English Grammar
“Prepositions of Time”
Lesson Content
📘 Grammar Focus:
We use in, on, and at to talk about when things happen. Each preposition is used with different kinds of time expressions.
- in is for longer periods like months, years, or parts of the day:
➤ in May, in 2024, in the morning - on is for specific days and dates:
➤ on Monday, on July 4th, on my birthday - at is for clock times and a few specific periods:
➤ at 7:00 a.m., at night, at lunchtime
🔹 Examples:
- I was born in December.
- We have class on Wednesday.
- The movie starts at 8 p.m.
- She studies in the afternoon.
🎧 Why This Grammar Matters for Listening and Speaking
Prepositions of time like in, on, and at are everywhere in daily conversations. Using the right one helps listeners quickly understand when something happens, especially with dates, schedules, and appointments.
Common speaking/listening situations:
- Making plans:
➤ “Let’s meet at 6.”
➤ “Are you free on Friday?” - Talking about routines or habits:
➤ “I run in the morning.”
➤ “She works at night.”
Why this grammar helps in real conversations:
- It helps you respond naturally to invitations or instructions:
➤ If someone says, “The bus leaves at 7,” you won’t be confused. - It avoids awkward pauses when you’re giving dates or times:
➤ Saying, “My interview is on Monday at 9,” sounds confident and correct.
🎯 Using in, on, and at correctly makes your meaning clear right away, especially when others are expecting a time answer. If someone asks, “When is your appointment?”, and you say “in Monday” or “at July,” the listener may pause or ask again, which can feel awkward or slow things down. Saying “on Monday” or “in July” gives an immediate, natural reply. This is especially useful when giving or following instructions like “The test is on Thursday at 2.” You’ll understand it right the first time and reply clearly without stopping to think.
Let’s Practice
Grammar Game
Now, let’s practice your grammar skills with a game.
🎧🗣️ Listening & Speaking Practice Questions
These questions help you use English grammar in real life. You can talk about your life, your family, and your schedule. When you speak and listen, you will learn how to use words like in, on, and at. This practice helps you understand other people and talk more clearly.
Talk About Important Days:
Can you talk about an important day using “on…”? What do you do on that day?
➤ For example: “On my birthday, I eat cake with my family.”
Share Your Daily Routine:
What do you do in the morning, afternoon, or evening? Use “in the…”
➤ For example: “In the morning, I drink tea and go to school.”
Make a Plan:
Can you plan a fun activity with a classmate or friend using “on” and “at”?
➤ For example: “Let’s have lunch on Saturday at 1:00.”
Talk About a Special Memory:
Can you remember a special moment in your life? When did it happen? Use “in,” “on,” or “at.”
➤ For example: “In 2022, I graduated from school.”
Ask and Answer About Schedules:
Ask your partner: “What do you do on the weekend?” or “What time do you eat dinner?”
➤ Practice answering: “I relax on Sunday. I eat dinner at 7:00.”
Give Directions or Instructions:
Can you tell someone when to arrive for an event or class? Use time expressions.
➤ For example: “Be here on Monday at 10:00 a.m.”
Create a Weekly Calendar Together:
Work with a partner. Fill in one thing you do each day of the week using “on” and “at.”
➤ For example: “On Tuesday at 5 p.m., I play soccer.”