Deep Dive
Why do we use 'at' for specific times like 'at 2.30'?
We use 'at' for specific times on the clock, such as 'at 2.30' or 'at 3 o'clock', as well as for particular points in the day like 'at lunchtime' or 'at breakfast'.
When do we use 'on' in time expressions?
We use 'on' with days of the week (e.g., 'on Monday'), specific dates (e.g., 'on June 20th'), and special days (e.g., 'on Christmas Day').
What are some examples of using 'in' for time expressions?
We use 'in' for parts of the day (e.g., 'in the afternoon'), seasons (e.g., 'in spring'), months (e.g., 'in June'), and years (e.g., 'in 1996').
Why do British people say 'at the weekend' instead of 'on the weekend'?
In British English, 'at the weekend' is commonly used, while some other speakers may use 'on the weekend'. Both are acceptable.
What is the top tip for learning vocabulary from this episode?
Instead of learning individual words, try learning small chunks of language like time phrases, as they are easier to learn and make English sound more natural.
- Use 'at' for specific times, points in the day (lunchtime), special days (Easter), and festivals.
- Use 'on' for days of the week, specific dates, and special days (Christmas Day).
- Use 'in' for parts of the day (afternoon), seasons, months, and years.
Shownotes Transcript
Hello and welcome to 6 Minute Vocabulary. I'm Neil.
A very smart Neil and I'm Catherine. Why are you wearing a suit, Neil? You're looking very smart for work. Well, yes, you're right. I am wearing a suit because I'm going to a wedding at one o'clock.
Very good. I love weddings. I love weddings too. I'm going to another one on Saturday. Fantastic, Neil. And at and on are two of the words we're discussing in today's programme. Yes, because we're talking about time expressions with in, on and at. We'll explain why we say at one o'clock but on Saturday. Yes, and we'll give you lots of examples.
Let's start by listening to Mike and Rob. They're trying to find a time to meet up. Think about this question while you listen. What time can Rob meet Mike?
How about lunch on Monday, Rob? Well, I've got a meeting at 11.30. OK. Are you free on Tuesday? The engineers are coming at lunchtime. The washing machine's flooded again. It happened at Easter too. Well, what are you doing in the afternoon? Sorry, I'm playing football. OK. Perhaps we could meet in the pub on Saturday evening?
We've got guests at the weekend. How about this afternoon at 2.30? So, we asked you what time can Rob meet Mike? And the answer is at 2.30. When we say a particular time on the clock, we use at. So, we say at 2.30, at 3 o'clock. We also use at in other time expressions. Listen out for them in this clip.
how about lunch on monday rob well er ive got a meeting at eleven thirty okay are you free on tuesday the engineer's coming at lunch time the washing machine's flooded again it happened at easter too
So, Rob had a meeting at 11.30. It's at because it's a time. That's right. We also heard at lunchtime. We use at with particular points during the day, like meal times. So it's at breakfast, at lunch.
At dinner. And also we say at noon, at midnight. Now, Rob said his washing machine flooded at Easter. We use at to talk about a special day or group of days. So it's at Easter, at New Year. At Christmas. So that's at. Now let's look at on. We use on with days of the week. So, on Monday…
We also use on with specific dates – on the 3rd of May, on June the 20th. And we use on with specific days – on Christmas Day –
On Easter Sunday. On my birthday. That's right. But remember it's at Easter, at Christmas, when we are referring to the general time period. Good. Now let's listen to another clip with more time expressions. This time, listen out for the time expression with in.
What are you doing in the afternoon? Sorry, I'm playing football. OK. Perhaps we could meet in the pub on Saturday evening? We've got guests at the weekend. How about this afternoon at 2.30? So we had in the afternoon. We use in with parts of the day, so it's in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening. But did you notice that it's on Saturday evening –
If we use a day of the week plus morning, afternoon or evening, we use on. And we also use in with seasons, so it's in spring, in the winter. We use in with months and years, so it's in June, in 1996. Notice also that Rob said at the weekend –
Rob speaks British English, so he used at the weekend. Some other speakers will say on the weekend. It's perfectly fine.
And we're talking about time expressions with in, on and at. We are. So to recap, we use on with days of the week, dates and special days. We use at with times and particular points in the day. British people say at the weekend. And we also use at with festivals. We use in for seasons, months and years. And now for a quiz.
Fill the gaps with in, on or at. Ready? Number one. What do you usually do... the weekend? And the answer is... at. Good. Number two. Don't be late. The film starts... nine. And the answer is... at. And the last one. There are usually fireworks in London... New Year's Eve. And the answer is...
Well done if you got them all right. Well done indeed. And now for today's top tip for learning vocabulary. Instead of learning individual new words one by one, try learning small chunks of language, like time phrases. They will be easier to learn and they make your English sound a lot more natural. There's more about this at bbclearningenglish.com. Join us again for more 6 Minute Vocabulary. Bye. 6 Minute Vocabulary 6 Minute Vocabulary
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And in 2017, Miranda, a university tutor from London, joins a yoga school that promises profound transformation. It felt a really safe and welcoming space. After yoga classes, I felt amazing. But soon, that calm, welcoming atmosphere leads to something far darker, a journey that leads to allegations of grooming, trafficking and exploitation across international borders. ♪
I don't have my passport, I don't have my phone, I don't have my bank cards, I have nothing. The passport being taken, the being in a house and not feeling like they can leave.
You just get sucked in so gradually.
And it's done so skillfully that you don't realize. And it's like this, the secret that's there. I wanted to believe that, you know, that...
Whatever they were doing, even if it seemed gross to me, was for some spiritual reason that I couldn't yet understand. Revealing the hidden secrets of a global yoga network. I feel that I have no other choice. The only thing I can do is to speak about this and to put my reputation and everything else on the line. I want truth and justice.
And for other people to not be hurt, for things to be different in the future. To bring it into the light and almost alchemise some of that evil stuff that went on and take back the power. World of Secrets, Season 6, The Bad Guru. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.