Phrasal Prepositions in English: Clarifying the Use of In and At with Time Expressions

Introduction

When discussing time expressions in English, the choice between 'in' and 'at' can sometimes be confusing. This article aims to clarify the correct usage of these prepositions in reference to periods of the day. Understanding these nuances is crucial for effective communication, especially for non-native speakers.

Common Time Expressions and Their Prepositions

In English, certain time expressions naturally pair with specific prepositions. For instance, when talking about the morning, afternoon, evening, and night, one typically uses 'in.' This unique usage is part of what makes English challenging yet fascinating to learn and speak.

Using 'In'

Here are some examples where 'in' is used:

From the morning experience: In the morning, I usually wake up early and sip a cup of coffee. From the afternoon: In the afternoon, I often take a long walk. From the evening: In the evening, I frequently watch movies or play games. From the night: In the night, the neighborhood is often quiet.

It's worth noting that while 'in' is the most commonly used preposition, there are exceptions. However, these exceptions are relatively rare and typically involve more specific or unconventional uses of time.

Special Cases and Exceptions

Some learners might be familiar with phrases such as 'on Monday' and 'at seven o'clock.' In English, certain time expressions are grouped into categories that don't follow the typical rules. These categories are just an accepted part of the language, and while they might seem illogical, they are essential for native speakers.

For instance, when referring to entire days or specific times in the 24-hour clock, one uses 'on' and 'at' respectively:

From the day: On Monday, I have a meeting with my team. From the time: At seven o'clock, I usually start my day.

It's important to note that while 'during' can be used for periods like 'a day,' it is generally not used for individual evenings or nights. Instead, 'in' is preferred:

We discussed the issue during our day.

However, 'in' can be used for 'a night' to refer to an entire night, but 'at night' or 'night-time' are more common:

In the night, the city lights dimmed. At night, the dogs bark.

Why 'In' for Periods and 'At' for Specific Times

The use of 'in' for periods and 'at' for specific times is a peculiarity of English that is rooted in the language's history and the way native speakers conceptualize time. 'In' is used for longer periods of time, such as a morning, afternoon, or evening, because these are perceived as larger chunks of time. 'At' is used for specific times, such as a certain hour or minute, because these are more precise.

Practical Examples

Let's look at some examples to better understand the usage:

In the morning, I meditate to start the day.
*Here, 'in' refers to a general period of time, not a specific time. At seven o'clock, I begin my workout.
*Here, 'at' refers to a specific hour. We are meeting at noon.
*Here, 'at' is used for a specific day. During the night, the children are quiet.
*Here, 'during' refers to a period of a day, but 'at night' or 'night-time' would be more common.

Conclusion

Understanding the appropriate use of 'in' and 'at' for time expressions is essential for mastering English. While there are some exceptions to the rule, 'in' is generally used for periods of the day (morning, afternoon, evening, night) and 'at' is used for specific times (seven o'clock, midnight, noon). By familiarizing oneself with these nuances, non-native speakers can improve their communication and avoid common errors in English time expressions.