Adverbs of time
A1 BeginnerAdverbs of time describe when an action happens or for how long. These words help provide a chronological context for events in the past, present, or future.
Overview
Adverbs of time answer the question when. They are essential for organizing information and indicating the sequence of events. Common A1 adverbs include:
- now: at this exact moment
- today: on this current day
- then: at that time in the past or future
- yesterday: on the day before today
- tomorrow: on the day after today
Position in a Sentence
Subject + Verb + (Object) + Adverb of Time
Adverbs of time usually sit at the end of a sentence. They can also appear at the beginning of a sentence to emphasize the time, often followed by a comma in writing.
Examples
Common mistakes
I today go to the park.
I am going to the park today.
Adverbs of time like 'today' should not be placed between the subject and the verb.
I saw him tomorrow.
I saw him yesterday.
Ensure the adverb matches the verb tense; 'tomorrow' requires a future construction.
Practice
Complete the sentence: I am eating lunch ____ (at this moment).
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now
Answer:now
Why:'Now' is the adverb used to describe an action happening at the current moment.
Choose the correct word: I went to the cinema ____ (the day before today).
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yesterday
Answer:yesterday
Why:'Yesterday' refers to the day immediately preceding today and is used with past tense verbs.
Reorder the words: (today / is / Monday).
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Today is Monday.
Answer:Today is Monday.
Why:When 'today' acts as the subject or a time marker at the start, it precedes the verb.