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Lesson 7 grammar

Telling the timePrepositions of time — in / on / at
Module 1 · A0 Foundations

The first grammar you need.

What it is

Clock time in English is given with 'It's' plus either the hour and minutes, or the words past / to.

Look

  • It's three o'clock. (3:00)
  • It's quarter past two. (2:15)
  • It's half past five. (5:30)

Form

PositiveIt's + hour + o'clock / (minutes) past / to + hourIt's twenty past seven.
NegativeIt isn't + time (yet)It isn't seven o'clock yet.
QuestionWhat time is it? · What time + do / does + subject + verb?What time does the film start?
Short answerAt + time.At half past eight.

Use it when

  • You give or ask the time.
  • You arrange to meet someone.
  • You talk about timetables and opening hours.

More examples

  • It's quarter to seven. (6:45)
  • It's a quarter to nine.
  • The train leaves at 6:15.
  • We finish at midday.
  • It's almost midnight.

Watch out!

  • It is the three o'clock.

    It's three o'clock.

  • It's half five.

    It's half past five.

Quick check

It's ___ past four. (4:30)

It's quarter ___ nine. (8:45)

Lesson 7
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Module 2 · A1 Core Grammar

The next step — actions, ability, and time.

What it is

In, on and at place an event in time. The size of the time period decides which one you use.

Look

  • in July, in 2024, in summer
  • on Monday, on 5 May
  • at 7 o'clock, at night, at the weekend

Form

Positivein + month / year / season · on + day / date · at + clock time / nightThe exam is on Monday at nine.
Negativesubject + isn't / doesn't + … + preposition + timeThe exam isn't in July.
QuestionWhen / What time + is / does + subject + …?When is the exam?
Short answerPreposition + time.On the third of May.

Use it when

  • You give a date, day or exact time.
  • You arrange an appointment.
  • You describe a schedule or a season.

More examples

  • I was born in 1998.
  • We meet on Fridays.
  • The shop closes at 8 p.m.
  • It's very quiet here at night.

Watch out!

  • on July

    in July

  • in Monday

    on Monday

Quick check

I was born ___ 1995.

See you ___ Friday.

The class starts ___ 9am.

Lesson 7 Lesson 22
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Module 3 · A1+ Extending Grammar

Comparing, planning, and connecting ideas.