Word typesBeginner

Prepositions of Time

Prepositions of time tell us when something happens. Use 'at' for specific times and holidays, 'on' for days and dates, and 'in' for months, years, seasons, and longer periods. Remember: at night, on Monday, in the morning.

WHEN TO USE

Use 'at' for clock times, meals, and holidays. Use 'on' for days of the week and specific dates. Use 'in' for months, years, seasons, centuries, and parts of the day (except night).

STRUCTURE

format + time / holidays

The class starts at 9 o'clock. We eat at Christmas.

usageon + day / date

The party is on Saturday. Her birthday is on March 15th.

exceptionin + month / year / season

She was born in July. He graduated in 2020.

SIGNAL WORDS

at
on
in
during
for
since
until
by

EXAMPLES

The meeting starts at 9 o'clock.

Her birthday is on the 15th of March.

We usually travel in the summer.

I'll see you on Monday morning.

She has lived here since 2018.

COMMON MISTAKES

I was born in 15th March.

I was born on 15th March.

Use 'on' for specific dates, not 'in'

See you at Friday.

See you on Friday.

Use 'on' for days of the week

Tip

A handy memory trick: think of time as getting bigger. 'At' is the smallest (a moment/hour), 'on' is medium (a day), 'in' is largest (a month, year, or season).