"In" for Months, Years, Decades, and Seasons
Use the preposition "in" for specific months, periods, and years of time such as the seasons:
- John was born in January.
- Her mom was born in 1975.
- Her great-grandfather was born in the 1930s.
- I like to go skiing in summer.
The preposition "in" may also be used to refer to a period of time in the future:
- My brother will be on vacation in a few weeks.
- I am going to see my best mate in a couple of days.
The phrase "in time" refers to having enough time to do something:
- They arrived in time for the movie.
- My friend Kyle finished the report in time for the
conference.
"At" for Specific Times The preposition "at" is used to refer to a
precise time:
- The movie starts at nine o'clock.
- My father goes to bed at 9:30.
- My last class ends at three p.m.
"At" is also used to refer to a period of time during the year such as special festivals:
- I love the atmosphere at spring time.
- Most People tend to become more hopeful at the start of
summer.
"On" for Specific Days The preposition "on" is used to refer to the days of the week:
- On Sunday, I am taking my horse for a run.
- On Sunday, I get my beard/hair done.
The preposition "on" may be used with specific calendar days as well:
- On Christmas Day, my family goes to church.
- On January 2nd, I am going to buy a new bike.
The phrase "on time" refers to being at a location or completing a task by an expected time:
- Make sure he comes to work on time tomorrow.
- We managed to finish the report on time.
"By" with Times The
preposition "by" is used to express that something happens before the
time expressed:
- I will finish work by seven o'clock.
- The director will have made his decision by the end of
next week.
"In the Morning" / "Afternoon / "Evening" versus "At Night"
While many English speakers say "in the morning," "in the afternoon," or "in the evening," they do not say "in the night." Instead, they say "at night." It may not make sense, but it's an important rule to remember and apply:
- Our son usually does yoga in the morning.
- I don't like to go out at night.
- We used to play soccer in the evening.
"Before" /
"After"
the prepositions "before" and "after" to state that something happens either before or after a specific time. You can use "before" and "after" with specific timUse es, days, years, or months:
- I'll see you after class.
- She bought that house before 1990.
- I'll see you after august.
"Since" / "For"
Prepositions "since" and "for" are used to express a length of time. "Since" is used with a specific date or time, "for" with a length of time:
- We've lived in New York since 2004.
- I've been working for three hours.
- She's wanted to buy that car since December.
- He worked for five months to save up the money.
Test Your Understanding
1. My friend usually has lunch _____ two o'clock.
a) in
b) at
c) since
d) for
2. He will finish the report _____ the end of next week.
a) on
b) in
c) by
d) at
3. Do you like to go out _____ evening?
a) in
b) at
c) after
d) on
4. They have been studying _____ three hours.
a) since
b) before
c) at
d) for
5. Her birthday is _____ March.
a) on
b) by
c) for
d) in
6. I'd like to have lunch _____ Saturday. Are you free?
a) on
b) in
c) since
d) for
7. Mohan was born in California _____ 1985.
a) on
b) in
c) since
d) for
8. They have been acting strange _____ October.
a) since
b) on
c) for
d) at
9. They often watch the news _____ the evening.
a) on
b) at
c) after
d) in
10. We'll see each other again _____ three months.
a) in
b) on
c) since
d) for
11. I went home ____ the party.
a) in
b) since
c) after
d) on
12. My parents got married ____ March 1, 1985.
a) since
b) in
c) on
d) for
13. Sheron has worked here ____ last year.
a) for
b) after
c) since
d) in
14. Did you turn in your report____ time?
a) on
b) for
c) since
d) before
15. If you arrive _____ nine o'clock, you won't be allowed to enter the building.
a) on
b) on
c) after
d) in
Thank You !
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