Preposition of Time: Definition, Examples & Rules | English Grammar

Last Updated: 01 Jul, 2025

Welcome! In this lesson, you'll learn all about Prepositions of Time in English grammar. We'll cover what they are, provide examples, and show you how to use them correctly. You'll find real-life examples, a quick quiz, and pro tips to help you master this essential grammar topic.

What is a Preposition of Time?

Preposition of Time Definition: A preposition of time is a word that shows when something happens. It indicates the time relationship between different elements in a sentence. Common prepositions of time include at, in, on, during, for, since, until, by, and before.

Why are Prepositions of Time Important? They help us express when events occur, making our communication clear and precise about timing.

Function in Grammar

Prepositions of time connect nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words in a sentence to show time relationships:

At: I wake up at 7 AM. (specific time)
In: She was born in 1995. (year/month/season)
On: We have a meeting on Monday. (day/date)

Preposition of Time vs Place

Time Preposition	Place Preposition
at 3 PM	at home
in January	in the park
on Monday	on the table
during lunch	under the bridge

The same preposition can indicate time or place depending on context.

💡 Tip: Remember - AT for specific times, IN for months/years/seasons, ON for days/dates!

📌 Preposition of Time Challenge!

Can you spot the prepositions of time in these sentences?

I wake up at 7 AM.
She was born in 1995.
We have a meeting on Monday.

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Examples of Prepositions of Time in Sentences

I wake up at 7 AM.
She was born in 1995.
We have a meeting on Monday.
They traveled during the summer.
I studied for three hours.
He has lived here since 2010.
Wait until tomorrow.
Finish the project by Friday.
Come before 6 PM.
We worked throughout the night.

Notice how each preposition of time shows a different time relationship.

List of Common Prepositions of Time

at - specific times (at 3 PM, at noon)
in - months, years, seasons (in January, in 2023, in winter)
on - days, dates (on Monday, on March 15th)
during - throughout a period (during the meeting)
for - duration (for two hours)
since - starting point (since yesterday)
until/till - ending point (until 5 PM)
by - deadline (by tomorrow)
before - earlier than (before lunch)
after - later than (after dinner)
throughout - entire duration (throughout the day)
within - inside a time limit (within an hour)

AT, IN, ON Usage Guide

Preposition	Used With	Examples
AT	Specific times, moments	at 3 PM, at noon, at midnight
IN	Months, years, seasons	in January, in 2023, in summer
ON	Days, dates	on Monday, on March 15th
DURING	Throughout a period	during lunch, during the movie
FOR	Duration	for two hours, for a week
SINCE	Starting point	since yesterday, since 2020

Each preposition of time has specific usage rules for different time expressions.

Special Rules and Notes

AT: Use with specific times, not general time periods.
IN: Use with longer time periods like months, years, seasons.
ON: Use with specific days and dates.
No Preposition: Don't use prepositions with "today," "tomorrow," "yesterday."
American vs British: Some expressions differ (at the weekend vs on the weekend).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Wrong Preposition: Don't say "in Monday" - say "on Monday."
Unnecessary Prepositions: Don't say "on today" - just say "today."
Confusing FOR and SINCE: Use "for" with duration, "since" with starting points.
Mixed Usage: Be consistent with time expressions in the same context.

Quick Quiz: Choose the Correct Preposition!

Which preposition of time fits best in these sentences?

I wake up ___ 7 AM.
She was born ___ 1995.
We have a meeting ___ Monday.
They traveled ___ the summer.
I studied ___ three hours.

Answers: at, in, on, during, for

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete these sentences with appropriate prepositions of time:

The meeting is ___ 3 PM.
I was born ___ December.
We have school ___ Monday.
She worked ___ the entire day.
He has lived here ___ 2010.

Show Answers

at
in
on
during/throughout
since

Exercise 2: AT, IN, or ON?

Choose the correct preposition:

___ Christmas Day
___ the morning
___ 2023
___ midnight
___ summer

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a preposition of time?

A preposition of time is a word that shows when something happens. It indicates the time relationship between different elements in a sentence. Common prepositions of time include at, in, on, during, for, since, until, by, before, and after.

What are examples of prepositions of time?

Examples include: at (at 3 PM), in (in January, in 2023), on (on Monday), during (during lunch), for (for two hours), since (since yesterday), until (until 5 PM), by (by tomorrow), before (before dinner), after (after school).

When do you use AT, IN, and ON for time?

Use AT for specific times (at 3 PM, at noon), IN for months/years/seasons (in January, in 2023, in summer), and ON for days/dates (on Monday, on March 15th).

What is the difference between FOR and SINCE?

FOR indicates duration (how long something lasts): "I studied for two hours." SINCE indicates a starting point (when something began): "I have lived here since 2010."

Can you give examples of preposition of time in sentences?

Yes! Examples: I wake up at 7 AM. She was born in 1995. We have a meeting on Monday. They traveled during the summer. I studied for three hours. He has lived here since 2010.

What are common mistakes with prepositions of time?

Common mistakes include: using wrong prepositions (saying "in Monday" instead of "on Monday"), adding unnecessary prepositions (saying "on today" instead of "today"), and confusing FOR and SINCE.

Do you use prepositions with today, tomorrow, and yesterday?

No, you don't use prepositions with "today," "tomorrow," and "yesterday." Say "I'll see you tomorrow" not "I'll see you on tomorrow."

What is the difference between DURING and FOR?

DURING means "throughout a period" (during the movie), while FOR indicates "duration" or "how long" (for two hours). DURING is followed by a noun, FOR is followed by a time period.

Conclusion

Prepositions of time help us express when events occur. Remember: AT for specific times, IN for months/years/seasons, ON for days/dates!