Time expressions: at, until, around, early, late, before and

TIME EXPRESSIONS

at, until, around, early, late, before and after

There are many words and expressions to refer to time. You can use these to sequence events and to make stories and anecdotes more interesting.

AT

We use at when we are discussing precise times, weekends and public holidays:

Examples:

- The class starts at 9 o’clock

– The exam will be at the end of the lesson

– I woke up at midnight

UNTIL

Until means 'up to the point in time mentioned'.

EXAMPLES:

We’ll wait until Monday.

I'll be here until two o'clock.

P.D: Until refers to time. It doesn’t refer to distance.

AROUND

We use around or about when we want to indicate approximate times.

EXAMPLES:

- When does his train get in?~ Around / About ten o' clock usually, but you can never be sure these days!

- What time should I come Come about / around eight.

EARLY

We use it to refer to a time near the beginning of a period of time, or before the usual, expected, or planned time.

EXAMPLES:

- If you finish early you can go home.

- If you arrived earlier, you'd have more time.

- I like being a little early for interviews.

LATE

It refers to actions happening or being near the end of a period of time.

EXAMPLES:

- It was late at night.

- We talked late into the night.

- Is that the time? I'd no idea it was so late.

BEFORE

It refers to at or during a time earlier than (the thing mentioned):

EXAMPLES:

- You should always wash your hands before meals.

- Before leaving he said goodbye to each of them.

- She's always up before dawn.

AFTER

It refers to following in time, place, or order:

EXAMPLES:

- Let's go for a walk after breakfast.

- Some people believe in life after death.

- Her name came after mine on the list.

Multiple Choice

I wake up ______ 7:00 _______ morning _____ Fridays.

• ...at ... in ... on

• ...at ...in the ...in

• ...early ... in ... in

• ...at ...in the ...on

Multiple Choice

I work ________ 11 A.M _________ 8:30 P.M.

• ... from ...until

• ...from ...at

• ...at ...in

• ...from ... on

Multiple Choice

I sleep _______ night.

• in

• in the

• on

• at

Multiple Choice

I work ______ morning.

• at

• in the

• in

• on

Multiple Choice

I work ______ 2 P.M.

• on

• in

• early

• until

Multiple Choice

I wake up _______noon.

• before

• in

• on

• late

Multiple Choice

I don't work ______ weekends.

• in

• at

• on

• in the

Multiple Choice

I go to sleep______.

• on

• early

• at

• until

Multiple Choice

I get up ______ 6 A.M.

• early

• at

• on

• in