1.6.2. Prepositions of Time

● In: Months, years, seasons, parts of the day (except night). e.g., in July, in 2025, in winter, in the morning

The preposition 'in' is used to refer to larger time periods such as months, years, seasons, or parts of the day. It helps specify when something happens. For example, when you say 'in July,' you are identifying a specific month within the year. Similarly, 'in winter' refers to an entire season.

Think of planning a vacation. If you plan to go 'in July,' you’re considering going during the whole month, not just a single day. This way of indicating time is like saying, 'I’m going on a trip in summer.' It sets a broad timeframe for your plans.

● On: Specific days, dates. e.g., on Sunday, on 15th August

The preposition 'on' is used to refer to specific days or dates. This indicates a precise moment in time. For instance, when you say 'on Sunday,' it clearly denotes that something is happening on that particular day, like a meeting or a gathering. Similarly, 'on 15th August' refers to an exact date.

Imagine you are invited to a birthday party. If the invitation says 'on Saturday,' you know the party is happening specifically that day, which helps in planning your schedule. It's very different from saying 'in summer,' which could mean any time during that season.

● At: Specific time, night, festivals. e.g., at 6 o'clock, at night, at Diwali

The preposition 'at' is used for specific times and events. It brings clarity by pinpointing a moment. For example, when saying 'at 6 o'clock,' you indicate the exact time an event will occur. 'At night' refers to the specific part of the day, while 'at Diwali' refers to the festival's celebration time.

Think about scheduling a call. If you say 'let’s talk at 5 PM,' you’re setting a precise time for the conversation. It helps the other person plan their day around that specific hour. It’s the same when celebrating events 'at Christmas,' when all the festivities will occur exactly during that holiday.

● Since: From a point in time up to now. e.g., since morning ● For: Duration of time. e.g., for three hours

The preposition 'since' is used to indicate a specific starting point in time and continues until the present. For example, 'I have been working since 8 AM' implies you started at that particular time and are still working now. The preposition 'for' denotes a duration or length of time something has been happening. For example, 'I studied for three hours' conveys how long you studied.

Imagine training for a marathon. If you say, 'I have been running since January,' it indicates when you began your training and that you’re still engaged in it. Conversely, if you say, 'I practiced for three hours,' it describes how long you spent running during your training session.

● By: Not later than. e.g., by tomorrow ● Until/Till: Up to a point in time. e.g., wait until evening ● During: Throughout a period. e.g., during the holidays

The preposition 'by' indicates a deadline or limit in time. For example, 'I need the report by Friday' means the report should be completed before or on that day. 'Until' or 'till' signifies a stopping point in time, as in 'wait until evening.' In contrast, 'during' covers a time span when something happens, such as 'during the summer holidays,' indicating an ongoing occurrence.

Think about a project deadline. If you tell your team, 'Finish by Monday,' they know they have to complete their tasks before that day arrives. If someone suggests, 'Let’s meet until noon,' it sets a clear time to stop meeting, whereas saying, 'We learned a lot during our trip' suggests you gained knowledge throughout the entire duration of the trip.

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