English Lesson: Prepositions & Expressions of Time
English Grammar Lessons
Introduction
Welcome to NJCLT's comprehensive English lesson on prepositions and expressions of time. In this lesson, we will delve into the intricacies of time-related prepositions and their usage in different contexts. Mastering these prepositions will greatly enhance your English language skills and allow you to communicate more effectively.
Understanding Prepositions
Prepositions are an essential part of the English language, helping to establish relationships between different words in a sentence. When it comes to expressing time, prepositions play a crucial role in indicating specific points in time or durations. Let's explore some common prepositions related to time.
1. At
The preposition "at" is used to denote a specific point in time. It is commonly used with specific times, holidays, and certain expressions of time, such as "at midnight," "at noon," "at Christmas," and "at the moment."
2. On
"On" is used to denote a specific day or date, when referring to days of the week, holidays, and specific calendar dates. For example, "on Friday," "on New Year's Day," and "on July 4th."
3. In
The preposition "in" indicates a general period of time or a duration. It is commonly used with months, seasons, years, and parts of the day. Examples include "in June," "in winter," "in 2010," and "in the morning."
4. For
"For" is used to indicate the duration of an action or event. It is commonly used with periods of time, such as hours, days, weeks, months, and years. Examples include "for two hours," "for a week," and "for five years."
Common Expressions of Time
1. Since
The word "since" is used to indicate the starting point of an action or event that continues to the present. It is frequently used with specific points in time or actions. For example, "I have been studying English since 2010" or "She has been singing since the concert started."
2. Until/ Till
"Until" or "till" are used to denote the ending point of an action or event. These words indicate that the specified action or event continues up to a certain time. For instance, "He will be working until 6 p.m." or "We waited till midnight for the train."
3. During
"During" is used to indicate a period in which something happens or is true. It emphasizes the time frame when an action or event occurs. For example, "She was quiet during the presentation" or "I fell asleep during the movie."
4. By
"By" is often used to indicate a deadline or the latest point in time when something will happen or be completed. It suggests completion before a specified time. For example, "Please submit your assignment by Friday" or "They promised to arrive by 9 a.m."
Conclusion
By mastering the usage of prepositions and expressions of time, you will greatly enhance your English language skills and improve your ability to communicate effectively. Understanding the nuances of these prepositions will allow you to express time-related concepts more accurately and precisely. Practice using these prepositions in different contexts to strengthen your command over them. Remember, effective communication is key, and mastering prepositions is an essential step in achieving this goal.
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