Grammar: ✨ Grammar F: 🧩 Parts of Speech - Basics (A1) - Lesson 20: Basic Prepositions of Time (at, in, on)

Grammar: Prepositions of Time

A2 Lesson 20: Using 'at', 'in', 'on'

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to correctly use 'at', 'in', and 'on' to talk about different points in time.

The Time Pyramid 🔺

To choose the correct preposition of time, you can think of a pyramid. We start with the most general and longest time at the bottom (in) and move to the most specific and precise time at the top (at).

IN (General / Long Periods)

Use in for the biggest periods of time.

• Months: in July
• Years: in 2025
• Seasons: in the rainy season
• Parts of Day: in the morning

ON (More Specific / Days & Dates)

Use on for single days and dates from the calendar.

• Days: on Tuesday
• Dates: on March 2nd
• Holidays: on my birthday
• Weekends: on the weekend

AT (Very Specific / Precise Time)

Use at for exact clock times and specific points in the day.

• Clock Time: at 8:00 AM
• Mealtimes: at lunchtime
• Points in Day: at night, at sunset
• Special Times: at noon

In Conversation

Let's see how these prepositions are used to make plans.

Lina: Hi Sam! Do you want to go to the night market on Friday?

Sam: I'd love to! What time?

Lina: Let's meet at 7:00 PM. I am not free in the afternoon.

Sam: Perfect. I will see you on Friday at 7:00!

Practice Your Grammar 🎯

Exercise: Choose 'at', 'in', or 'on'

Choose the correct preposition to complete the sentences.

1. I start work ___ 8:00 AM.
   → at
2. Khmer New Year is ___ April.
   → in
3. My day off is ___ Sunday.
   → on
4. I like to look at the stars ___ night.
   → at
5. My birthday is ___ August 25th.
   → on

Your Grammar Mission ⭐

Complete Sentences About You

Complete these sentences with your own information, using the correct preposition.

1. I usually wake up _____ 7:00 AM.
2. My birthday is _____ [Month]. (e.g., in January)
3. My favorite day of the week is _____ Friday.
4. I like to relax and watch TV _____ the evening.

Key Vocabulary

• Preposition of Time (Noun Phrase) | ធ្នាក់នៃពេលវេលា
  A word (like at, in, on) that shows WHEN something happens.
• Precise (Adjective) | ជាក់លាក់
  Exact and accurate in detail.
• Period (Noun) | រយៈពេល
  A length or portion of time.