Vocabulary: Core & Everyday Vocabulary (A2) - Lesson 4: Common Prepositions of Time

Lesson 4: Common Prepositions of Time

When Does It Happen?

In our last lesson, you learned how to say *where* something is using prepositions of place. Now, let's learn how to say *when* something happens. To talk about time, schedules, and dates, we need special "prepositions of time¹". This lesson will make you an expert on the three most important ones: in, on, and at.

Rule 1: Using "IN" for Long Periods

We use IN for general, longer periods of time, like months, years, and seasons.

• Months: I will travel in July.
• Years: Angkor Wat was built in the 12th century.
• Seasons: It is very hot in the dry season.
• Parts of the day: I drink coffee in the morning.

Rule 2: Using "ON" for Specific Days & Dates

We use ON for more specific, smaller periods of time, like one day or one specific date.

• Days of the week: The market is busy on Saturday.
• Specific dates: My birthday is on June 11th.
• Holidays with the word "Day": We have a party on New Year's Day.

Rule 3: Using "AT" for Precise Times

We use AT for the most specific, precise² times on the clock.

• Exact times: The meeting starts at 9 o'clock.
• Mealtimes: We can talk about it at lunchtime.
• The phrase "at night": He likes to work at night. (This is a special exception).

Usage Note: The Time Preposition Pyramid

Think of it like a pyramid, from the biggest, most general time to the smallest, most specific time.

IN 🔺 (Biggest Time: Years, Months, Seasons)

ON ◼️ (Smaller Time: Days, Dates)

AT ⚫ (Most Specific Time: Hours, Moments)

In Conversation

Srey and Bora are planning a trip to the coast.

Srey: Bora, let's plan our trip! When should we go?

Bora: How about in August? The weather is usually nice then.

Srey: Okay, let's go on the first weekend. We can leave on Friday.

Bora: Perfect. The bus leaves at 8 o'clock in the morning.

Srey: Great! That means we will arrive at lunchtime and have the whole afternoon free.

Bora: I can't wait! A trip in the rainy season is always an adventure.

quiz Check Your Understanding

1. My birthday is ______ July.

• a) at
• b) on
• c) in

Click to see the answer

Answer: c) in (We use 'in' for months).

2. My birthday party is ______ July 20th.

• a) at
• b) on
• c) in

Click to see the answer

Answer: b) on (We use 'on' for specific dates).

3. My birthday party starts ______ 7 PM.

• a) at
• b) on
• c) in

Click to see the answer

Answer: a) at (We use 'at' for precise times).

edit Your Mission

1. My Schedule³: Write three sentences about your own life using each preposition. (e.g., "I was born in 1995. My English class is on Wednesday. I wake up at 6 AM.")
2. Find Examples: Read the dialogue from a past lesson. Find one example of 'in', 'on', and 'at' used for time.
3. Speak: Your mission is to tell a friend about a plan you have. Use at least two prepositions of time. (e.g., "I will go to the market on Sunday in the morning.")

book Lesson Glossary

1. Preposition of Time (noun phrase) - Khmer: ធ្នាក់នៃពេលវេលា (thneak ney pelvela) - A word that shows when something happens (e.g., in, on, at). ↩
2. Precise (adjective) - Khmer: ច្បាស់លាស់ (chbas leah) - Exact and accurate in detail. ↩
3. Schedule (noun) - Khmer: កាលវិភាគ (kalveapheak) - A plan for when things will happen. ↩