Grammar - Prepositions of Time and Duration (Until, Between...and, For, Since)

Compiled from Grammar Builder Book 3

The rules:

1. To, from…to, until
• To is used to refer to an exact time before the stated hour.
• From…to is used to refer to a period of time when an activity or event begins (from) and when it ends (to).
• Until is used to period of time but the focus is on when the activity or event ends.                 

Examples:

·         The annual general meeting ended at quarter to five.

·         The bank is open from 9am to 4pm.

·         The boys were playing basketball until 7pm.

2. At, between…and

·         At is used to refer to exact times.

·         Between…and is used to refer to an action that takes place after a stated time and before the second stated time.

             Examples:

·                     Randy will arrive here at 6 o’clock this evening.

·                     Sally will arrive here between 5 o’clock and 6 o’clock. (We           do not the exact time Sally is arriving)

3. For, since

·         For is used to refer to how long an event or situation continues or lasts (ie minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, or years).

·         Since is used with an event or time in the past to point out that the activity, event or situation is going on from then until now.

             Examples:

·                     Lenny stayed with her aunt for a month before returning               home.

·                     Danny has been here since January. (He is still here.)

4. Prepositions of time (in and on) are not used before noun groups that begin with this.

           Examples:

·                     Mr Wilkins will be retiring this month. (NOT retiring in this             month.)

·                     I will see you this Saturday. (NOT see you on this                       Saturday.) 

Remember!

• Prepositions at, in and on can’t be used before each, every next, one and last.