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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.