Time Prepositional Phrases Exercises
B1 Level
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The most important contrast is on time versus in time. Use on time when something is punctual, not late, or completed by the required time: "The meeting started on time." Use in time when something happens early enough before a deadline or danger: "The firefighters arrived in time." Other phrases mark different meanings: at once means immediately, at the moment means currently, for the time being means temporarily, and in the meantime means during a waiting period. Read the time clue first: schedule, deadline, urgency, temporary situation, or waiting period.
Quick Rule
subject + verb + fixed time prepositional phrase for schedule, deadline, urgency, current time, temporary time, waiting time, frequency, or long-term result
- 1.The train arrived on time this morning.
- 2.We did not get there in time to hear the first song.
- 3.Please call the doctor at once.
- 4.I am living with my parents for the time being.
- 5.The results are not ready yet; in the meantime, try to relax.
- 6.In the long run, daily reading improves your vocabulary.
All 20 questions
Complete each sentence by typing the correct time-related prepositional phrase from the three options shown in parentheses.
The train always departs _____. It never leaves late. (in time / at once / on time)
If we leave now, we'll get there _____ for the concert. (in time / at once / for the time being)
Come here _____! I need your help with something urgent. (in the long run / in the meantime / at once)
She's not looking for a permanent job _____. She wants to travel first. (on time / at the moment / in time)
I'm staying at my parents' house _____, until I find my own flat. (in the long run / at once / for the time being)
Renting may be cheaper now, but _____, buying a house is a better investment. (at the moment / in the long run / for the time being)
Your dinner is in the oven. _____, I'm going to have a shower. (At once / In the meantime / On time)
He only visits his grandparents _____. He should go more often. (from time to time / at the moment / at once)
Please make sure all reports are submitted _____. Late submissions will not be accepted. (in time / in the meantime / on time)
The doctor told me to rest _____. She said I might need surgery later. (from time to time / for the time being / in time)
We ran as fast as we could and made it just _____ to catch the last ferry. (on time / at the moment / in time)
Can I call you back later? I'm _____ quite busy with a project. (at the moment / at once / in the long run)
Learning a language is hard at first, but _____ it becomes easier. (at once / in the long run / for the time being)
The meeting started late because the director didn't arrive _____. (on time / at the moment / in the meantime)
I go swimming _____ — maybe once or twice a month. (from time to time / at once / at the moment)
Stop what you're doing and come downstairs _____. (on time / at once / at the moment)
The shop is closed _____, but it should reopen next month after the renovation. (for the time being / in the meantime / from time to time)
The exam results won't be ready until Friday. _____, try to relax. (In the meantime / In the long run / At once)
I'm happy with my flat _____. I might move next year, though. (at once / at the moment / in time)
Luckily, the firefighters arrived _____ to save the building. Another few minutes and it would have been destroyed. (at once / on time / in time)
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