This quiz works best with JavaScript enabled.
Home
>
English Grammar
>
Grammar
>
Parts Of Speech
>
Prepositions
>
Prepositions Of Time – Quiz 1
Prepositions Of Time Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates students' understanding of prepositions used in time expressions, including century indication, date specificity, deadline specification, and the correct usage of "at," "on," and "in" for various temporal relationships. It covers concepts such as times of day, days of the week, months, seasons, and events.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
My teacher said, 'You can work on the project ..... Friday, but it must be turned in ..... Friday at 3 p.m.' Which pair of prepositions best fits the meaning?
A) By, until.
B) Since, on.
C) Until, by.
D) For, at.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Until" is used to indicate a time limit up to but not including the end of an event, while "by" indicates that something must be completed no later than a specified time. In this context, "until Friday" suggests working on the project until the deadline approaches, and "by 3 p.m. on Friday" specifies when it must be turned in.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"By, until." - Incorrect order; "until" should precede "by".
Option B:
"Since, on." - "Since" is not appropriate for setting a deadline.
Option C:
"Until, by." - Correct usage as explained.
Option D:
"For, at." - "For" does not fit the context of setting a time limit or completion date.
2.
I exercise ..... the morning.
A) In.
B) On.
C) At.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "in" is correctly used to indicate the morning as a part of the day when an action occurs. For example, one might say, "I exercise in the morning." This usage indicates that exercising happens during the morning time period.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "In" is used to show the morning as a part of the day.
Option B:
Incorrect. "On" typically refers to specific days or surfaces, not times of day.
Option C:
Incorrect. "At" is generally used for specific points in time, such as "at 7 AM," not the general morning period.
Option D:
Not applicable since option A is correct.
3.
Delhi hurricanes is coaching Rugby ..... 2004.
A) Since.
B) After.
C) For.
D) At.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Since" is used to indicate a point in time from which an action has been ongoing, making it the correct choice here as Delhi Hurricanes started coaching Rugby in 2004 and continued thereafter.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Since - Correct. Indicates an ongoing action starting from 2004.
Option B:
After - Implies a point of time following another, not suitable for indicating the start of an action.
Option C:
For - Used to indicate duration, not the beginning of an action.
Option D:
At - Indicates a specific point in time, not used to describe when an action starts or continues from.
4.
The restaurant is open from 10am ..... 10pm.
A) Over.
B) Until.
C) By.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "until" is correctly used in the sentence to indicate the end time of the restaurant's operating hours. It specifies that the restaurant closes at 10pm, thus defining a clear timeframe from opening (10am) until closing (10pm).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Over" is not typically used to indicate a specific end time for an activity or business hours.
Option B:
Correct. "Until" properly indicates the restaurant's closing time.
Option C:
"By" suggests a point in time by which something should be completed, not necessarily indicating the exact end of an interval like business hours.
Option D:
Not applicable as "until" is the correct choice here.
5.
Pat's uncle left Canada ..... 1968 and went to Brazil.
A) At.
B) On.
C) In.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Pat's uncle left Canada ... 1968 and went to Brazil" uses a preposition of time, indicating the year in which an action occurred. The correct preposition here is "in," as it specifies the year 1968 when the event took place.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
At - Incorrect for specifying a year.
Option B:
On - Typically used for specific days, not years.
Option C:
In - Correctly indicates the year 1968.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect as "in" is correct.
6.
My grandpa was born ..... the 20th century.
A) On.
B) In.
C) At.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "in" is correctly used to indicate the century during which an event occurred, such as a person's birth. Therefore, the correct answer is B) In.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
On typically indicates specific days or points in time, not centuries.
Option B:
Correct usage for indicating the century of an event.
Option C:
At is used for specific times or locations, not for centuries.
Option D:
Not applicable as "in" is the correct preposition here.
7.
..... the summer we go to the pool.
A) In.
B) On.
C) At.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "in" is correctly used here to indicate the time period of summer, which is a longer duration. The phrase "In the summer" is a common way to refer to this season when discussing activities that occur during it.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "In the summer" is appropriate for indicating seasonal time.
Option B:
Incorrect. "On" typically refers to specific days or occasions, not seasons.
Option C:
Incorrect. "At" is used for specific points in time, like hours or exact moments, not for seasons.
Option D:
Not applicable as one of the options fits correctly.
8.
I travel ..... 5 weeks
A) IN.
B) ON.
C) AT.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "in" is used to indicate a period of time, such as weeks, months, years, etc. Therefore, the correct answer is A) IN.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Used for periods of time.
Option B:
Incorrect. "On" is used for specific days or occasions.
Option C:
Incorrect. "At" is used for specific points in time, like hours and exact moments.
Option D:
Incorrect. The correct preposition is known.
9.
Mrs. Fox asked for chickens ..... Thursdays.
A) IN.
B) ON.
C) AT.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Mrs. Fox asked for chickens on Thursdays." is correct because "on" is used to indicate a day of the week, which is a preposition of time.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
In is typically used with periods like years or seasons, not days.
Option B:
On is correct for indicating a specific day of the week.
Option C:
At is generally used for times and locations, not days.
Option D:
Not applicable as "on" fits correctly in this context.
10.
Our flight to London leaves ..... the second of July.
A) In.
B) On.
C) At.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) On.
When specifying a date, particularly the day of the month, "on" is the appropriate preposition to use in English. This is because dates are considered specific points in time and "on" indicates that something occurs at or during this point.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
In is typically used for longer periods like months, years, seasons, but not for specifying a day.
Option B:
On is correct for the second of July as it specifies a particular date.
Option C:
At is generally used with times rather than dates. For example, "at 2 PM" would be correct if referring to a specific time on any day.
Option D:
None of the above is not necessary since one option (B) is correct.
11.
I saw her ..... Xmas.
A) In.
B) On.
C) At.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "at" is correctly used here to indicate the time of a specific event, in this case, Christmas. In English, we use "at" for specific points in time, such as holidays or special occasions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"In" is typically used with months, years, and general periods, not specific events like Christmas.
Option B:
"On" is generally used for days of the week or specific dates, such as "on December 25th," but it's less common for holidays without a specific date mentioned.
Option C:
"At" is correct for indicating Christmas as a specific event in time.
Option D:
Not applicable since one of the options (C) is correct.
12.
Yesterday I woke up ..... midnight.
A) On.
B) In.
C) At.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "at" is used to indicate a specific time, especially when referring to the exact moment of day such as midnight. Therefore, "At midnight" correctly specifies the precise timing of waking up.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
On is typically used with days or dates but not for specifying times like midnight.
Option B:
In is generally used to indicate periods, such as "in the morning," but not for exact moments like midnight.
Option C:
At is correct because it specifies a precise moment in time, which is appropriate for midnight.
Option D:
Not applicable since one of the options (C) is correct.
13.
You have to submit your essay ..... Friday at midnight. Which preposition means Friday at midnight is the absolute latest deadline?
A) By.
B) On.
C) In.
D) Until.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"By Friday at midnight" indicates that the essay must be submitted before or at the exact time of Friday at midnight, which aligns with the requirement for the absolute latest deadline.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
By - Correct. Specifies the submission should occur no later than the given time.
Option B:
On - Implies a specific day, not necessarily the end of the day or an absolute deadline.
Option C:
In - Indicates duration or within a period, not suitable for specifying a deadline.
Option D:
Until - Suggests up to and including the time but can imply flexibility beyond the exact moment, making it less precise than "by."
14.
Could you deliver the computer monitor ..... the end of next week?
A) For.
B) Over.
C) By.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
By is the correct preposition to use in this context because it indicates a deadline for completing an action, which fits well with "by the end of next week."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
For - Incorrect. For typically introduces a reason or purpose and does not indicate a time frame.
Option B:
Over - Incorrect. Over is used to indicate movement across something, which doesn't fit the context of setting a deadline for an action.
Option C:
By - Correct. By indicates a specific point in time by which something must be completed or achieved.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect. Since "by" is correct, this option is not applicable.
15.
We went skiing in winter and ..... a camping holiday in summer.
A) On.
B) At.
C) In.
D) By.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "on" is correctly used here to indicate a specific occasion or event, which in this context refers to the timing of the camping holiday relative to skiing. Skiing and camping are activities that occur at different times of the year, and "on" appropriately marks the transition from one activity to another.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "On" is used to indicate a specific occasion or event.
Option B:
Incorrect. "At" is typically used for points in time, such as "at noon," but not for activities or events.
Option C:
Incorrect. "In" is generally used for months, seasons, and years, not for specific occasions or events.
Option D:
Incorrect. "By" indicates a point in time up to which something has been done, not an event or activity.
16.
There is no shortcut ..... success.
A) In.
B) On.
C) At.
D) To.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "to" is correctly used in the phrase "there is no shortcut to success." This indicates a destination or goal, which is appropriate for expressing that one cannot achieve success through any other means than the direct path or effort required. Other options like "in," "on," and "at" do not fit grammatically or semantically in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
In - Incorrect, as it does not indicate a goal or destination.
Option B:
On - Incorrect, as it does not fit the context of indicating a path to success.
Option C:
At - Incorrect, as it is typically used for specific points in time or locations and not for expressing a goal.
Option D:
To - Correct, as it properly indicates the destination or goal of achieving success.
17.
I like food ..... the moment.
A) In.
B) On.
C) At.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "at" is used to indicate a specific moment in time, which fits the context of the sentence "I like food at the moment." This usage correctly conveys that the speaker likes food during this particular instant or period.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
In is typically used for longer periods (e.g., in the morning, in summer).
Option B:
On is generally used for specific days or dates (e.g., on Monday, on New Year's Day).
Option C:
At is correct for indicating a moment in time.
Option D:
None of the above is not applicable since "at" fits perfectly here.
18.
My sister got married ..... July.
A) At.
B) On.
C) In.
D) X.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "in" is correctly used to indicate the month of July in this context. Months are typically denoted with "in," as it specifies a period rather than a precise date, which would require "on" for specific days or "at" for times.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
At is used for specific times (e.g., at 3 PM), not months.
Option B:
On is used for specific dates (e.g., on July 15th).
Option C:
In is the correct preposition for months, as it indicates a period of time.
Option D:
X is not an option to consider here.
19.
What time does he go to work ..... the morning?
A) In.
B) On.
C) At.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) In.
When referring to the time of day in a general sense, "in" is used before the morning, afternoon, evening, etc., as in "What time does he go to work in the morning?" This usage indicates that the specific time is within or during the morning period.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Used for general times of day.
Option B:
Incorrect. "On" is used with days, dates, and some events like on Monday or on vacation.
Option C:
Incorrect. "At" is typically used for specific points in time, such as at 8 AM.
Option D:
Incorrect. All other options are valid prepositions of time but not appropriate here.
20.
True or False:You would say 'I love seeing the decorations *at* Christmas, ' but you see your family '*on* Christmas Day.'
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prepositions "at" and "on" are used to indicate different types of time references in English. "At" is typically used for specific points in time, such as times of day (e.g., at 3 PM), while "on" is used for days, dates, or events (e.g., on Christmas Day). Therefore, the statement is correct because "at Christmas" implies a general period during which decorations are seen, whereas "on Christmas Day" specifies a particular day when family gatherings occur.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The usage of prepositions in the given sentences follows standard English grammar rules.
Option B:
Incorrect. The statement is true based on the correct use of prepositions for different time references.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only one option (A) is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
21.
The ghosts come out (a) midnight. It is scary!!
A) A. at.
B) In.
C) On.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "at" is correctly used to indicate a specific time, such as midnight. This usage is common in English when specifying exact times.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "At" is appropriate for indicating the specific time of midnight.
Option B:
Incorrect. "In" is typically used with broader periods like months, years, or general time frames but not for exact times like midnight.
Option C:
Incorrect. "On" is generally used for days, dates, and specific occasions, not for times of day.
Option D:
Not applicable since Option A is correct.
22.
Complete the sentence:We have a pizza party ..... Friday.
A) Since.
B) In.
C) On.
D) At.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) On.
When specifying a day of the week, we use the preposition "on." For example, "We have a pizza party on Friday."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Since indicates reason or time from which something has been happening. Incorrect for this context.
Option B:
In is used with months and years but not typically with days of the week. Incorrect here.
Option C:
On is correctly used to specify a day of the week. Correct answer.
Option D:
At is generally used for specific times, not days of the week. Incorrect in this case.
23.
I get up ..... 8 o'clock in the morning.
A) On.
B) In.
C) At.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) At.
When specifying a precise time, such as "8 o'clock," the preposition "at" is used in English. This follows the rule that specific times are introduced with "at."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"On" is typically used for days, dates, and some specific occasions like holidays.
Option B:
"In" is generally used for periods of time or to indicate the location within a larger timeframe (e.g., in the morning).
Option C:
"At" is correct for specifying exact times, such as 8 o'clock.
Option D:
Not applicable here since one of the options fits correctly.
24.
Which sentence uses the preposition of time correctly?
A) I will call you in the morning.
B) I will call you on the morning.
C) I will call you at the morning.
D) I will call you by the morning.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "in" is correctly used with the word "morning" in this context to indicate a general time period during which an action will take place. Other options are incorrect because:
- "On" is typically used for specific days or parts of a day, such as "on Monday morning."
- "At" is generally used for precise times, like "at 8 AM," but not with the general term "morning."
- "By" implies a deadline or end point, which does not fit here.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses "in" appropriately to denote a time period.
Option B:
Incorrect. "On" is too specific for the general term "morning."
Option C:
Incorrect. "At" is not used with "morning" in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. "By" implies a deadline, which is not applicable here.
25.
John is getting married ..... the end of this month.
A) On.
B) At.
C) In.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "at" is used to indicate a specific time, often when referring to the end of a month. Therefore, "At the end of this month" correctly specifies the timing for John's marriage.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
On typically indicates a specific day or occasion, not the end of a period.
Option B:
At is correct as it denotes a specific time or point in time at the end of the month.
Option C:
In is generally used for longer periods like months, years, or seasons, but not specifically for the end of a period.
Option D:
Not applicable as "At" is the correct choice.
26.
I always feel good ..... the morning.
A) On.
B) In.
C) X.
D) At.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "in" is correct when referring to the morning as part of a day. The phrase "I always feel good in the morning" indicates that the feeling occurs during the time period known as morning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
On - Incorrect; "on" typically refers to specific days or occasions, not times of day.
Option B:
In - Correct; used for periods of time like mornings, afternoons, evenings.
Option C:
X - Not an option provided by the question.
Option D:
At - Incorrect; "at" is generally used with specific times (e.g., at 7 AM).
27.
You can fly direct from London to New York ..... less than 7 hours.
A) In.
B) On.
C) At.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "in" is correctly used here to indicate the duration of time for a flight, which is less than 7 hours. This usage is appropriate because it specifies the timeframe within which the action (flying) occurs.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "In" is used to denote the duration or timeframe.
Option B:
Incorrect. "On" typically refers to a specific day, date, or surface, not time duration.
Option C:
Incorrect. "At" is generally used for precise points in time (e.g., at 3 o'clock) and not for durations.
Option D:
Incorrect. All other options are valid prepositions of time, but "in" fits the context best.
28.
We are leaving early ..... the morning.
A) In.
B) On.
C) At.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "in" is correctly used here because the sentence indicates a time period (the morning) rather than a specific point in time. "In the morning" is a common phrase to denote an early departure within the general timeframe of morning hours.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "In the morning" is appropriate for indicating a time period.
Option B:
Incorrect. "On the morning" would be used if specifying a particular day or morning, e.g., on Monday morning.
Option C:
Incorrect. "At the morning" is not typically used to indicate when something happens in general terms of time periods.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
29.
I always have a hangover ..... New Year's Day
A) On.
B) By.
C) In.
D) At.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "on" is correctly used to indicate a specific day, which in this case is New Year's Day. This usage is common when referring to particular dates.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "On New Year's Day" is the proper way to refer to a specific date.
Option B:
Incorrect. "By" is used to indicate a point in time up to which something has happened or will happen, not for specifying dates.
Option C:
Incorrect. "In" is typically used with months, years, and general periods of time, not specific days.
Option D:
Incorrect. "At" can be used for times but not for specific days; it would be correct to say "at midnight on New Year's Day," but not just "at New Year's Day."
30.
The zoo closes ..... sunset
A) On.
B) Of.
C) In.
D) At.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "at" is correctly used here to indicate the time of day, specifically when an event occurs precisely at a particular moment such as sunset. Other options like "on," "of," and "in" do not fit grammatically or semantically in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"On" is typically used with days, dates, or periods of time (e.g., on Monday). It does not correctly indicate the specific moment of sunset.
Option B:
"Of" is generally used to show possession or origin and does not fit in this context.
Option C:
"In" can be used with longer periods (e.g., in the morning) but not for a specific moment like sunset.
Option D:
"At" is correct as it specifies the exact time of day, which is when the zoo closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are prepositions of time?
Prepositions of time are words that indicate when an action occurs, such as "in," "on," and "at." They help to show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other elements in a sentence related to time.
How do prepositions of time differ from other types of prepositions?
Prepositions of time specifically relate to the timing or duration of events, whereas other prepositions might indicate location, direction, or movement. For example, "at" is used for specific times (e.g., at 3 PM), while "in" can be used for periods (e.g., in the morning).
Can prepositions of time change based on the context?
Yes, the choice of a preposition of time can depend on the specific context and what is being described. For instance, "on" might be used for days or surfaces (e.g., on Monday), while "at" could be used for points in time (e.g., at noon).
Why are prepositions of time important in English grammar?
Prepositions of time are crucial because they help to clarify when actions occur, making sentences more precise and understandable. They provide essential information about the timing or duration of events within a sentence.
How can I practice using prepositions of time correctly?
You can practice by reading and writing sentences that include various prepositions of time, such as "in," "on," and "at." Pay attention to how these words are used in different contexts and try to use them accurately in your own writing.