Blog about English
Using expressions for duration, frequency, sequence and deadlines.
English uses a wide range of expressions to describe when something happens, how long it lasts, how often it occurs, and its position in a sequence.
These include expressions with ago, for, since, during, by, until, from ... to, before, after, and time-frequency phrases.
For introduces a period of duration.
For example, We stayed for three days and She has worked here for ten years.
Since introduces the point in time when a continuing situation began.
For example, I have lived here since 2020 and She has been working here since Monday.
For expresses duration, while since identifies the beginning of a continuing period.
For example, for five years versus since 2021.
Ago identifies a period measured backwards from the present or another reference point.
For example, She left three days ago and The building was constructed a hundred years ago.
Ago normally refers backwards from the present or a stated reference point, while before identifies an earlier point relative to another event or time.
For example, She left two days ago versus She had left two days before.
During identifies the period in which an event happens.
For example, We met during the conference.
During identifies when an event takes place within a period, while for identifies how long an activity or state lasts.
For example, We met during the conference and We stayed for three days.
During is a preposition followed by a noun phrase, while while is a conjunction followed by a clause.
For example, during the meeting versus while we were meeting.
By indicates that something happens no later than a specified time.
For example, Finish the report by Friday and Be home by six.
Until identifies the time when an ongoing action or state ends.
For example, We waited until midnight and Stay here until I return.
By refers to a deadline, while until refers to the endpoint of a continuing situation.
For example, Finish it by Friday versus Stay here until Friday.
From ... to expresses the beginning and end of a time interval.
For example, The office is open from nine to five.
From can combine with until to identify a starting point and an endpoint of an ongoing activity.
For example, We worked from Monday until Friday.
Between ... and identifies the two endpoints of a period or interval.
For example, between five and six o'clock.
Before identifies an earlier time or event relative to a reference point.
For example, Call me before lunch and She left before I arrived.
After identifies a later time or event relative to a reference point.
For example, We went home after dinner and She called after the meeting.
Before and after can introduce clauses describing events relative to another event.
For example, Call me before you leave and We went out after the rain stopped.
Earlier and later compare times relative to a reference point.
For example, I saw him earlier and We can discuss it later.
Soon refers to a relatively short time from the reference point, especially into the future.
For example, I will call you soon.
Recently indicates a relatively short period before the present or another reference point.
For example, I have recently moved here.
Lately refers to a recent period extending up to the present and commonly occurs with present perfect or present forms.
For example, I have been very busy lately.
Recently can refer to a relatively recent event, while lately commonly describes a continuing or repeated situation during a recent period.
For example, I recently moved versus I have been feeling tired lately.
Nowadays refers to the present period in contrast with an earlier period.
For example, Nowadays, people communicate online much more often.
At present and currently refer to the situation existing at or around the current time.
For example, The system is currently unavailable and At present, we do not have enough data.
Once means one time and twice means two times, especially when describing frequency or occurrence.
For example, once a week and twice a month.
For frequencies greater than two, English commonly uses a cardinal number plus times.
For example, three times a week and five times a year.
Frequency expressions such as once a day, twice a week, and three times a month combine a count with a time unit.
For example, She exercises twice a week.
Every day is a time-frequency expression, while everyday is an adjective meaning ordinary or usual.
For example, I walk every day versus everyday clothes.
Each day and every day both describe repeated daily occurrences, although each emphasizes individual days and every emphasizes regular recurrence.
For example, I check the system every day and Each day brings a new challenge.
Adjectival or adverbial forms can express regular frequency without an explicit preposition.
For example, daily updates, weekly meetings, monthly reports, and yearly reviews.
Every other means alternating units in a repeated sequence.
For example, every other day, every other week, and every other year.
The other day refers to a recent but unspecified day in the past.
For example, I saw John the other day.
At the moment and for the time being describe a temporary current situation.
For example, The shop is closed at the moment and We are staying here for the time being.
Use time expressions according to whether they express duration, starting point, deadline, endpoint, frequency, sequence, or current/recent time.
Common mistakes include confusing for with since, by with until, during with while, ago with before, every day with everyday, and adding prepositions before last, next, this, or every.