How do I know whether to use at, in or on for time?

Use at for clock times and fixed expressions like at night, in for months, years, seasons and parts of the day like in May, and on for days and dates like on Monday. The size of the time period usually tells you which word to choose.

Does this prepositions of time test have answers?

Yes. All 50 questions in the five exercises show the right answer and a short, simple explanation when you check them. Nothing is hidden, the test is completely free, and you do not need to make an account before you start.

Why does at Christmas not use in or on?

Christmas, Easter and the weekend are fixed expressions that always take at, even though they might look like they need on or in. These exceptions are common in everyday English, so it is worth learning them separately from the main rule.

When do I use at for time?

Use at for clock times, such as at 7 o'clock, and for a few fixed expressions like at night, at midnight, at Christmas and at the weekend.

When do I use in and on for time?

Use in for months, years, seasons and parts of the day, such as in May or in the morning. Use on for days of the week and dates, such as on Monday or on 5th May.

Prepositions of Time – A1 Grammar Test (Answers)

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Practice Questions & Answers

All A1 questions for “Prepositions of Time – A1 Grammar Exercises with Answers”, each with the correct answer and a short explanation. Try the interactive exercises above, then check your answers here.

✅ Correct	❌ Wrong
I wake up at 7 o'clock.	I wake up in 7 o'clock.

At, In or On? Choosing the Right Preposition of Time

1. I wake up ___ 7 o'clock.
- A. at ✓
- B. in
- C. on
- D. by
Answer: at
Clock times always take at.
2. My birthday is ___ June.
- A. on
- B. in ✓
- C. at
- D. during
Answer: in
Months take in.
3. We have a party ___ Fridays.
- A. at
- B. in
- C. on ✓
- D. by
Answer: on
Days of the week take on.
4. She was born ___ 2005.
- A. at
- B. on
- C. by
- D. in ✓
Answer: in
Years take in.
5. The shop closes ___ midnight.
- A. in
- B. at ✓
- C. on
- D. by
Answer: at
Midnight is a fixed expression that takes at.
6. He has an exam ___ 10th March.
- A. on ✓
- B. at
- C. in
- D. by
Answer: on
Dates take on.
7. I usually relax ___ the evening.
- A. at
- B. on
- C. in ✓
- D. by
Answer: in
Parts of the day take in.
8. They meet ___ Christmas every year.
- A. in
- B. on
- C. by
- D. at ✓
Answer: at
Christmas is a fixed expression that takes at.
9. The train leaves ___ 9:15.
- A. in
- B. at ✓
- C. on
- D. during
Answer: at
Clock times always take at.
10. We go swimming ___ summer.
- A. in ✓
- B. at
- C. on
- D. by
Answer: in
Seasons take in.

Prepositions of Time in a Story: Noah's Week

1. Noah is a student. He has a busy week. He wakes up _____ seven o'clock every day.
Answer: at
Clock times always take at.
2. Then he gets ready for school. _____ Monday, he has a maths test.
Answer: On
Days of the week take on.
3. He studies hard the night before. He always studies _____ the evening.
- A. in ✓
- B. at
- C. on
- D. by
Answer: in
Parts of the day take in.
4. After the test, he feels relieved. His birthday is _____ 5th May.
Answer: on
Dates take on.
5. He always has a small party. His birthday is always _____ May.
- A. in ✓
- B. at

Odd One Out: Prepositions of Time Mistakes

1. Which option does not belong?
- A. I wake up at 7 o'clock.
- B. I wake up in 7 o'clock. ✓
- C. I go to bed at 10 o'clock.
- D. The shop opens at 9 o'clock.
Answer: I wake up in 7 o'clock.
Clock times always take at, not in.
2. Which option does not belong?
- A. We have a test at Monday. ✓
- B. We have a test on Monday.
- C. We have a party on Friday.
- D. We have a meeting on Tuesday.
Answer: We have a test at Monday.
Days of the week take on, not at.
3. Which option does not belong?
- A. He was born in 1998.
- B. They were born in 2010.
- C. I was born in 2003.
- D. She was born on 2005. ✓
Answer: She was born on 2005.
Years take in, not on.

What Time? Talking About a Weekly Schedule

1. What time do you wake up ___ the morning?
- A. in ✓
- B. at
- C. on
- D. by
Answer: in
Parts of the day take in.
2. I wake up ___ seven o'clock.
- A. on
- B. at ✓
- C. in
- D. by
Answer: at
Clock times always take at.
3. Do you have classes ___ Mondays?
- A. at
- B. in
- C. on ✓
- D. by
Answer: on
Days of the week take on.
4. Yes, and I have an exam ___ 10th May too.

Combining a Time Word with At, In or On

1. meeting / Monday
Answer: The meeting is on Monday.
Days of the week take on.
2. party / 10 o'clock
Answer: The party is at 10 o'clock.
Clock times always take at.
3. exam / June
Answer: The exam is in June.
Months take in.
4. wedding / 1st July
Answer: The wedding is on 1st July.
Dates take on.
5. trip / winter
Answer: The trip is in winter.
Seasons take in.
6. concert / Saturday
Answer: The concert is on Saturday.
Days of the week take on.

Prepositions of Time – A1 Grammar Exercises with Answers

I wake up ___ 7 o'clock.

Keep practising

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Articles: A, An, The or No Article

Conjunctions: And, But, Or and Because

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Practice Questions & Answers

At, In or On? Choosing the Right Preposition of Time

Prepositions of Time in a Story: Noah's Week

Odd One Out: Prepositions of Time Mistakes

What Time? Talking About a Weekly Schedule

Combining a Time Word with At, In or On

A Simple Restaurant Menu (A1 Reading)

A Study Timetable (A1 Reading)

An Email to a Friend (A1 Reading)

Looking for the Perfect Home (A1 Reading)