When we talk, write, or think about events, it’s important to explain when they happen. That’s where time words come in! These words help us place actions and events in the past, present, or future, and describe how often or how long something occurs.

What Are Time Words?

Time words are words or phrases that tell us about the timing of an event. They help answer questions like:

• When did it happen?

• How often does it happen?

• For how long did it last?

They include:

• Adverbs of time (e.g., now, soon, yesterday)

• Prepositions of time (e.g., at, on, in)

• Time expressions (e.g., last week, next year, for two hours)

Common Time Words and How to Use Them

1. Adverbs of Time
These give information about when something happens.

• Now — right at this moment

• Yesterday — the day before today

• Tomorrow — the day after today

• Soon — in a short time

• Already — before now or earlier than expected

• Later — after this time

Example:
I’m studying now.
She left yesterday.
We will meet tomorrow.

2. Prepositions of Time
Used to link specific times to actions.

• At — for specific times or holidays
  at 5 PM, at Christmas

• On — for days and dates
  on Monday, on July 4th

• In — for months, years, centuries, and long periods
  in April, in 2020, in the 21st century

3. Time Expressions
Phrases that describe when or how long.

• Last week/month/year — the week/month/year before now

• Next week/month/year — the week/month/year after now

• This morning/afternoon/evening — parts of the current day

• For + duration — to express how long
  for two hours, for three days

• Since + starting point — to show when something began
  since Monday, since 2018

Why Are Time Words Important?

• They help organize stories by showing the order of events.

• They clarify schedules when making plans or appointments.

• They improve communication by giving clear time references.

• They help describe habits and routines clearly.

Quick Tips to Practice Time Words

• Talk about your daily routine using words like before, after, then, and now.

• Write a journal entry describing what you did yesterday or what you plan to do tomorrow.

• Listen for time words in conversations, movies, or songs.

• Use flashcards with common time words and practice making sentences.