th).
  • At: Used for specific times (e.g., at 3 PM, at noon).

Historical Context or Origin​

Prepositions have been a part of the English language for centuries. Their usage has evolved over time, but their role in providing clarity about time has remained essential. Understanding prepositions can help us communicate more effectively.

Understanding the Problem

To use prepositions of time correctly, we need to know what type of time we are discussing. Let’s break it down:

  • Use ‘in’ for longer periods.
  • Use ‘on’ for specific days.
  • Use ‘at’ for precise times.

Methods to Solve the Problem with different types of problems​

Here are some methods to practice using prepositions of time:

  • Method 1: Fill in the Blanks
    Create sentences with missing prepositions and fill them in. For example: “I will meet you ___ 5 PM.” (Answer: at)
  • Method 2: Sentence Creation
    Write your own sentences using each preposition of time. For example: “My birthday is ___ September.” (Answer: in)
  • Method 3: Matching Exercise
    Match sentences with the correct prepositions. For example, match “___ Sunday” with “on”.

Exceptions and Special Cases​

While the rules for prepositions of time are generally straightforward, there are exceptions:

  • We say “in the morning” but “at night”.
  • We use “on the weekend” in American English, but in British English, it’s “at the weekend”.

Step-by-Step Practice​

Practice Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition.

  • We go to school ___ the morning.
  • She has a meeting ___ Friday.
  • The movie starts ___ 7 PM.

Practice Exercise 2: Create sentences using the prepositions.

  • ___ (month) my family goes on vacation.
  • ___ (day) I like to play soccer.
  • We eat dinner ___ (time).

Examples and Variations

Example 1:
“I was born ___ 2000.” (Answer: in)
Example 2:
“We have a picnic ___ Saturday.” (Answer: on)
Example 3:
“The train arrives ___ noon.” (Answer: at)

Interactive Quiz with Feedback System​

You do not have access to this page.

If you are not a subscriber, please click here to subscribe.
OR

Common Mistakes and Pitfalls

  • Confusing ‘in’ and ‘on’ (e.g., saying ‘on April’ instead of ‘in April’).
  • Using ‘at’ for longer periods (e.g., saying ‘at the summer’ instead of ‘in the summer’).

Tips and Tricks for Efficiency

  • Remember the categories: ‘in’ for months and years, ‘on’ for days, and ‘at’ for times.
  • Practice makes perfect! Use these prepositions in your daily conversations.

Real life application

  • Scheduling: Knowing when to meet friends or attend events.
  • Planning: Organizing activities or trips.
  • Writing: Creating clear and concise sentences in essays or stories.

FAQ's

A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence, often indicating time, place, or direction.
Some phrases may use different prepositions in different contexts, but each preposition has its specific rules.
Yes, some expressions may not follow the standard rules, such as ‘at night’ instead of ‘in night’.
Practice by creating sentences and categorizing them by the type of time they refer to.
They help us communicate clearly about when events happen, which is essential for effective communication.

Conclusion

Understanding and using prepositions of time correctly is vital for clear communication in English. By practicing these rules and examples, you will enhance your writing and speaking skills. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be a pro at using prepositions of time!

References and Further Exploration

  • Online Grammar Resources: Websites like Grammarly offer explanations and exercises.
  • Books: ‘English Grammar in Use’ by Raymond Murphy provides clear examples and practice.

Like? Share it with your friends

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Filter

  • Category

  • Levels

  • Subject