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
- 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.")
- Find Examples: Read the dialogue from a past lesson. Find one example of 'in', 'on', and 'at' used for time.
- 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.")