Illustration of a clock and calendar with different time expressions using "in," "on," "at," and "all" to enhance understanding of prepositions of time.

 

Understanding Time Expressions: Using In, On, At, and All

 

Introduction to Time Expressions

Time expressions are essential for clear and precise communication in English. They help us specify when something happens and are vital in both spoken and written language. This lesson focuses on time expressions using "in," "on," "at," and "all," providing practical examples and meanings to enhance your understanding and usage.

By the end of this lesson, you will have a firm grasp of how to use these time expressions correctly in various contexts. You'll be able to communicate more effectively and understand the nuances of time-related phrases.

Let's start by exploring some useful vocabulary and phrases related to time expressions. Understanding these will provide a solid foundation for mastering the lesson.

Useful Vocabulary for Time Expressions

  • Prepositions: Words used to show the relationship between other words, often indicating time or place.
    • Example: "In," "on," and "at" are common prepositions of time.
  • Sequence: The order in which events happen.
    • Example: "Take the pills one at a time to avoid confusion."
  • Continuous: Without interruption; ongoing.
    • Example: "The heating is on all the time during winter."

Time Expressions with In, On, At, and All

IN TIME (Before it's too late)

  1. You must be on time for your appointment.

    • Meaning: Arriving at the exact or agreed time.
    • Example: "You must be on time for your appointment with the dentist."
  2. I hope you'll get there in time for the train.

    • Meaning: Arriving early enough to catch the train.
    • Example: "I hope you'll get there in time for the train at 8 AM."
  3. Tom arrived in time for his flight.

    • Meaning: Arriving with enough time to catch the flight.
    • Example: "Tom arrived in time for his flight despite the traffic."
  4. Eva arrived in time for the ceremony.

    • Meaning: Reaching the venue before the ceremony starts.
    • Example: "Eva arrived in time for the ceremony, just before it began."
  5. With luck, we'll be in time for the film.

    • Meaning: Arriving before the film starts.
    • Example: "With luck, we'll be in time for the film at the cinema."
  6. We need to get there in time to vote.

    • Meaning: Arriving early enough to cast a vote.
    • Example: "We need to get there in time to vote before the polls close."

ON TIME (At the specific or agreed time)

  1. You are expected to be at work on time.

    • Meaning: Arriving at the agreed time for work.
    • Example: "You are expected to be at work on time every day."
  2. Be sure to be on time for the interview.

    • Meaning: Arriving at the exact time for the interview.
    • Example: "Be sure to be on time for the interview at 10 AM."
  3. The train arrived on time.

    • Meaning: The train reached its destination at the scheduled time.
    • Example: "The train arrived on time despite the weather."
  4. Students must be on time for exams.

    • Meaning: Arriving at the specific time for exams.
    • Example: "Students must be on time for exams to avoid disqualification."

AT A TIME (At one moment, in a sequence)

  1. Take the pills one at a time.

    • Meaning: Taking one pill after another, not all at once.
    • Example: "Take the pills one at a time as prescribed."
  2. I can only do one thing at a time.

    • Meaning: Focusing on one task before starting another.
    • Example: "I can only do one thing at a time, so please be patient."
  3. Questions will be taken one at a time.

    • Meaning: Answering questions sequentially.
    • Example: "Questions will be taken one at a time during the Q&A session."
  4. He ran up the stairs two at a time.

    • Meaning: Taking two steps in one stride.
    • Example: "He ran up the stairs two at a time to save time."
  5. Just do a little at a time and you'll be okay.

    • Meaning: Completing tasks in small increments.
    • Example: "Just do a little at a time and you'll be okay with the workload."

AT ALL TIMES (Always, no matter when)

  1. You must do your duty at all times.

    • Meaning: Always fulfilling one's responsibilities.
    • Example: "You must do your duty at all times, even under pressure."
  2. She dresses stylishly at all times.

    • Meaning: Always dressing in a stylish manner.
    • Example: "She dresses stylishly at all times, regardless of the occasion."
  3. Try to be polite at all times.

    • Meaning: Always being courteous and respectful.
    • Example: "Try to be polite at all times, even when you're upset."
  4. Be prepared to show ID at all times.

    • Meaning: Always having identification ready.
    • Example: "Be prepared to show ID at all times when entering the building."
  5. Follow the procedure at all times.

    • Meaning: Always adhering to the established procedure.
    • Example: "Follow the procedure at all times to ensure safety."

AT TIMES (Occasionally)

  1. The supervisor can be quite rude at times.

    • Meaning: Occasionally being rude.
    • Example: "The supervisor can be quite rude at times, especially when stressed."
  2. At times, the heat was unbearable.

    • Meaning: Occasionally being very hot.
    • Example: "At times, the heat was unbearable during the summer."
  3. The sea was very rough at times.

    • Meaning: Occasionally having rough sea conditions.
    • Example: "The sea was very rough at times during our voyage."
  4. Dad can be exasperating at times!

    • Meaning: Occasionally being frustrating.
    • Example: "Dad can be exasperating at times when he repeats himself."
  5. At times, the boy showed no interest at all.

    • Meaning: Occasionally being uninterested.
    • Example: "At times, the boy showed no interest at all in his studies."

ALL THE TIME (Continuously, non-stop)

  1. A nurse will be there all the time.

    • Meaning: Always having a nurse present.
    • Example: "A nurse will be there all the time to monitor the patient."
  2. I feel tired all the time.

    • Meaning: Continuously feeling tired.
    • Example: "I feel tired all the time, despite getting enough sleep."
  3. The baby cries all the time.

    • Meaning: Constantly crying.
    • Example: "The baby cries all the time, especially at night."
  4. The heating is on all the time.

    • Meaning: The heating is continuously running.
    • Example: "The heating is on all the time during the winter months."
  5. Pollution is increasing all the time.

    • Meaning: Continuously increasing pollution levels.
    • Example: "Pollution is increasing all the time due to industrial activities."

 


Summary and Takeaways

 

Exercises to Do Alone

To reinforce what you've learned, try creating sentences using each time expression. Practise these phrases in different contexts to build confidence and ensure you understand their proper usage.

Lesson Summary

In this lesson, we explored various time expressions using "in," "on," "at," and "all." We provided detailed meanings and examples to help you understand how to use these expressions accurately. By mastering these phrases, you can improve your communication skills and express time-related concepts more clearly.

Key Phrases Learned

  1. In time (before it's too late)
  2. On time (at the specific or agreed time)
  3. At a time (at one moment, in a sequence)
  4. At all times (always, no matter when)
  5. At times (occasionally)
  6. All the time (continuously, non-stop)

Tips for Remembering the ESL Lesson

  • Practise the phrases regularly in real-life situations.
  • Write down examples of each phrase and review them often.
  • Use visual aids, like calendars or clocks, to help remember the context of each phrase.
  • Pair each phrase with a specific scenario to make it more memorable.

Sharing the Lesson

We encourage you to share this lesson with friends and family who are also learning English. Visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/learningenglishfree.co.uk for more lessons and tips. By joining our community, you can connect with others and practise your new skills.

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