PREPOSITIONS OF TIME - in, on, at, from, to, until, till, during, throughout, since, from, by ...

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the essential prepositions of time in English, including their functions and correct usage. Understanding these prepositions is crucial for effective communication, as they help specify when actions take place. By the end of this tutorial, you will be equipped to use prepositions like "in," "on," "at," "from," "to," "until," and others with confidence.

Step 1: Understanding Basic Prepositions of Time

Learn the basic prepositions and their uses:

• From: Indicates the starting point in time.

  • Example: "I work from 9 AM to 5 PM."

• To: Indicates the endpoint in time.

  • Example: "The meeting is from 2 PM to 3 PM."

Step 2: Using Until and Till

Differentiate between "until" and "till":

• Until: Used to indicate a point in time up to which something happens.

  • Example: "I will wait until 6 PM."

• Till: A more informal synonym for until.

  • Example: "Stay here till I come back."

Common Mistake:

"Until" is often misused when people mean "by." Remember, "until" refers to a duration, while "by" refers to a deadline.

Step 3: Employing Through and During

Clarify the usage of "through" and "during":

• Through: Indicates that something continues from the beginning to the end of a particular time.

  • Example: "We will be traveling through the summer."

• During: Refers to a specific period when something happens.

  • Example: "I read books during my vacation."

Common Mistake:

"During" is often confused with "through." Use "during" for specific events or periods and "through" for continuous actions.

Step 4: Understanding Throughout

Use "throughout" to indicate something happening continuously during a period:

• Example: "The festival runs throughout the month of July."

Step 5: Using Before, After, and For

Differentiate between "before," "after," and "for":

• Before: Indicates a time prior to an event.

  • Example: "I will finish my homework before dinner."

• After: Indicates a time following an event.

  • Example: "I will call you after the meeting."

• For: Used to specify a duration of time.

  • Example: "I have lived here for three years."

Step 6: Utilizing Since and By

Clarify the use of "since" and "by":

• Since: Refers to a specific starting point in time and continues to the present.

  • Example: "I have lived here since 2020."

• By: Indicates a deadline or a point in time when something must happen.

  • Example: "Please submit the report by Friday."

Step 7: Understanding Within

Use "within" to indicate a time frame in which something will happen:

• Example: "I will respond to your email within 24 hours."

Step 8: Distinguishing In, On, and At

Clarify the usage of "in," "on," and "at":

• In: Used for months, years, centuries, and long periods.

  • Example: "I was born in July."

• On: Used for days and dates.

  • Example: "My birthday is on March 5th."

• At: Used for precise times.

  • Example: "The meeting starts at 10 AM."

Conclusion

Mastering prepositions of time will significantly enhance your English communication skills. Remember to practice using these prepositions in context to solidify your understanding. You can test your knowledge with exercises or quizzes to reinforce what you've learned. Keep exploring and practicing for continued improvement!