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Indicating time (at) |
Prepositions indicating 'time' tell us when something takes place:
When prepositions express 'time', they always work together with a noun group, forming a 'prepositional phrase':
Next year, Chinese New Year is in January.
We're going to the movies at four o'clock.
Mr Wing last saw Bozo Gong on Tuesday.
| If you would like to practice choosing the correct prepositions to express time, click here: |  |
When choosing a preposition of time, we need to observe the difference between 'point in time' and 'extent in time' (also called duration):
Mrs Gong and the children went to the movies at five o'clock. [point in time]
Mrs Gong and the children were at the movies for three hours. [extent in time / duration]
For more information on the distinction between 'point in time' and 'duration in time',
see
Grammar:
Groups & phrases: Prepositional phrases:
Expressing how / when / where / why: Expressing
'time'
For a list of prepositions with meanings and examples, click on the menu on the left:
Word classes: Prepositions: Preposition formation
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