Prepositions of Time: Everything You Need to Know
When learning English, one of the trickiest grammar topics for learners — even advanced ones — is prepositions of time. These small words, like in, on, and at may look simple, but using them correctly makes a big difference in your fluency and confidence, especially if you’re preparing for English certificate exams like IELTS, TOEIC, TOEFL…
In this complete guide, you will learn everything about prepositions of time, how to use them naturally, common mistakes to avoid, and how ELSA Speak, your personal AI pronunciation and grammar coach, can help you master them through real-life speaking practice.
What Are Prepositions of Time?
Prepositions of time are words that show when something happens. They help connect time expressions to actions or events.
For example:
- The meeting starts at 9 a.m.
- I usually travel in December.
- We met on Monday.
The most common prepositions of time are at, in, and on, but there are others, such as before, after, during, until, since, and by.
Understanding these tiny but powerful words helps your speech sound smooth and accurate.
The Big Three: At, On, and In
Let’s start with the three most common prepositions of time you’ll encounter in English.
1. AT – for exact times
We use at when referring to precise or specific times.
Examples:
- The class starts at 10 a.m.
- I go to bed at midnight.
- The shop closes at lunchtime.
Common mistake:
- Don’t: The class starts in 10 a.m.
- Do: The class starts at 10 a.m.
2. ON – for days and dates
We use on to talk about days of the week and specific dates.
Examples:
- I have a meeting on Monday.
- Her birthday is on July 10th.
- We’ll see you on New Year’s Day.
Common mistake:
- Don’t:.I was born in March 20.
- Do: I was born on March 20.
3. IN – for months, years, and longer periods
We use in to describe months, years, seasons, or general times of the day.
Examples:
- I started college in 2021.
- Flowers bloom in spring.
- I’ll see you in the morning.
Common mistake:
- Don’t: I was born at 1999.
- Do: I was born in 1999.
Other Prepositions of Time
While at, on, and in are the most frequent, there are several other useful prepositions of time worth mastering.
1. Before and After
Use before to describe something happening earlier than another event, and after for something that happens later.
Examples:
- I brush my teeth before bed.
- We’ll grab lunch after the meeting.
2. During
During is used to talk about something happening within a period of time.
Examples:
- I fell asleep during the movie.
- We met during the summer holidays.
3. Until / Till
Until or till refers to the time something continues and then stops.
Examples:
- I worked until 6 p.m.
- The shop is open till midnight.
4. Since and For
Since marks the starting point of an action, while for refers to the duration.
Examples:
- I’ve lived here since 2010.
- I’ve lived here for 15 years.
5. By
By is used to show a deadline or a specific time something must happen.
Examples:
- Please finish your report by Friday.
- I’ll call you by noon.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
Even advanced learners often struggle with these mistakes:
- Mixing up in, on, and at.
- Forgetting to use a preposition entirely (“I’ll call you Friday” instead of “I’ll call you on Friday”).
- Using since and for incorrectly (“I’ve studied English since five years” → should be “for five years”).
To sound natural and fluent, practice Prepositions of Time through listening and speaking, not just reading rules.
How ELSA Speak Can Help You Master Prepositions of Time
Understanding grammar is one thing — but being able to use it naturally while speaking is another.
That’s where ELSA Speak comes in.
ELSA Speak is an AI-powered English speaking coach that helps you improve pronunciation, fluency, and grammar accuracy, including Prepositions of Time, through personalized lessons and real-world practice.
Here’s how ELSA supports your learning:
- AI pronunciation feedback: Get instant, detailed corrections on every word and sound, including your use of grammar in sentences.
- Real-life scenarios: Practice speaking in daily contexts like meetings, interviews, or IELTS Speaking questions.
- Vocabulary and grammar integration: Learn how prepositions naturally appear in sentences and use them confidently.
- Progress tracking: See how your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation improve over time.
Practice Exercise: Spot the Right Preposition
Try filling in the blanks with the correct prepositions of time:
- The train leaves ___ 8 p.m.
- I was born ___ June.
- We met ___ Monday morning.
- He has worked here ___ five years.
- The project must be completed ___ Friday.
Check out the answers below!
Answers:
- at
- in
- on
- for
- by
Final Thoughts
Mastering Prepositions of Time is not just about memorizing grammar rules but it is about learning how native speakers use them naturally in everyday conversation.
Once you start practicing with real-life examples and AI pronunciation tools like ELSA Speak, you’ll gain confidence to speak smoothly and clearly, whether it’s during an IELTS test, a business meeting, or a casual chat.
Start small: choose 3–5 sentences every day, practice speaking them with ELSA Speak, and listen to the app’s instant feedback. Within weeks, you’ll notice your English becoming more accurate and fluent — not just grammatically correct, but naturally spoken.
Download ELSA Speak today and let AI guide you to clearer, more natural English — anytime, anywhere.
And do not miss out on useful English tips from ELSA: https://blog.elsaspeak.com/en/.
