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Using prepositions to express time, dates, duration and frequency.
Practice: build the sentences →English uses prepositions to express relationships between events and points, periods, or durations of time.
The most common time prepositions are at, on, in, for, since, by, until, during, and from ... to.
We met at 6 o'clock.
Мы встретились в 6 часов.
"At" is used before an exact time.
The meeting is on Monday.
Собрание в понедельник.
"On" is used with days of the week.
She was born in July.
Она родилась в июле.
"In" is used with months.
I waited for two hours.
Я ждал два часа.
"For" expresses duration.
I have lived here since 2020.
Я живу здесь с 2020 года.
"Since" indicates a starting point.
Please finish the report by Friday.
Пожалуйста, закончите отчёт к пятнице.
"By" indicates a deadline.
We waited until midnight.
Мы ждали до полуночи.
"Until" indicates an endpoint.
We met during the summer.
Мы встретились летом.
"During" identifies a period.
At is commonly used before exact times and specific points on a clock.
For example, at 6 o’clock, at noon, and at midnight.
The train leaves at 6 o'clock.
Поезд отправляется в 6 часов.
"At" is used before an exact clock time.
We will meet at noon.
Мы встретимся в полдень.
"At" is used with "noon".
She called me at midnight.
Она позвонила мне в полночь.
"At" is used with "midnight".
The movie starts at 8:30.
Фильм начинается в 8:30.
"At" is used with a specific time.
He arrived at 10 o'clock.
Он прибыл в 10 часов.
"At" is used with an exact time.
The meeting is at 3 p.m.
Собрание в 3 часа дня.
"At" is used with a specific time.
I will call you at 7 o'clock.
Я позвоню тебе в 7 часов.
"At" is used with an exact time.
The store opens at 9 a.m.
Магазин открывается в 9 утра.
"At" is used with a specific time.
At occurs in a number of conventional expressions referring to fixed times or periods.
For example, at night, at the weekend, at lunchtime, and at the moment.
I work at night.
Я работаю ночью.
"At" is used with "night".
We met at the weekend.
Мы встретились на выходных.
"At" is used with "the weekend" in British English.
She is busy at the moment.
Она занята в данный момент.
"At" is used with "the moment".
We will discuss it at lunchtime.
Мы обсудим это в обеденное время.
"At" is used with "lunchtime".
He arrived at night.
Он прибыл ночью.
"At" is used with "night".
I will see you at the weekend.
Я увижу тебя на выходных.
"At" is used with "the weekend".
She called at midnight.
Она позвонила в полночь.
"At" is used with "midnight".
We usually eat at noon.
Мы обычно едим в полдень.
"At" is used with "noon".
On is used with days of the week and specific days.
For example, on Monday, on Friday, and on my birthday.
The meeting is on Monday.
Собрание в понедельник.
"On" is used with days of the week.
We will meet on Friday.
Мы встретимся в пятницу.
"On" is used with days of the week.
Her birthday is on 5 May.
Её день рождения 5 мая.
"On" is used with specific dates.
We have a party on Saturday.
У нас вечеринка в субботу.
"On" is used with days of the week.
The exam is on 15 August.
Экзамен 15 августа.
"On" is used with specific dates.
I was born on 1 January 1990.
Я родился 1 января 1990 года.
"On" is used with specific dates.
She will arrive on Sunday.
Она приедет в воскресенье.
"On" is used with days of the week.
We celebrate on New Year's Day.
Мы празднуем в Новый год.
"On" is used with specific days.
On is used before specific calendar dates.
For example, on 15 August, on August 15, and on 1 January 2027.
The meeting is on 15 August.
Собрание 15 августа.
"On" is used before a specific date.
She was born on August 15.
Она родилась 15 августа.
"On" is used before a specific date.
The event is on 1 January 2027.
Мероприятие 1 января 2027 года.
"On" is used before a specific date.
We will meet on 3 March.
Мы встретимся 3 марта.
"On" is used before a specific date.
The exam is on 10 June.
Экзамен 10 июня.
"On" is used before a specific date.
Her birthday is on 25 December.
Её день рождения 25 декабря.
"On" is used before a specific date.
We arrived on 2 September.
Мы прибыли 2 сентября.
"On" is used before a specific date.
The deadline is on 30 November.
Срок 30 ноября.
"On" is used before a specific date.
In is used with months, years, seasons, and other relatively long periods.
For example, in July, in 2026, and in winter.
She was born in July.
Она родилась в июле.
"In" is used with months.
We met in 2026.
Мы встретились в 2026 году.
"In" is used with years.
It snows in winter.
Зимой идёт снег.
"In" is used with seasons.
The project started in May.
Проект начался в мае.
"In" is used with months.
He graduated in 2019.
Он окончил университет в 2019 году.
"In" is used with years.
We usually go on holiday in summer.
Мы обычно ездим в отпуск летом.
"In" is used with seasons.
The company was founded in 1990.
Компания была основана в 1990 году.
"In" is used with years.
She will visit in December.
Она приедет в декабре.
"In" is used with months.
In is commonly used with morning, afternoon, and evening.
For example, in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening.
I drink coffee in the morning.
Я пью кофе утром.
"In" is used with "the morning".
She studies in the afternoon.
Она учится днём.
"In" is used with "the afternoon".
We watch TV in the evening.
Мы смотрим телевизор вечером.
"In" is used with "the evening".
He exercises in the morning.
Он занимается спортом утром.
"In" is used with "the morning".
They arrived in the afternoon.
Они прибыли днём.
"In" is used with "the afternoon".
She reads in the evening.
Она читает вечером.
"In" is used with "the evening".
I will call you in the morning.
Я позвоню тебе утром.
"In" is used with "the morning".
We met in the evening.
Мы встретились вечером.
"In" is used with "the evening".
At is normally used with night rather than in when referring generally to the nighttime period.
For example, I work at night and We arrived at night.
I work at night.
Я работаю ночью.
"At" is used with "night".
We arrived at night.
Мы прибыли ночью.
"At" is used with "night".
She studies at night.
Она учится ночью.
"At" is used with "night".
The city looks beautiful at night.
Город красив ночью.
"At" is used with "night".
He called me at night.
Он позвонил мне ночью.
"At" is used with "night".
They often travel at night.
Они часто путешествуют ночью.
"At" is used with "night".
I cannot sleep at night.
Я не могу спать ночью.
"At" is used with "night".
The restaurant is closed at night.
Ресторан закрыт ночью.
"At" is used with "night".
On is used before a specific day even when the day is followed by a part-of-day expression.
For example, on Monday morning, on Friday evening, and on Sunday afternoon.
We met on Monday morning.
Мы встретились в понедельник утром.
"On" is used before a specific day even with a part of day.
She arrived on Friday evening.
Она прибыла в пятницу вечером.
"On" is used before a specific day.
We will meet on Sunday afternoon.
Мы встретимся в воскресенье днём.
"On" is used before a specific day.
The meeting is on Tuesday morning.
Собрание во вторник утром.
"On" is used before a specific day.
He called on Saturday night.
Он позвонил в субботу вечером.
"On" is used before a specific day.
We have a class on Wednesday afternoon.
У нас занятие в среду днём.
"On" is used before a specific day.
She will visit on Thursday evening.
Она приедет в четверг вечером.
"On" is used before a specific day.
The event is on Friday morning.
Мероприятие в пятницу утром.
"On" is used before a specific day.
Certain expressions of time normally occur without a preposition.
For example, last week, next year, this morning, every Monday, and today.
I saw him last week.
Я видел его на прошлой неделе.
No preposition is used with "last week".
We will meet next year.
Мы встретимся в следующем году.
No preposition is used with "next year".
She called this morning.
Она звонила сегодня утром.
No preposition is used with "this morning".
I go to the gym every Monday.
Я хожу в спортзал каждый понедельник.
No preposition is used with "every Monday".
We are meeting today.
Мы встречаемся сегодня.
No preposition is used with "today".
He arrived yesterday.
Он прибыл вчера.
No preposition is used with "yesterday".
She will leave tomorrow.
Она уедет завтра.
No preposition is used with "tomorrow".
We visit them every summer.
Мы навещаем их каждое лето.
No preposition is used with "every summer".
Yesterday, today, and tomorrow normally occur without at, on, or in when used as basic time expressions.
For example, I saw him yesterday and We will leave tomorrow.
I saw him yesterday.
Я видел его вчера.
No preposition is used with "yesterday".
We will leave tomorrow.
Мы уедем завтра.
No preposition is used with "tomorrow".
She called me yesterday.
Она позвонила мне вчера.
No preposition is used with "yesterday".
They are coming tomorrow.
Они приедут завтра.
No preposition is used with "tomorrow".
We met yesterday.
Мы встретились вчера.
No preposition is used with "yesterday".
I will finish it tomorrow.
Я закончу это завтра.
No preposition is used with "tomorrow".
He left yesterday.
Он уехал вчера.
No preposition is used with "yesterday".
She will arrive tomorrow.
Она прибудет завтра.
No preposition is used with "tomorrow".
For expresses the length of time that an action or situation continues.
For example, I waited for two hours and She has lived here for ten years.
I waited for two hours.
Я ждал два часа.
"For" expresses the length of time.
She has lived here for ten years.
Она живёт здесь десять лет.
"For" expresses duration.
We talked for an hour.
Мы разговаривали час.
"For" expresses duration.
He studied for three hours.
Он учился три часа.
"For" expresses duration.
They stayed for a week.
Они оставались неделю.
"For" expresses duration.
I have known her for five years.
Я знаю её пять лет.
"For" expresses duration.
She worked there for two months.
Она работала там два месяца.
"For" expresses duration.
We waited for a long time.
Мы ждали долго.
"For" expresses duration.
Since introduces the point in time from which a situation has continued.
For example, I have worked here since 2020 and She has been waiting since Monday.
I have worked here since 2020.
Я работаю здесь с 2020 года.
"Since" introduces the starting point.
She has been waiting since Monday.
Она ждёт с понедельника.
"Since" introduces the starting point.
We have lived here since 2015.
Мы живём здесь с 2015 года.
"Since" introduces the starting point.
He has known her since childhood.
Он знает её с детства.
"Since" introduces the starting point.
I have not seen him since last year.
Я не видел его с прошлого года.
"Since" introduces the starting point.
She has been ill since Tuesday.
Она болеет со вторника.
"Since" introduces the starting point.
They have been friends since university.
Они друзья с университета.
"Since" introduces the starting point.
I have been waiting since noon.
Я жду с полудня.
"Since" introduces the starting point.
For expresses duration, while since identifies the starting point of the duration.
For example, I have lived here for five years versus I have lived here since 2021.
I have lived here for five years.
Я живу здесь пять лет.
"For" expresses duration.
I have lived here since 2021.
Я живу здесь с 2021 года.
"Since" identifies the starting point.
She has worked here for ten years.
Она работает здесь десять лет.
"For" expresses duration.
She has worked here since 2015.
Она работает здесь с 2015 года.
"Since" identifies the starting point.
We have been friends for many years.
Мы друзья много лет.
"For" expresses duration.
We have been friends since childhood.
Мы друзья с детства.
"Since" identifies the starting point.
He has been waiting for an hour.
Он ждёт час.
"For" expresses duration.
He has been waiting since noon.
Он ждёт с полудня.
"Since" identifies the starting point.
By indicates a deadline or the latest time by which something happens.
For example, Please finish the report by Friday.
Please finish the report by Friday.
Пожалуйста, закончите отчёт к пятнице.
"By" indicates a deadline.
I will be there by 6 o'clock.
Я буду там к 6 часам.
"By" indicates a deadline.
She will call you by noon.
Она позвонит тебе к полудню.
"By" indicates a deadline.
We need to leave by 8 a.m.
Нам нужно уйти к 8 утра.
"By" indicates a deadline.
Please reply by Monday.
Пожалуйста, ответьте к понедельнику.
"By" indicates a deadline.
The package should arrive by tomorrow.
Посылка должна прибыть к завтрашнему дню.
"By" indicates a deadline.
I will finish it by the end of the day.
Я закончу это к концу дня.
"By" indicates a deadline.
She must submit the form by 5 p.m.
Она должна подать форму к 5 вечера.
"By" indicates a deadline.
By can indicate that an action will be completed no later than a specified future time.
For example, I will have finished the work by six o’clock.
I will have finished the work by six o'clock.
Я закончу работу к шести часам.
"By" indicates future completion no later than a specified time.
She will have arrived by tomorrow.
Она прибудет к завтрашнему дню.
"By" indicates future completion.
They will have completed the project by next month.
Они завершат проект к следующему месяцу.
"By" indicates future completion.
We will have left by the time you arrive.
Мы уже уйдём к тому времени, как ты приедешь.
"By" indicates future completion.
He will have finished his studies by 2025.
Он закончит учёбу к 2025 году.
"By" indicates future completion.
I will have read the book by the end of the week.
Я прочитаю книгу к концу недели.
"By" indicates future completion.
She will have saved enough money by next year.
Она накопит достаточно денег к следующему году.
"By" indicates future completion.
The train will have departed by 8 a.m.
Поезд отправится к 8 утра.
"By" indicates future completion.
Until indicates the endpoint up to which an action or state continues.
For example, We waited until midnight and Stay here until I return.
We waited until midnight.
Мы ждали до полуночи.
"Until" indicates the endpoint of waiting.
Stay here until I return.
Оставайся здесь, пока я не вернусь.
"Until" indicates the endpoint of staying.
She worked until 5 p.m.
Она работала до 5 вечера.
"Until" indicates the endpoint of working.
We will stay until the end of the meeting.
Мы останемся до конца собрания.
"Until" indicates the endpoint.
He read until he fell asleep.
Он читал, пока не заснул.
"Until" indicates the endpoint of reading.
They talked until the sun came up.
Они разговаривали, пока не взошло солнце.
"Until" indicates the endpoint of talking.
Wait until the light turns green.
Подожди, пока не загорится зелёный свет.
"Until" indicates the endpoint of waiting.
She stayed until the party ended.
Она оставалась до конца вечеринки.
"Until" indicates the endpoint of staying.
By describes a deadline by which something happens, while until describes a situation that continues up to a time.
For example, Finish it by Friday differs from Stay here until Friday.
Finish it by Friday.
Закончи это к пятнице.
"By" describes a deadline.
Stay here until Friday.
Оставайся здесь до пятницы.
"Until" describes a situation continuing up to a time.
Please submit the report by Monday.
Пожалуйста, сдайте отчёт к понедельнику.
"By" indicates a deadline.
I will wait until Monday.
Я подожду до понедельника.
"Until" indicates an endpoint.
She will be back by 6 o'clock.
Она вернётся к 6 часам.
"By" indicates a deadline.
She will be away until 6 o'clock.
Она будет отсутствовать до 6 часов.
"Until" indicates an endpoint.
We need to decide by tomorrow.
Нам нужно решить к завтрашнему дню.
"By" indicates a deadline.
We will discuss it until tomorrow.
Мы будем обсуждать это до завтра.
"Until" indicates an endpoint.
During identifies the period in which an event occurs.
For example, We met during the summer and Nobody spoke during the meeting.
We met during the summer.
Мы встретились летом.
"During" identifies the period.
Nobody spoke during the meeting.
Никто не говорил во время собрания.
"During" identifies the period.
It rained during the night.
Ночью шёл дождь.
"During" identifies the period.
She fell asleep during the film.
Она заснула во время фильма.
"During" identifies the period.
We traveled during the holidays.
Мы путешествовали во время каникул.
"During" identifies the period.
He was quiet during the lesson.
Он был тихим во время урока.
"During" identifies the period.
She read during the flight.
Она читала во время полёта.
"During" identifies the period.
We visited them during the winter.
Мы навещали их зимой.
"During" identifies the period.
During is a preposition followed by a noun phrase, while while is a conjunction followed by a clause.
For example, during the meeting contrasts with while we were meeting.
During the meeting, nobody spoke.
Во время собрания никто не говорил.
"During" is a preposition followed by a noun phrase.
While we were meeting, nobody spoke.
Пока мы совещались, никто не говорил.
"While" is a conjunction followed by a clause.
She fell asleep during the film.
Она заснула во время фильма.
"During" is followed by a noun phrase.
She fell asleep while the film was playing.
Она заснула, пока шёл фильм.
"While" is followed by a clause.
We talked during lunch.
Мы разговаривали во время обеда.
"During" is followed by a noun phrase.
We talked while we were eating lunch.
Мы разговаривали, пока ели обед.
"While" is followed by a clause.
He was quiet during the lesson.
Он был тихим во время урока.
"During" is followed by a noun phrase.
He was quiet while the teacher was speaking.
Он был тихим, пока говорил учитель.
"While" is followed by a clause.
From ... to expresses the beginning and end of a time period.
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 the beginning and end of a time period.
We work from Monday to Friday.
Мы работаем с понедельника по пятницу.
"From ... to" expresses a time period.
She studied from 2010 to 2014.
Она училась с 2010 по 2014 год.
"From ... to" expresses a time period.
The store is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Магазин открыт с 8 утра до 8 вечера.
"From ... to" expresses a time period.
We lived there from 2015 to 2020.
Мы жили там с 2015 по 2020 год.
"From ... to" expresses a time period.
The course runs from September to December.
Курс длится с сентября по декабрь.
"From ... to" expresses a time period.
He worked from morning to night.
Он работал с утра до ночи.
"From ... to" expresses a time period.
The exhibition is open from Tuesday to Sunday.
Выставка открыта со вторника по воскресенье.
"From ... to" expresses a time period.
From ... until emphasizes the starting point and endpoint of a continuing period.
For example, I will be here from Monday until Friday.
I will be here from Monday until Friday.
Я буду здесь с понедельника до пятницы.
"From ... until" emphasizes the starting point and endpoint.
She worked from morning until evening.
Она работала с утра до вечера.
"From ... until" emphasizes the starting point and endpoint.
We waited from noon until midnight.
Мы ждали с полудня до полуночи.
"From ... until" emphasizes the starting point and endpoint.
The store is open from 9 until 6.
Магазин открыт с 9 до 6.
"From ... until" emphasizes the starting point and endpoint.
He studied from 2010 until 2015.
Он учился с 2010 до 2015 года.
"From ... until" emphasizes the starting point and endpoint.
They traveled from June until August.
Они путешествовали с июня до августа.
"From ... until" emphasizes the starting point and endpoint.
She was ill from Monday until Thursday.
Она болела с понедельника до четверга.
"From ... until" emphasizes the starting point and endpoint.
We stayed from morning until night.
Мы оставались с утра до ночи.
"From ... until" emphasizes the starting point and endpoint.
Between ... and identifies the limits of a period or point within a range of time.
For example, The shop is open between 9 and 6.
The shop is open between 9 and 6.
Магазин открыт между 9 и 6.
"Between ... and" identifies the limits of a period.
We will meet between 3 and 4 o'clock.
Мы встретимся между 3 и 4 часами.
"Between ... and" identifies a time range.
She called between 8 and 9 p.m.
Она позвонила между 8 и 9 вечера.
"Between ... and" identifies a time range.
The train leaves between 10 and 11.
Поезд отправляется между 10 и 11.
"Between ... and" identifies a time range.
I will be there between 2 and 3.
Я буду там между 2 и 3.
"Between ... and" identifies a time range.
The office is closed between 12 and 1.
Офис закрыт между 12 и 1.
"Between ... and" identifies a time range.
He arrived between 5 and 6.
Он прибыл между 5 и 6.
"Between ... and" identifies a time range.
We can meet between Monday and Wednesday.
Мы можем встретиться между понедельником и средой.
"Between ... and" identifies a time range.
Within indicates that something happens before a specified period has elapsed.
For example, Please reply within seven days.
Please reply within seven days.
Пожалуйста, ответьте в течение семи дней.
"Within" indicates a time limit.
I will finish it within an hour.
Я закончу это в течение часа.
"Within" indicates a time limit.
She will call you within ten minutes.
Она позвонит тебе в течение десяти минут.
"Within" indicates a time limit.
We will arrive within two hours.
Мы прибудем в течение двух часов.
"Within" indicates a time limit.
He completed the task within the deadline.
Он выполнил задачу в установленный срок.
"Within" indicates a time limit.
The package will arrive within three days.
Посылка прибудет в течение трёх дней.
"Within" indicates a time limit.
You must submit the form within 24 hours.
Вы должны подать форму в течение 24 часов.
"Within" indicates a time limit.
She replied within a few minutes.
Она ответила в течение нескольких минут.
"Within" indicates a time limit.
Ago indicates that an event happened a specified amount of time before the present or another reference point.
For example, I saw her two days ago.
I saw her two days ago.
Я видел её два дня назад.
"Ago" indicates time before the present.
We met a week ago.
Мы встретились неделю назад.
"Ago" indicates time before the present.
She called me an hour ago.
Она позвонила мне час назад.
"Ago" indicates time before the present.
He left ten minutes ago.
Он ушёл десять минут назад.
"Ago" indicates time before the present.
They moved here three years ago.
Они переехали сюда три года назад.
"Ago" indicates time before the present.
I finished the project a month ago.
Я закончил проект месяц назад.
"Ago" indicates time before the present.
She graduated two years ago.
Она окончила университет два года назад.
"Ago" indicates time before the present.
We visited Paris a long time ago.
Мы посетили Париж давно.
"Ago" indicates time before the present.
In can indicate how long it will be before something happens in the future.
For example, The train leaves in ten minutes.
The train leaves in ten minutes.
Поезд отправляется через десять минут.
"In" indicates time from now.
I will call you in an hour.
Я позвоню тебе через час.
"In" indicates time from now.
She will arrive in two days.
Она прибудет через два дня.
"In" indicates time from now.
We will meet in a week.
Мы встретимся через неделю.
"In" indicates time from now.
He will finish it in five minutes.
Он закончит это через пять минут.
"In" indicates time from now.
The movie starts in half an hour.
Фильм начинается через полчаса.
"In" indicates time from now.
They will return in three weeks.
Они вернутся через три недели.
"In" indicates time from now.
I will be ready in a moment.
Я буду готов через мгновение.
"In" indicates time from now.
In can indicate the point after which an event will happen, while within indicates that something will happen no later than the end of a specified period.
For example, I will call you in ten minutes means approximately ten minutes from now, while I will call you within ten minutes means at any point before ten minutes have passed.
I will call you in ten minutes.
Я позвоню тебе через десять минут.
"In" means approximately ten minutes from now.
I will call you within ten minutes.
Я позвоню тебе в течение десяти минут.
"Within" means at any point before ten minutes have passed.
She will arrive in an hour.
Она прибудет через час.
"In" indicates a point after an hour.
She will arrive within an hour.
Она прибудет в течение часа.
"Within" indicates no later than an hour from now.
He will finish it in two days.
Он закончит это через два дня.
"In" indicates a point after two days.
He will finish it within two days.
Он закончит это в течение двух дней.
"Within" indicates no later than two days from now.
We will leave in a week.
Мы уедем через неделю.
"In" indicates a point after a week.
We will leave within a week.
Мы уедем в течение недели.
"Within" indicates no later than a week from now.
Throughout indicates that something continues during all or nearly all of a specified period.
For example, It rained throughout the night and She remained calm throughout the interview.
It rained throughout the night.
Дождь шёл всю ночь.
"Throughout" indicates continuation during the whole period.
She remained calm throughout the interview.
Она оставалась спокойной на протяжении всего интервью.
"Throughout" indicates continuation during the whole period.
He was quiet throughout the meeting.
Он был тихим на протяжении всего собрания.
"Throughout" indicates continuation during the whole period.
It was cold throughout the winter.
Зимой было холодно всё время.
"Throughout" indicates continuation during the whole period.
She smiled throughout the performance.
Она улыбалась на протяжении всего выступления.
"Throughout" indicates continuation during the whole period.
He worked throughout the day.
Он работал весь день.
"Throughout" indicates continuation during the whole period.
The children played throughout the afternoon.
Дети играли весь день.
"Throughout" indicates continuation during the whole period.
She was attentive throughout the lecture.
Она была внимательна на протяжении всей лекции.
"Throughout" indicates continuation during the whole period.
Over can describe something happening throughout or repeatedly during a period, while during simply identifies the period in which something occurs.
For example, We discussed the issue over the weekend and We discussed it during the meeting.
We discussed the issue over the weekend.
Мы обсуждали вопрос в течение выходных.
"Over" describes something happening throughout or repeatedly during a period.
We discussed it during the meeting.
Мы обсуждали это во время собрания.
"During" simply identifies the period.
She traveled over the summer.
Она путешествовала в течение лета.
"Over" describes something happening during a period.
She traveled during the summer.
Она путешествовала летом.
"During" simply identifies the period.
He worked over the holidays.
Он работал в течение каникул.
"Over" describes something happening during a period.
He worked during the holidays.
Он работал во время каникул.
"During" simply identifies the period.
We talked over lunch.
Мы разговаривали за обедом.
"Over" describes something happening during a period.
We talked during lunch.
Мы разговаривали во время обеда.
"During" simply identifies the period.
At can be used with beginning, end, start, and similar points within a period.
For example, at the beginning of the year, at the end of the meeting, and at the start of the week.
We will meet at the beginning of the year.
Мы встретимся в начале года.
"At" is used with "the beginning".
She left at the end of the meeting.
Она ушла в конце собрания.
"At" is used with "the end".
We will start at the beginning of the week.
Мы начнём в начале недели.
"At" is used with "the beginning".
He arrived at the end of the film.
Он прибыл в конце фильма.
"At" is used with "the end".
The company was founded at the beginning of the century.
Компания была основана в начале века.
"At" is used with "the beginning".
She will return at the end of the month.
Она вернётся в конце месяца.
"At" is used with "the end".
We will discuss it at the start of the meeting.
Мы обсудим это в начале собрания.
"At" is used with "the start".
He left at the end of the day.
Он ушёл в конце дня.
"At" is used with "the end".
By the end of identifies a deadline within a larger period.
For example, We will have completed the project by the end of the month.
We will have completed the project by the end of the month.
Мы завершим проект к концу месяца.
"By the end of" identifies a deadline within a larger period.
She will finish the report by the end of the week.
Она закончит отчёт к концу недели.
"By the end of" identifies a deadline.
They will arrive by the end of the day.
Они прибудут к концу дня.
"By the end of" identifies a deadline.
He will have saved enough by the end of the year.
Он накопит достаточно к концу года.
"By the end of" identifies a deadline.
We will decide by the end of the meeting.
Мы решим к концу собрания.
"By the end of" identifies a deadline.
She will return by the end of the month.
Она вернётся к концу месяца.
"By the end of" identifies a deadline.
I will have read the book by the end of the week.
Я прочитаю книгу к концу недели.
"By the end of" identifies a deadline.
The project will be finished by the end of the month.
Проект будет закончен к концу месяца.
"By the end of" identifies a deadline.
Different varieties of English commonly use at the weekend or on the weekend.
At the weekend is especially common in British English, while on the weekend is especially common in American English.
We met at the weekend.
Мы встретились на выходных.
"At the weekend" is common in British English.
We met on the weekend.
Мы встретились на выходных.
"On the weekend" is common in American English.
I will see you at the weekend.
Я увижу тебя на выходных.
"At the weekend" is common in British English.
I will see you on the weekend.
Я увижу тебя на выходных.
"On the weekend" is common in American English.
She works at the weekend.
Она работает на выходных.
"At the weekend" is common in British English.
She works on the weekend.
Она работает на выходных.
"On the weekend" is common in American English.
We usually relax at the weekend.
Мы обычно отдыхаем на выходных.
"At the weekend" is common in British English.
We usually relax on the weekend.
Мы обычно отдыхаем на выходных.
"On the weekend" is common in American English.
In time means early enough to meet a required moment or avoid being too late, while on time means at the scheduled or expected time.
For example, We arrived in time for dinner differs from The train arrived on time.
We arrived in time for dinner.
Мы прибыли вовремя к ужину.
"In time" means early enough to meet a required moment.
The train arrived on time.
Поезд прибыл по расписанию.
"On time" means at the scheduled time.
She finished the project in time for the deadline.
Она закончила проект вовремя к сроку.
"In time" means early enough.
The meeting started on time.
Собрание началось вовремя.
"On time" means at the scheduled time.
We got there in time to see the beginning.
Мы добрались туда вовремя, чтобы увидеть начало.
"In time" means early enough.
He always arrives on time.
Он всегда приходит вовремя.
"On time" means at the scheduled time.
She called in time to cancel the appointment.
Она позвонила вовремя, чтобы отменить встречу.
"In time" means early enough.
The bus was on time today.
Автобус сегодня был вовремя.
"On time" means at the scheduled time.
Ahead of time means earlier than the expected or scheduled time.
For example, We finished the project ahead of time.
We finished the project ahead of time.
Мы закончили проект раньше срока.
"Ahead of time" means earlier than expected.
She arrived ahead of time.
Она прибыла раньше времени.
"Ahead of time" means earlier than scheduled.
He submitted the report ahead of time.
Он сдал отчёт раньше срока.
"Ahead of time" means earlier than expected.
We left ahead of time to avoid traffic.
Мы ушли раньше времени, чтобы избежать пробок.
"Ahead of time" means earlier than planned.
She completed the task ahead of time.
Она выполнила задачу раньше срока.
"Ahead of time" means earlier than expected.
They finished the construction ahead of time.
Они закончили строительство раньше срока.
"Ahead of time" means earlier than scheduled.
He prepared everything ahead of time.
Он подготовил всё заранее.
"Ahead of time" means earlier than expected.
We arrived ahead of time.
Мы прибыли раньше времени.
"Ahead of time" means earlier than scheduled.
Choose the time preposition according to whether the expression refers to a point, day, period, duration, starting point, deadline, or endpoint.
Common mistakes include using in with exact times, using on with years, confusing for and since, confusing by and until, using during before a finite clause, and adding unnecessary prepositions before yesterday or tomorrow.
We met at 6 o'clock.
Мы встретились в 6 часов.
Correct: "at" is used with exact times.
We met in 6 o'clock.
Мы встретились в 6 часов.
Incorrect: "in" is not used with exact times.
She was born on 5 May.
Она родилась 5 мая.
Correct: "on" is used with dates.
She was born in 5 May.
Она родилась в 5 мая.
Incorrect: "in" is not used with specific dates.
I have lived here for five years.
Я живу здесь пять лет.
Correct: "for" expresses duration.
I have lived here since five years.
Я живу здесь с пять лет.
Incorrect: "since" is used with a starting point, not a duration.
Finish it by Friday.
Закончи это к пятнице.
Correct: "by" indicates a deadline.
Finish it until Friday.
Закончи это до пятницы.
Incorrect: "until" describes a continuing situation, not a deadline.