When and how long
When does it happen, and how long does it last?
Merkitys
Time expressions tell us when something happens or how long it lasts. They can name a clock time, a day, a starting point, or a length of time. Languages use separate words, endings, or context; some have no special endings for time expressions. Unlike Past, present and future, this block gives a time or duration rather than just placing an event before now, now, or later.
Näin tunnistat sen
Look for words or forms that answer when, since when, until when, or for how long.
Opiskeltavalla kielelläsi
English uses words such as yesterday and expressions with at, on, and in to say when something happens. For gives a length of time, while since gives the starting point of a period continuing to a later point, often now. Time expressions often go at the beginning or end of a sentence.
The class starts at nine on Monday.
At is used with a clock time and on with a day.
We waited for twenty minutes.
For introduces the length of time.
I've lived here since 2020.
Since marks the starting year; the situation continues now.
Learners whose language uses one marker for different kinds of time expressions may mix up at, on, and in. Learners whose language does not distinguish a duration from its starting point in the same way may confuse for and since.