Choosing the right preposition when talking about time can sometimes be confusing. This is particularly true when deciding between “on” and “in” for days of the week.
Should you say “on Friday” or “in Friday“? Let’s dive into the rules and clarify which preposition to use and why.
Understanding Prepositions in Time Expressions
Prepositions of time help us describe when something happens. They are crucial in making our communication clear and precise. The most common prepositions of time include “on,” “in,” and “at.”
- “On”: Used for specific days and dates.
- “In”: Used for longer periods such as months, years, centuries, and seasons.
- “At”: Used for precise times of the day, holidays, and festivals.
Examples of Common Usage
- On: “I will meet you on Tuesday.” “She was born on April 1st.”
- In: “We will go on vacation in August.” “The project is due in 2025.”
- At: “The meeting is at 10 AM.” “We celebrate Christmas at the end of December.”
Understanding these distinctions helps avoid common mistakes in both spoken and written English.
The Preposition “On”
When talking about specific days, we use the preposition “on.” This is a straightforward rule that applies to days of the week, dates, and special days.
Usage
“On” is used for days and dates:
- Days of the Week: “on Monday,” “on Friday,” “on Sunday”
- Dates: “on March 15,” “on the 10th of June”
Example Sentences:
- “I have a dentist appointment on Friday.”
- “The concert is scheduled for on Saturday.”
Rules and Patterns
- Specificity: “On” is used to denote specific points in time.
- Routine Actions: It is common to use “on” for regular or recurring events (e.g., “I go to the gym on Mondays”).
Examples
- Correct: “We will meet on Friday.”
- Incorrect: “We will meet in Friday.”
The Preposition “In”
“In” is used for longer periods, not specific days. This preposition helps us talk about broader time frames like months, seasons, years, and centuries.
Usage
“In” is used for:
- Months: “in January,” “in July”
- Years: “in 2023,” “in 1999”
- Seasons: “in summer,” “in winter”
Example Sentences:
- “The project will be completed in July.”
- “They are planning to visit in 2024.”
Rules and Patterns
- General Time Periods: “In” is for less specific time frames.
- Future and Past Events: Use “in” for both future plans and historical events (e.g., “in the 19th century”).
Examples
- Correct: “We will go on vacation in August.”
- Incorrect: “We will go on vacation on August.”
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Incorrect Usage
One frequent mistake is using “in” when “on” is appropriate. For example:
- Incorrect: “She will arrive in Friday.”
- Correct: “She will arrive on Friday.”
This error often occurs because people mistakenly generalize the use of “in” for all time expressions, not recognizing that “on” is necessary for specific days.
Explanation
The confusion stems from the similarity in how “on” and “in” both refer to time, but they operate on different levels of specificity. While “in” refers to broader time periods, “on” is for precise moments.
Practical Tips for Correct Usage
Here’s a quick reference guide to help you choose the right preposition:
Time ExpressionPrepositionExamplesSpecific DaysOnon Monday, on FridayDatesOnon April 5, on the 1st of MayMonthsInin June, in NovemberYearsInin 2022, in 1990SeasonsInin winter, in spring
Practice Sentences
Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition:
- “The wedding will be held ____ June.”
- “My birthday is ____ Friday.”
- “We went on a trip ____ 2019.”
Answers:
- in
- on
- in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I ever use “in” with days of the week?
A: No, “in” is not used with days of the week. Always use “on” for specific days.
Q: What about other time-related expressions?
A: Use “in” for longer periods such as months, years, and seasons. For specific days and dates, use “on.”
Conclusion
Understanding when to use “on” versus “in” can significantly enhance the clarity of your communication.
Remember, “on” is used for specific days and dates, while “in” is reserved for broader time frames like months, years, and seasons. By applying these rules, you can avoid common mistakes and express time more precisely.