Prepositions of time Flashcards
We use DURING or IN to talk about a period of time WITHIN an event occurs.
The event can be repeated during the period.
I stayed at home during the summer. (or in the summer).
He suffered a number of injuries during his career as a jockey. (or in his career).
We prefer DURING before the nouns:
illness, holiday, meal, stay, treatment, visit, and the whole of.
The president made the speech during a visit to Madrid.
No one was allowed to leave the ship during the whole of its time in port.
Throughout means the whole of the period of time.
We had enough firewood to keep us warm throughout the winter. (or during/through).
Over or during to say the event occurred for the whole of the period or just part of it.
Weather conditions have been improving over/during the past few days.
I hit my head and can’t remember anything that happened over/during the next hour or so.
We use during to say a short event happened in the period of time.
She sneezed during the performance. (once or a few times, not over)
During a pause in conversation, she left the room. (not over)
Until: something continued or will continue to a particular time.
BY: event happened before or at the particular time.
Informal: we use up to, till, with now and then.
We have to be at home until 2:30. (can’t leave before 2:30).
We have to be at home by 2:30. (must arrive at home before or at 2:30).
I’ve always used a laptop up to now. (till).
Until now: for a situation that will not continue.
For a situation that will continue in the future, we use SO FAR or TO DATE.
Supermarkets say that until now there has been few people interested in buying organic food.
It was certainly the best match football season so far.
When the contract is signed, it will be the biggest order to date.
