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Using expressions for duration, frequency, sequence and deadlines.
Practice: build the sentences →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.
We stayed for three days.
Мы остались на три дня.
"For" introduces a period of duration.
I have lived here since 2020.
Я живу здесь с 2020 года.
"Since" identifies the starting point of a continuing situation.
She left three days ago.
Она ушла три дня назад.
"Ago" measures a period backwards from the present.
We met during the conference.
Мы встретились во время конференции.
"During" identifies the period in which an event happens.
Finish the report by Friday.
Закончи отчёт к пятнице.
"By" indicates a deadline.
For introduces a period of duration.
For example, We stayed for three days and She has worked here for ten years.
We stayed for three days.
Мы остались на три дня.
"For" introduces a period of three days.
She has worked here for ten years.
Она работает здесь десять лет.
"For" expresses the duration of ten years.
I waited for two hours.
Я ждал два часа.
"For" shows the duration of waiting.
They talked for a long time.
Они долго разговаривали.
"For" is used with "a long time".
He will be away for a week.
Он будет отсутствовать неделю.
"For" introduces a future duration.
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.
I have lived here since 2020.
Я живу здесь с 2020 года.
"Since" marks the starting point in 2020.
She has been working here since Monday.
Она работает здесь с понедельника.
"Since" identifies Monday as the starting point.
We have known each other since childhood.
Мы знаем друг друга с детства.
"Since" introduces the starting period.
He has been ill since last week.
Он болен с прошлой недели.
"Since" marks the beginning of the illness.
They have been married since 2015.
Они женаты с 2015 года.
"Since" identifies the year they married.
For expresses duration, while since identifies the beginning of a continuing period.
For example, for five years versus since 2021.
I have lived here for five years.
Я живу здесь пять лет.
"For" expresses duration of five years.
I have lived here since 2021.
Я живу здесь с 2021 года.
"Since" identifies the starting point.
She has worked there for ten years.
Она работает там десять лет.
"For" shows the length of time.
She has worked there since 2015.
Она работает там с 2015 года.
"Since" gives the beginning of the period.
We waited for an hour.
Мы ждали час.
"For" with a duration.
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.
She left three days ago.
Она ушла три дня назад.
"Ago" measures backwards from now.
The building was constructed a hundred years ago.
Здание было построено сто лет назад.
"Ago" refers to a past time.
I saw him two weeks ago.
Я видел его две недели назад.
"Ago" indicates when the action happened.
They moved here a year ago.
Они переехали сюда год назад.
"Ago" with a year.
She called a few minutes ago.
Она позвонила несколько минут назад.
"Ago" with a short time.
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.
She left two days ago.
Она ушла два дня назад.
"Ago" from the present.
She had left two days before.
Она ушла за два дня до этого.
"Before" relative to a past event.
I met him a week ago.
Я встретил его неделю назад.
"Ago" from now.
I had met him a week before.
Я встретил его за неделю до этого.
"Before" from a past reference point.
They arrived a month ago.
Они приехали месяц назад.
"Ago" with present reference.
During identifies the period in which an event happens.
For example, We met during the conference.
We met during the conference.
Мы встретились во время конференции.
"During" identifies the period.
She fell asleep during the film.
Она заснула во время фильма.
"During" with an event.
He was quiet during the meeting.
Он молчал во время встречи.
"During" shows when something happened.
We stayed inside during the storm.
Мы оставались внутри во время шторма.
"During" with a weather event.
She read a book during the journey.
Она читала книгу во время поездки.
"During" with a journey.
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.
We met during the conference.
Мы встретились во время конференции.
"During" identifies when within a period.
We stayed for three days.
Мы остались на три дня.
"For" expresses how long.
She called during the meeting.
Она позвонила во время встречи.
"During" shows the time of the call.
She talked for an hour.
Она говорила час.
"For" shows duration.
He slept during the flight.
Он спал во время полёта.
"During" with an event.
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.
during the meeting
во время встречи
"During" is a preposition followed by a noun phrase.
while we were meeting
пока мы встречались
"While" is a conjunction followed by a clause.
She called during the film.
Она позвонила во время фильма.
"During" + noun.
She called while we were watching a film.
Она позвонила, пока мы смотрели фильм.
"While" + clause.
He slept during the lecture.
Он спал во время лекции.
"During" with a noun.
By indicates that something happens no later than a specified time.
For example, Finish the report by Friday and Be home by six.
Finish the report by Friday.
Закончи отчёт к пятнице.
"By" indicates a deadline.
Be home by six.
Будь дома к шести.
"By" + time.
Submit the form by 5 p.m.
Отправьте форму до 5 вечера.
"By" with a specific time.
You must finish by noon.
Ты должен закончить к полудню.
"By" with "noon".
We need it by tomorrow.
Нам это нужно к завтрашнему дню.
"By" + day.
Until identifies the time when an ongoing action or state ends.
For example, We waited until midnight and Stay here until I return.
We waited until midnight.
Мы ждали до полуночи.
"Until" marks the endpoint of waiting.
Stay here until I return.
Оставайся здесь, пока я не вернусь.
"Until" introduces a clause.
The shop is open until 8 p.m.
Магазин открыт до 8 вечера.
"Until" shows when the shop closes.
She worked until late.
Она работала до поздна.
"Until" with an adverb.
We stayed until the end.
Мы остались до конца.
"Until" + noun phrase.
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.
Finish it by Friday.
Закончи это к пятнице.
"By" is a deadline.
Stay here until Friday.
Оставайся здесь до пятницы.
"Until" is the endpoint of a continuing situation.
Submit the report by 5 p.m.
Отправьте отчёт к 5 вечера.
"By" means no later than 5 p.m.
Wait until 5 p.m.
Ждите до 5 вечера.
"Until" means continue waiting up to that time.
You must be here by 8.
Ты должен быть здесь к 8.
"By" as a deadline.
From ... to expresses the beginning and end of a time interval.
For example, The office is open from nine to five.
The office is open from nine to five.
Офис открыт с девяти до пяти.
"From ... to" expresses a time interval.
We worked from Monday to Friday.
Мы работали с понедельника по пятницу.
"From ... to" with days.
She lived there from 2010 to 2015.
Она жила там с 2010 по 2015 год.
"From ... to" with years.
The meeting lasted from 2 to 4.
Встреча длилась с 2 до 4.
"From ... to" with times.
The sale runs from June to August.
Распродажа идёт с июня по август.
"From ... to" with months.
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.
We worked from Monday until Friday.
Мы работали с понедельника до пятницы.
"From ... until" shows start and endpoint.
She stayed from morning until evening.
Она оставалась с утра до вечера.
"From ... until" with parts of the day.
The shop is open from 9 until 6.
Магазин открыт с 9 до 6.
"From ... until" with times.
They talked from noon until midnight.
Они разговаривали с полудня до полуночи.
"From ... until" with "noon" and "midnight".
He waited from early morning until late at night.
Он ждал с раннего утра до поздней ночи.
"From ... until" with descriptive phrases.
Between ... and identifies the two endpoints of a period or interval.
For example, between five and six o'clock.
between five and six o'clock
между пятью и шестью часами
"Between ... and" identifies two endpoints.
The meeting is between 2 and 4.
Встреча между 2 и 4.
"Between ... and" with times.
We can meet between Monday and Friday.
Мы можем встретиться между понедельником и пятницей.
"Between ... and" with days.
The shop is open between 9 and 5.
Магазин открыт между 9 и 5.
"Between ... and" with opening hours.
She lived there between 2010 and 2015.
Она жила там между 2010 и 2015 годами.
"Between ... and" with years.
Before identifies an earlier time or event relative to a reference point.
For example, Call me before lunch and She left before I arrived.
Call me before lunch.
Позвони мне до обеда.
"Before" identifies an earlier time.
She left before I arrived.
Она ушла до того, как я пришёл.
"Before" introduces a clause.
We met before the meeting.
Мы встретились до встречи.
"Before" + noun phrase.
He finished before noon.
Он закончил до полудня.
"Before" with a time.
Read the instructions before you start.
Прочитайте инструкции перед тем, как начать.
"Before" + clause.
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.
We went home after dinner.
Мы пошли домой после ужина.
"After" identifies a later time.
She called after the meeting.
Она позвонила после встречи.
"After" + noun phrase.
He arrived after I left.
Он пришёл после того, как я ушёл.
"After" introduces a clause.
We can talk after lunch.
Мы можем поговорить после обеда.
"After" with a meal.
She felt better after a good sleep.
Она почувствовала себя лучше после хорошего сна.
"After" + noun phrase.
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.
Call me before you leave.
Позвони мне перед тем, как уйти.
"Before" introduces a clause.
We went out after the rain stopped.
Мы вышли после того, как дождь прекратился.
"After" introduces a clause.
Read the instructions before you start.
Прочитайте инструкции перед тем, как начать.
"Before" + clause.
She cleaned up after everyone left.
Она убрала после того, как все ушли.
"After" + clause.
He checked the doors before he went to bed.
Он проверил двери перед тем, как лечь спать.
"Before" + clause.
Earlier and later compare times relative to a reference point.
For example, I saw him earlier and We can discuss it later.
I saw him earlier.
Я видел его раньше.
"Earlier" compares to a reference point.
We can discuss it later.
Мы можем обсудить это позже.
"Later" compares to a reference point.
She arrived earlier than expected.
Она приехала раньше, чем ожидалось.
"Earlier" with comparison.
He will call you later.
Он позвонит тебе позже.
"Later" refers to a future time.
We met earlier this week.
Мы встретились раньше на этой неделе.
"Earlier" with a time period.
Soon refers to a relatively short time from the reference point, especially into the future.
For example, I will call you soon.
I will call you soon.
Я скоро тебе позвоню.
"Soon" means in a short time.
She will arrive soon.
Она скоро приедет.
"Soon" refers to the near future.
We will know soon.
Мы скоро узнаем.
"Soon" with future.
The results will be ready soon.
Результаты будут готовы скоро.
"Soon" indicates a short wait.
He will return soon.
Он скоро вернётся.
"Soon" with an action.
Recently indicates a relatively short period before the present or another reference point.
For example, I have recently moved here.
I have recently moved here.
Я недавно переехал сюда.
"Recently" refers to a short time before now.
She recently started a new job.
Она недавно начала новую работу.
"Recently" with past simple.
We have recently updated the system.
Мы недавно обновили систему.
"Recently" with present perfect.
He recently returned from abroad.
Он недавно вернулся из-за границы.
"Recently" with past.
They recently got married.
Они недавно поженились.
"Recently" with past simple.
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.
I have been very busy lately.
Я в последнее время очень занят.
"Lately" with present perfect.
She has been feeling tired lately.
В последнее время она чувствует усталость.
"Lately" describes a recent ongoing situation.
We have not seen him lately.
Мы в последнее время его не видели.
"Lately" with negative present perfect.
He has been working a lot lately.
В последнее время он много работает.
"Lately" with present perfect continuous.
I have not slept well lately.
В последнее время я плохо сплю.
"Lately" with negative.
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.
I recently moved to a new city.
Я недавно переехал в новый город.
"Recently" refers to a recent event.
I have been feeling tired lately.
В последнее время я чувствую усталость.
"Lately" describes a continuing situation.
She recently published a book.
Она недавно опубликовала книгу.
"Recently" with a specific event.
She has been very quiet lately.
В последнее время она очень тихая.
"Lately" with a continuing state.
We recently visited Paris.
Мы недавно посетили Париж.
"Recently" with past simple.
Nowadays refers to the present period in contrast with an earlier period.
For example, Nowadays, people communicate online much more often.
Nowadays, people communicate online much more often.
В наше время люди гораздо чаще общаются онлайн.
"Nowadays" contrasts with an earlier period.
Nowadays, most people have a smartphone.
В наше время у большинства людей есть смартфон.
"Nowadays" refers to the present period.
Nowadays, we rely heavily on technology.
В наше время мы сильно зависим от технологий.
"Nowadays" with a general statement.
Nowadays, many people work from home.
В наше время многие работают из дома.
"Nowadays" contrasts with the past.
Nowadays, online shopping is very common.
В наше время онлайн-покупки очень распространены.
"Nowadays" describes the current situation.
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.
The system is currently unavailable.
Система в настоящее время недоступна.
"Currently" refers to the present time.
At present, we do not have enough data.
В настоящее время у нас недостаточно данных.
"At present" is more formal.
She is currently working on a new project.
В настоящее время она работает над новым проектом.
"Currently" with present continuous.
At present, the office is closed.
В настоящее время офис закрыт.
"At present" with a state.
Currently, there are no vacancies.
В настоящее время нет вакансий.
"Currently" at the start of a sentence.
Once means one time and twice means two times, especially when describing frequency or occurrence.
For example, once a week and twice a month.
I go swimming once a week.
Я хожу плавать раз в неделю.
"Once" means one time.
She visits her parents twice a month.
Она навещает родителей дважды в месяц.
"Twice" means two times.
He exercises once a day.
Он тренируется раз в день.
"Once a day" shows frequency.
We meet twice a year.
Мы встречаемся дважды в год.
"Twice a year" indicates frequency.
She calls me once a month.
Она звонит мне раз в месяц.
"Once a month" with frequency.
For frequencies greater than two, English commonly uses a cardinal number plus times.
For example, three times a week and five times a year.
I go to the gym three times a week.
Я хожу в спортзал три раза в неделю.
"Three times a week" uses cardinal + times.
She takes the medicine five times a day.
Она принимает лекарство пять раз в день.
"Five times a day" with a count.
We visit them four times a year.
Мы навещаем их четыре раза в год.
"Four times a year" frequency.
He checks his email ten times a day.
Он проверяет почту десять раз в день.
"Ten times a day" with a large number.
She practices piano six times a week.
Она занимается на пианино шесть раз в неделю.
"Six times a week" frequency.
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.
She exercises twice a week.
Она тренируется дважды в неделю.
"Twice a week" combines count and time unit.
He takes the bus once a day.
Он ездит на автобусе раз в день.
"Once a day" expresses frequency.
We have a meeting three times a month.
У нас встреча три раза в месяц.
"Three times a month" frequency.
She goes to the library once a week.
Она ходит в библиотеку раз в неделю.
"Once a week" frequency.
He calls his mother twice a month.
Он звонит матери дважды в месяц.
"Twice a month" frequency.
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.
I walk every day.
Я хожу пешком каждый день.
"Every day" is a time-frequency expression.
These are my everyday clothes.
Это моя повседневная одежда.
"Everyday" is an adjective meaning ordinary.
She reads every day.
Она читает каждый день.
"Every day" as an adverbial.
This is an everyday problem.
Это повседневная проблема.
"Everyday" modifies a noun.
He checks the system every day.
Он проверяет систему каждый день.
"Every day" frequency.
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.
I check the system every day.
Я проверяю систему каждый день.
"Every day" emphasizes regular recurrence.
Each day brings a new challenge.
Каждый день приносит новое испытание.
"Each day" emphasizes individual days.
She practices every day.
Она занимается каждый день.
"Every day" for regular habit.
Each day is different.
Каждый день разный.
"Each day" focuses on the individual.
We meet every day.
Мы встречаемся каждый день.
"Every day" regular occurrence.
Adjectival or adverbial forms can express regular frequency without an explicit preposition.
For example, daily updates, weekly meetings, monthly reports, and yearly reviews.
daily updates
ежедневные обновления
"Daily" is an adjective meaning every day.
weekly meetings
еженедельные встречи
"Weekly" means every week.
monthly reports
ежемесячные отчёты
"Monthly" means every month.
yearly reviews
ежегодные обзоры
"Yearly" means every year.
She gets paid weekly.
Ей платят еженедельно.
"Weekly" as an adverb.
Every other means alternating units in a repeated sequence.
For example, every other day, every other week, and every other year.
I go to the gym every other day.
Я хожу в спортзал через день.
"Every other day" means alternating days.
We have meetings every other week.
У нас встречи через неделю.
"Every other week" means alternating weeks.
She visits every other year.
Она приезжает раз в два года.
"Every other year" means alternating years.
He works every other weekend.
Он работает через выходные.
"Every other weekend" alternating.
They meet every other month.
Они встречаются через месяц.
"Every other month" alternating.
The other day refers to a recent but unspecified day in the past.
For example, I saw John the other day.
I saw John the other day.
Я видел Джона на днях.
"The other day" refers to a recent unspecified day.
She called me the other day.
Она звонила мне на днях.
"The other day" recent past.
We met the other day.
Мы встретились на днях.
"The other day" unspecified.
He mentioned it the other day.
Он упомянул это на днях.
"The other day" in past simple.
I found it the other day.
Я нашёл это на днях.
"The other day" recent discovery.
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.
The shop is closed at the moment.
Магазин в данный момент закрыт.
"At the moment" describes a temporary current situation.
We are staying here for the time being.
Мы пока остаёмся здесь.
"For the time being" means temporarily.
She is busy at the moment.
Она занята в данный момент.
"At the moment" current state.
For the time being, we are using this office.
Пока мы используем этот офис.
"For the time being" temporary arrangement.
At the moment, I am working on a new project.
В данный момент я работаю над новым проектом.
"At the moment" with present continuous.
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.
I have lived here for five years.
Я живу здесь пять лет.
Correct: "for" expresses duration.
I have lived here since 2020.
Я живу здесь с 2020 года.
Correct: "since" marks the starting point.
Finish it by Friday.
Закончи это к пятнице.
Correct: "by" is a deadline.
Stay here until Friday.
Оставайся здесь до пятницы.
Correct: "until" is an endpoint.
I walk every day.
Я хожу пешком каждый день.
Correct: "every day" is a time expression.