In English, prepositions such as “in,” “at,” and “on” are often used to indicate specific times and dates. Understanding the correct usage of these prepositions is crucial for ESL learners, as it helps in communicating precise timing for events and activities.
In is used for nonspecific times during a day, month, season, or year. For example, “in the morning,” “in December,” “in summer,” “in 2020.”
At is used for precise times, such as the clock time, or specific events. For instance, “at 5 o’clock,” “at midnight,” “at lunchtime.”
On is used with days and dates. Examples include “on Monday,” “on my birthday,” “on New Year’s Day.”
Understanding these distinctions is key to expressing time accurately in English.
Also consider….
When is your birthday? Mine is ON October 12. When do you eat lunch? I usually eat it AT noon. When does the school year begin in your country? In mine it begins IN September.
Do you know which preposition to use before times, days, months and years? Here is a reminder.
Don’t forget to use…
in + month or year– In March, In 2003
on + date (with the year or without it) or day of the week– On April 2, On March 3, 1999, On Saturday
at + clock time, midnight, noon– At 3:30 p.m., At 4:01, At noon
Remember also…
in + season– In the summer, In the winter
in + morning, afternoon, evening– In the morning, In the evening
at + night-At night
In, At, On + Time or Date – Practice Quiz
Write your answers in the boxes and check them by reviewing the answer key below.
1. Let’s meet ______ 6:30.
2. The play is ______ Saturday ______ noon.
3. I was born ______ November 3, 1970.
4. Beverly went to Los Angeles ______ January.
5. Bill arrived in New York ______ February 7.
6. I love to see the flowers ______ the spring.
7. The movie starts ______ 7:30 ______ the evening.
8. We go to bed ______ 11:00 ______ night.
9. Her birthday is ______ October ______ the fall.
10. I saw a witch ______ midnight ______ Saturday ______ October 31 ______ 1998.
In addition to reviewing and practicing the above, make sure to also review…
Answer Key:
1. at
2. on/ at
3. on
4. in
5. on
6. in
7. at/ in
8. at/ at
9. in/ in
10. at/ on/ on/ in
Frequently Asked Questions About “In, At, On + Time or Date”
When should I use ‘in,’ ‘at,’ and ‘on’ in sentences?
Use ‘in’ for months, years, decades, and seasons; ‘at’ for clock times, festivals, and specific times; and ‘on’ for days and dates.
Can ‘in,’ ‘at,’ and ‘on’ be used interchangeably?
No, they cannot. Each preposition has specific cases for usage based on the time frame being referred to. Incorrect usage can change the meaning of a sentence or make it unclear.
How do I use these prepositions with parts of the day?
Generally, use ‘in’ for parts of the day like morning, afternoon, and evening. However, use ‘at’ for night and specific times like “at noon.”
Is it correct to omit ‘on’ before days?
In some informal or spoken contexts, it’s common to omit ‘on’ before days of the week. For example, “I’ll see you Monday.” However, for clarity and in formal writing, it’s best to use ‘on.’
What about using these prepositions with holidays?
Use ‘at’ for specific holiday periods like “at Christmas.” Use ‘on’ for specific days like “on Christmas Day.”
Check your understanding
Practice time: about 5 minutes. Choose an answer for every blank, then check your answers. A question earns one point when all its blanks are correct.
Show answer key and explanations
at. Use at for a clock time.
on / at. Use on for a day and at for noon.
on. Use on for a specific date.
in. Use in for a month.
on. Use on for a specific date.
in. Use in for a season.
at / in. Use at for a clock time and in the evening for this part of the day.
at / at. Use at for a clock time and in the expression at night.
in / in. Use in for a month and for a season.
at / on / on / in. Use at midnight, on for a day or date, and in for a year.
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