Prepositions can be difficult for English language learners. One way to practice them is to learn them in stages: for example, learn English prepositions of location, then learn prepositions of time. Read on to learn about the prepositions of time AT, IN, and ON.

Prepositions of Time (AT, IN, ON) in English

AT

We use the preposition AT to talk about a precise time.

I’ll see you at noon.
Let’s meet at 4 pm.
The show starts at 10:30.
CISL classes begin at 9 am.
At sunset, we always take a photo.
I went to bed at sunrise after a long night of traveling.

The preposition AT can also be used with many expressions.

at night
at the same time
at the moment
at present

ON

We use the preposition ON to talk about specific days and dates.

I will see you on Sunday for brunch.
On Fridays, CISL has a graduation ceremony for students.
My daughter was born on October 8.
On January 1 the law will change.
On New Year’s Eve, we celebrate with champagne.
I’m going to eat a lot of cake on my birthday!

IN

We use the preposition IN to talk about things that happen during a period of time, such as months, years, or centuries.

I am always happier in the summertime.
In the 80s my parents wore some crazy clothes!
In the past, we communicated less. Now, with technology, communicating is easy.
In the future, do you think we will have flying cars?
In September, we go back to school.
I’m going to eat a lot of cake on my birthday!

IN vs. ON

Just as the preposition AT is used with specific expressions, IN and ON are also used with expressions. IN is used for general times and ON is used for the times of specific days.

in the morning vs. on Sunday morning
in the mornings vs. on Sunday mornings
in the afternoon vs. on Sunday afternoon
in the afternoons vs. on Sunday afternoons

For more on prepositions, check out our articles about Prepositions of Location and Prepositions of Time.