Time Prepositions

A preposition of time is a preposition that allows you to discuss a specific time period.

Preposition of time examples:

On Monday

On a cold day

At night

At the moment

In January

In the past

List of Prepositions of Time with Examples

Learn prepositions of time list with useful grammar rules and example sentences.

During

Used when something happens within the time something else is happening

Example:

We stayed at a student hostel during the conference.

For

We use for with a period of time.

Example:

I'm just going to bed for two hours or so.

Until/ Till

Until/ till means up to a certain time

Example:

We'll wait till/ until half past six for you.

Since

Refers back to a point in time when something began.

Example:

The factory has been here since the 1970s.

From...to

We use from...to to show when something starts and finishes.

Example:

Her visit will extend from Monday to Thursday.

Ago

We use ago to refer to how far back in time something happened

Example:

He left the house over an hour ago.

Before

We use before to refer to any time previous to a specific point in time

Example:

She's always up before dawn.

By

We use by when we want to say "not later than".

Example:

He had promised to be back by five o'clock.

After

We use after when we want to say "later in time than".

Example:

I felt fairly relaxed after taking the medicine.

To

We use to in telling the time, when we refer to the number of minutes before the hour.

Example:

It's a quarter to two.

We can use to with the meaning of "until" when we are talking about time.

Example:

It's just three days to Halloween.

Past

Refers to the amount of time past the hour

Example:

It's five past ten.

Between...and

We use between ... and to talk about time that separates two points.

Example:

The team have a lot of work to do between now and Sunday.

Within

Refers to a span of time during which something may occur.

Example:

You should receive a reply within seven days.