Online Resources for Teachers
Teaching materials, lesson plans and articles on different aspects of methodology for English Language Teaching.
Rules of time
by Guy Perring
Dear Peter,
Thanks for your letter _____ 30th September which outlined the reasons for your departure. Of course, I was disappointed to hear the news and hoping I could arrange a meeting ___ October to discuss further.
I was wondering if you are free ___ Monday 2nd October __ 10am. Give us a call if this is convenient. If not, we can arrange another more suitable time.
All the best,
Guy
Take a look at the letter above and try and insert the correct prepositions of time. The correct answers are as follows:
As you will notice, the meaning of the letter makes sense without the prepositions, but mistakes in their usage can make your business writing appear unprofessional.
The rules are relatively straightforward:
in, on, at - time
At is used to specify a point in time: I’ll meet you outside our offices at 7.15.
In is used to talk about a longer period of time (the morning, the summer, 1972, etc): During the holidays, I usually read in the morning and go to the beach in the afternoon.
On is used to refer to particular days and dates: It’s Michael’s birthday on Saturday.
In is used to say how much time will pass before something happens, and to talk about how long something takes:
Hurry up, we’ve got the board meeting in 20 minutes.
I managed to get to Level 3 in about half an hour.
Around/about is used to refer to approximate time: The meeting will start around 10am.
Beyond expresses a limit in duration: We are not able to allow the course to continue beyond 10 weeks.
Until expresses a limit in time: We have until the end of May to make a profit.
From expresses a starting point in time: From 2nd March, all travel forms will need to be signed twice.
Through is often used in American English for periods of time: The most profitable season is May through September.
With certain expressions with determiners (this, that, some, all, every) and before next and last, there is no preposition: How are you feeling this morning? You weren’t very well last week, were you?
Here are a few more sentences. See if you can complete them with the correct prepositions:
1. I’m on vacation June _______ August this year.
2. Don’t wait ______ Friday to complete the report.
3. Please ensure all travel claims are sent __ Thursday.
4. The working day starts punctually __ 9.30am.
5. The new law comes into effect ___ 1st February.
The answers are through, until, by, at and from.
Guy Perring is Director, Professional Development Unit (PDU), at the British Council Malaysia. The PDU offers a wide range of learning opportunities from management and communication skills training to developing English skills. Visit our website at www.britishcouncil.org.my or e-mail us at guy.perring@britishcouncil.org.my
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