Mastering Prepositions of Time with at , in and on

Walter Education
Jun 30
2 min read

Is your child confused about when to use at, in, and on? Don't worry, we've got you covered.

Prepositions often confuse English speakers, particularly for expressing time. The three main prepositions of time are at, in, and on, each indicating when something occurs. Understanding these can improve communication skills and writing clarity.

What are Prepositions of Time?

Prepositions of time act as connectors between nouns, pronouns, or phrases that denote when something happens. They help us accurately place events within a timeframe. Understanding how to use at, in, and on correctly is crucial for effective communication.

Usage of "at"

The preposition at is primarily used to indicate a precise time or a specific point in time.

For example:

The meeting will start at 3 PM.
She likes to meditate at dawn.

In these examples, at clearly indicates the exact moment something will take place. It is often used for times of day, holidays, and specific instances.

Examples of "at" in Sentences

We will meet at the reception desk.
He usually wakes up at 6 AM.

Notice how each example reflects a specific time, making the information clear and direct.

Usage of "in"

The preposition in is used to express a longer period. This can encompass months, years, decades, centuries, or seasons.

For instance:

She was born in June.
We will go on vacation in 2024.

Here, in refers to a broader timeframe, framing the context rather than pinpointing a specific moment.

Examples of "in" in Sentences

The flowers bloom in spring.
He graduated in 2010.

In these examples, in provides a general time frame that covers a larger span of time.

Usage of "on"

The preposition on is mainly used for specific days and dates.

For example:

The party is on Saturday.
My birthday is on June 15.

On clearly connects an event to a particular day, making it easy to understand when something will occur.

Examples of "on" in Sentences

We have a meeting on Monday.
She was born on Christmas Day.

Here, the use of on provides clarity around specific days designated for events or occasions.

Combining "at," "in," and "on"

It is vital to know how to combine these prepositions correctly within the same context.

For example:

We will meet at the café on Saturday in the afternoon.

This sentence illustrates how at, on, and in can work together seamlessly to enhance communication.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Many students mix these prepositions. Here are some frequent mistakes and the correct usages:

Mixing "at" with "on" or "in":
- Incorrect: I will visit my grandparents at Christmas.
- Correct: I will visit my grandparents on Christmas.
- Incorrect: The meeting starts in 3 PM.
- Correct: The meeting starts at 3 PM.
- Incorrect: She has an appointment in Wednesday.
- Correct: She has an appointment on Wednesday.