Time & expressions of time - English as a Second Language - Pearson IGCSE

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👋 Welcome to the Time Traveler's Guide!

Hello future English expert! This chapter is all about how we talk about time—a crucial skill for scheduling meetings, planning trips, and understanding instructions. While it might seem complicated, we are breaking down the highest frequency items so you can use them easily and confidently. Let's make every moment count!

1. Telling the Time: The Clock Language

When we tell time in English, we usually use the 12-hour clock (with A.M. and P.M.) in everyday speech, though the 24-hour clock is common for transport schedules.

A. Key Terms for Clock Time

The best way to learn time is by thinking of the clock as a circle divided into two halves: the "past" side (up to 30 minutes after the hour) and the "to" side (up to 30 minutes before the next hour).

O’Clock: Used exactly on the hour.
Example: It is seven o’clock (7:00).
Half Past: 30 minutes after the hour.
Example: It is half past three (3:30).
Quarter Past: 15 minutes after the hour.
Example: It is quarter past ten (10:15).
Quarter To: 15 minutes before the next hour.
Example: It is quarter to two (1:45).
Minutes Past: For 1–29 minutes after the hour.
Example: 20 past 4 (4:20).
Minutes To: For 1–29 minutes before the next hour.
Example: 10 to 6 (5:50).

B. A.M. and P.M. Explained

We use these abbreviations to show if the time is morning or afternoon/evening:

A.M. (Ante Meridiem): From midnight (12:00 a.m.) until noon (12:00 p.m.). This covers the morning.
P.M. (Post Meridiem): From noon (12:00 p.m.) until midnight (12:00 a.m.). This covers the afternoon and evening.

💡 Memory Trick:

Think of the word "Afternoon" – it starts with A! Wait, that's confusing!
Instead, remember: P is for Post-lunch and Parking (when you finish work).

Key Takeaway: Practice saying the time aloud! If it's 8:15 in the morning, say "It’s quarter past eight a.m."

2. The Golden Rules of Time Prepositions (AT, ON, IN)

This is one of the most tested and confusing parts of time expressions! But don't worry, we have a simple rule based on specificity.

The Specificity Rule (Big to Small)

Imagine a target:

IN is the BIGGEST part (Years, Months, Seasons).
ON is the MEDIUM part (Days and Dates).
AT is the SMALLEST, most SPECIFIC point (Clock Time).

A. When to use AT (The Smallest, Sharpest Time)

Use AT for specific points in time:

Clock Time: The lesson starts at 9:30.
Specific Moments: I always wake up at dawn. / We meet at noon.
Holidays without "Day": We exchange gifts at Christmas.

B. When to use ON (The Day/Date)

Use ON for days of the week and specific dates:

Days: I have a dentist appointment on Tuesday.
Specific Dates: My birthday is on June 14th.
Holidays with "Day": We have a party on New Year’s Day.

C. When to use IN (The Biggest Blocks of Time)

Use IN for long periods of time:

Months: The weather is coldest in January.
Years: She moved to London in 2022.
Seasons: I love swimming in the summer.
Parts of the Day (General): We usually eat dinner in the evening.
(Exception: at night)

🛑 Common Mistake to Avoid:

Do NOT use AT, ON, or IN when you use the words next, last, this, or every.
(WRONG: I will see you on next week. / CORRECT: I will see you next week.)

Key Takeaway: AT for the exact minute, ON for the day, IN for the long periods (month/year).

3. Adverbs of Time: Frequency and Location

Adverbs of time tell us when an action happens, or how often. These are essential for daily planning!

A. Adverbs of Frequency (How often?)

These usually go before the main verb (but after the verb 'to be'):

Always (100%): I always review my notes before bed.
Usually/Often (70-90%): They often visit the library.
Sometimes (50%): We sometimes eat pizza for lunch.
Rarely/Seldom (10%): He rarely uses the bus.
Never (0%): She has never tried sushi.

B. Adverbs of Specific Time (When exactly?)

These usually go at the start or end of a sentence to specify *when* the action occurred.

Now: We need to leave now.
Soon: The plane will land soon.
Later: Can we discuss this later?
Yesterday / Today / Tomorrow: I finished my homework yesterday.
Lately/Recently: I haven't seen her lately. (Refers to the near past)

Did you know?

If you want to place extra emphasis on the time, you often put the adverb at the beginning of the sentence:
Example: Tomorrow, I have to wake up early!

Key Takeaway: Use frequency adverbs to talk about habits; use specific adverbs to locate an event.

4. Expressing Duration and Sequence

We use specific phrases to talk about how long something lasts (Duration) or the order in which things happen (Sequence).

A. Duration (How long?)

We use FOR and SINCE to show duration. This is important for the Present Perfect tense!

FOR: Used for the length or period of time.
Example: I have studied English for five years. (Five years is the total length)
SINCE: Used for the starting point in time.
Example: I have studied English since 2019. (2019 is when I started)
DURING: Used to indicate that something happens within a period.
Example: I fell asleep during the movie.

B. Sequence (What order?)

These words help connect events in a logical order:

Before: Brush your teeth before you go to bed.
After: I will call you after lunch.
When: When the bell rings, the students leave. (Used for simultaneous actions or conditions)
As soon as: I will text you as soon as I arrive. (Immediate action)

Step-by-Step Analogy: Making Tea 🍵

1. First, boil the water.
2. Then (or After), pour the water into the cup.
3. Finally, drink the tea before it gets cold!
(The whole process takes about ten minutes.)

Key Takeaway: For = a total count of time; Since = a starting date; Sequence words organize your story.

Quick Review Box & Encouragement

What to Remember Most:

1. Clock time uses past and to (e.g., ten past four, ten to five).
2. The AT/ON/IN Rule is critical: AT (specific time), ON (day/date), IN (long periods).
3. Use for when counting time (for three days), and since for a starting point (since Friday).

You have mastered the most frequent and essential time expressions! Don't worry if the prepositions feel tricky—even native speakers mix them up sometimes! Keep practicing with real-life examples, and your confidence will grow. Keep up the amazing work! 🌟