Understanding Correct Prepositions for Time Phrases: At, In, or During
When it comes to conveying time in English, using the correct preposition can make a significant difference. This article explores the nuances of using 'at,' 'in,' or 'during' in specific time phrases, focusing on common expressions such as the early morning and night.
The Correct Phrase: At, In, or During?
In order to choose the correct preposition for time phrases, it is essential to understand the distinctions between 'at,' 'in,' and 'during.'
1. At
'At' is typically used for specific points in time. Here are a few examples:
At dawn: Used to indicate a very specific moment just before the sun rises. At 7 AM: Indicates a specific time in the morning. At noon: Indicates the midday hour.2. In
'In' is used for longer periods of time. Here are some examples:
In the morning: Refers to the entire period from sunrise until mid-morning. In the night: Indicates the entire period during the night, from dusk until dawn.3. During
'During' is used for a specific event or time of day. Some common examples include:
During the early morning: Indicates the specific period of time from the start of morning until mid-morning. During the night: Indicates the entire period of the night.Common Expressions and Usage
A. In the Early Morning
This phrase is more commonly used and refers to a specific time frame during the early part of the day typically from sunrise until around mid-morning. For example:
She wakes up in the early morning to prepare breakfast.
B. At Early Morning
This phrase is less common but can be used to refer to a specific moment or point in time during the early hours of the morning. For example:
He met her at early morning meeting near the café.
4. Night as an Exception
It is important to note that 'night' is an exception to the rule and the usual expression is 'at night.' You could say 'in the night' to imply something that happened during that particular night. For example:
I had a strange dream in the night.
Additional Context and Usage
A. Duration of the Morning
Morning starts right after sunrise and it is usually determined by the time the cock crows. Before sunrise it is still night. Morning runs from about sunrise to between 8 and 9 AM when all except certain trades begin work. However, the beginning of morning depends on sunrise which varies every day. Early hours of the day would thus indicate — near sunrise, which sometimes would be from 5 AM to 7 AM, while at others it could be 5, 6, or 7 AM.
B. Late Morning
Late morning starts after 9 AM and lasts about an hour. Then there is around noon which is before 12 PM. After which comes noon exact or just after noon, and then it is considered fuzzy.
C. Historical Context of Time
Before people had watches, they looked at the sun to see what time it was. The easiest and most accurate guesstimate was late morning (when the sun was high), dinner time just before sunset, and breakfast time soon after sunrise. For millions of years, time didn’t mean hours, it meant when people could or would eat as a group because they didn’t have clocks, just sundials.
Conclusion
Choosing the correct preposition can enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. Whether it is 'at,' 'in,' or 'during,' understanding the distinctions can help you communicate more precisely. Whether you are referring to the early morning, the night, or any other period, the right preposition can make all the difference.