Understanding Prepositions Before English Dates: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to expressing dates in English, the use of prepositions can sometimes be confusing. In this article, we will delve into the common prepositions used before dates and provide you with a clear understanding of their usage.

What Prepositions Are Used Before English Dates?

• On

  When referring to a specific day of the week, "on" is the most common preposition used. For example, "I am going to the movies on Friday." Additionally, "on" is used when mentioning a specific date, such as "I have a birthday party on April 15th."

• In

  "In" is used when referring to a period that spans a month or a year. For instance, "I am visiting my family in June." It is also used when talking about a specific year, such as "I graduated in 2020."

• At

  "At" is used when mentioning a specific time of the day. For example, "I will meet you at 6 PM." It can also be used when referring to a specific time within a month, such as "I will have my dentist appointment at 2 PM on Tuesday."

• For

  "For" is used when indicating the duration of an event or period. For example, "I will be on vacation for two weeks." It can also be used when referring to a specific period of time, such as "I have been working here for five years."

• During

  "During" is used when referring to an event or period of time. For example, "I will be traveling during the summer holidays." It is also used when mentioning a specific time within a year, such as "I will be working during the winter season."