In, on and at (time)

A Saying when

Look at these examples.

IN ON AT

We bought the flat in 1994. The race is on Saturday. The film starts at seven thirty.

In + year/month/season On + day/date At + clock time/meal time

in 1988 on Wednesday at three o'clock

in September on 15 April at lunch (-time)

in winter on that day at that time

in the 21st century On + a single day at the moment

In + a week or more on Easter Monday At + two or three days

in the Easter holiday on Christmas Day at Easter/Christmas

in the summer term at the weekend (US: on the weekend)

In + part of day On + day + part of day

in the morning on Friday morning

in the evening on Tuesday evening

Look at these examples with night.

I woke up in the night. (in the middle of the night)

It happened on Monday night.

I cant sleep at night. (when it is night)

But we do not use in, on or at before every, last, next, this, tomorrow and yesterday.

We go to Greece every summer.

My brother came home last Christmas.

I'll see you next Friday.

I leave school this year.

The party is tomorrow evening.

The group set off yesterday morning.

IN TIME

In time means 'early enough'.

We'll have to hurry if we want to be in time for the show.

We got to the airport in time to have a coffee before checking in.

I was about to close the door when just in time I remembered my key. (at the last moment)

ON TIME

On time means 'at the right time', 'on schedule'.

I hope the meeting starts on time.

The plane took off on time.

Rachel is never on time. She's always late.

We can use in for the time it takes to complete something.

I did the crossword in five minutes.

Could you walk thirty miles in a day?

We can also use in for a future time measured from the present.

Your photos will be ready in an hour. (an hour from now)

The building will open in six weeks/in six weeks' time.