Adverbs of time
Introduction
The meeting finished early so I'm on my way home now. I'll see you later.
Definition
Adverbs of time tell us about time and duration.
Uses
We use them with verbs to answer the questions, "When?" and "How long?"
They can tell us exactly or less precisely when something happens and are often used as time markers in a narrative. We also use them to talk about duration.
Adverb | Meaning and use | Examples |
ago |
a time in the past |
I started working here two years ago.
I decided to change jobs a long time ago.
|
for |
a period of time - can be used with different tenses |
I worked as an engineer for five years; now I'm a project manager.
I've been a project manager for two years.
I'm working at head office for a few weeks because they need help.
I'm going to Italy for three weeks.
|
since |
from a point in the past - usually used with perfect tenses |
I've been a project manager since 2011.
I'd worked as an engineer since leaving university but I wanted a change.
I've been leading this team since I started.
|
still
|
continuing, not finished - maybe suggesting longer than expected |
I asked him to send us a replacement but we're still waiting for it.
My English is improving but I still find it difficult to speak on the phone.
|
after
|
following |
We're having a meeting after lunch.
|
afterwards
|
after something - we use it to avoid repeating a noun
|
We're having lunch at 12.00 and there'll be a meeting afterwards.
|
before |
preceding |
We're having a meeting before lunch.
|
beforehand |
before something - we use it to avoid repeating a noun
|
We're having lunch at 12.00 but there'll be a meeting beforehand.
|
already |
before now or a particular time Used for emphasis or to suggest 'sooner than expected'. |
We've already had success in China; now we want to try Japan.
I arrived late and they'd already started.
The deadline for the report is Friday but I've already finished it.
|
early |
near the beginning of a period or before an expected time
|
I like getting up early at weekends.
He's arriving early tomorrow afternoon.
My presentation's at 11.00 but I want to get there early so I can prepare.
|
earlier |
a (usually short) time before something. ['earlier' is also the comparative form of the adjective 'early']
|
I saw Xavier earlier but I don't know where he is now.
This is the agenda that I wrote earlier but I need to change it now.
I spent the afternoon relaxing because I'd prepared the dinner earlier.
We went to Paris earlier in the year to meet them so they're going to come here next time.
|
late |
near the end of a period or after an expected time |
I usually get up late on Sundays.
I like working late at night when it's quiet.
|
later |
a (usually short) time after something ['later' is also the comparative form of the adjective 'late']
|
I'm seeing Karine later so I'll give her your message.
Let's discuss it again later in the week. |
recently |
a short time ago/in the recent past/until now
|
I've been playing tennis a lot recently.
She recently changed jobs.
|
lately |
'recently' but used with the present perfect It is not the same as late.
|
We've been making progress lately.
I haven't seen him lately. |
finally |
in the end - sometimes suggests difficulties |
We had meetings all week and finally reached an agreement.
|
eventually |
'finally' but suggests a particularly long time or maybe problems or difficulties
|
He spent six months trying to persuade them to change their marketing strategy. Eventually, they agreed with him. |
ever |
at any time |
If you ever need any help, just ask.
Do you ever travel with your job?
She's happier than ever, now that she has a new job.
Have you ever been to China?
|
long |
to talk about duration |
Have you been waiting long?
|
yet |
1. until now in the present perfect
2. 'still' in the present |
I haven't met the new boss yet.
I'm not working in the Paris office yet - I'll probably start next month. [= I'm still not working in the Paris office, although I expected to be by now.]
|
just |
in the recent past - usually with perfect tenses but also possible with past tenses if very recent |
We've just signed the contract so we're going out to celebrate later.
I just saw him - he left the office two minutes ago.
I was just thinking about you - I'm glad you've called.
|
then |
1. at that time
2. next |
I was working in Paris then.
Then I moved to the South of France.
|
Construction
These adverbs have a variety of meanings and uses so there are no simple rules about word order. They might appear at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of a sentence depending on the structure or the tense.
Time markers
We use some adverbs of time when narrating a series of actions or events. For example, when telling a story, describing a process or giving instructions: First, you need to find a suitable venue. Then agree on a date that is convenient for everyone and finally send reminders to everyone. Firstly, all candidates will be interviewed by the panel. Secondly, they will have to give a short presentation. Next, the shortlisted candidates will be invited for a second interview. And finally the successful applicant will be notified by phone and the others by email. Note that 1. First and firstly have the same meaning but firstly is a little more formal. 2. "At first" is not an adverb and has a different meaning from first and firstly. It refers to an early stage of something. For example: I started working for a big company last year. At first, it was difficult to remember people's names but now I know nearly everyone. I didn't like him at first but now we get on well together. Similarly, 'at last' is not an adverb. It has a similar meaning to finally but emphasises that something has taken a very long time: I looked everywhere for him. At last, I found him in the canteen. Here's the train - at last! 3. Then has the same meaning as next in this context.
'During'
'During' is a preposition and is not used in the same way as for to talk about duration:
He worked here during three years. 
He worked here for three years. 
'During' is used in these ways:
1. To talk about something that happens throughout a period of time:
This restaurant is open during the day. [from some time in the morning until the evening]
The restaurant was open during one day last week.
The restaurant was open for one day last week.
2. To talk about a more specific period:
During the company's first two years, it was successful.
During two years, the company was successful.
3. To talk about something that happened at an unspecified point within a period of time:
She was born during the Second World War.
I sometimes wake up during the night.
He called me during the meeting.
Examples
Three weeks ago, we went to London for the weekend.
We couldn't find Jodi this morning. First we looked in her office. Then we tried the boardroom and finally found her in the canteen.
The figures have been better lately but we haven't reached our targets yet.
"It's lovely to see you again. What have you been doing since last time?" "Well, I got promoted recently so I've been travelling a lot. How about you?" "I'm still based here at the moment but I'm moving to the London office later this year."
"Here's the agenda. I've just finished it." "Thanks. How long will the meeting last, do you think?" "Not long - I've got to go straight to the airport afterwards so we're finishing earlier than usual." "Great - see you later."
