Understanding Time: Definitions and Examples

Sandra Duggleby PhD. sandraduggleby@gmail.com

1. During the period of time preceding (a particular event, date, or time) 1. Before he ate dinner, he had to rest. 2. Before her very eyes, her child disappeared into the crowd. 2. In front of 3. He looked at the map carefully before he proceeded through the busy streets of Paris. 3. Prior to; earlier or sooner than Definition Sentence

1. Within a short period after this or that time, event, etc. 2. Before long; in the near future. 3. At an early date; early in a period of time; before the time specified is much advanced. 1. Soon after he calls, we should know what to do next. 2. Soon, the geese will be flying south for the winter. 3. As soon as we can get our shoes on, we can take a walk outside. Definition Sentence

1. Now we will begin the ceremony to celebrate our success. 1. The present time. 2. At the present moment; under the present circumstances. 2. Now the children climbed the mountain with excitement. 3. Once they reach the top of the mountain, now they will have to climb down. 3. At the time referred to Definition Sentence

1. At this moment 1. Currently we are studying the impact we have on the environment. 2. Currently her grades are becoming better. 2. At the present time. 3. We are currently using a dictionary to look up unfamiliar words. 3. Now Definition Sentence

1. The moment we saw the fireworks, we were excited to be there. 1. A brief, indefinite interval of time. 2. A specific point in time, especially the present time: 3. A particular period of importance, influence, or significance in a series of events or developments 2. The moment he crossed the finish line, the audience applauded wildly. 3. At that moment, he shed tears of joy. Definition Sentence

1. Before all others or anything else in time, order, rank, etc. 1. First, the band will play and next we will hear the speeches. 2. First, she visited Cochrane, then she drove her car to the mountains. 2. Before some other thing, event, etc. 3. In the first place; firstly; in preference of something. 3. In the first place (Firstly) , I would like to help out the flood victims. Definition Sentence

1. As she walked down the hall, she tripped and fell. 1. To the same degree or amount. 2. Equally 2. Her smile was a bright as a shining star. 3. For instance; when considered in a specified relation. 3. As a result of her hard work, she became successful. Definition Sentence

1. Without delay. 1. Immediately, the boy began to cry when he couldn t find his parents. 2. Immediately the girls began to dance to the music. 3. After he won the award, he immediately thanked his parents. 2. At once; instantly 3. Without any intervening time or space. Definition Sentence

1. At once 1. Instantly, the little boy put up his hand to answer a question. 2. Immediately 2. Instantly, the couple smiled when their son crossed the finish line. 3. Urgently or persistently 3. He instantly made his bed and cleaned his room. Definition Sentence

1. When we were at the waterslides, we had so much fun together. 1. At what time. 2. At or during which time. 2. When we didn t lock our doors, our home was robbed. 3. The baby began to walk when no one was watching. 3. At the time or in the event that. Definition Sentence

1. Whenever he leaves the house, he always takes an umbrella. 1. At any time 2. Every time 2. Whenever the door slams, the baby begins to cry. 3. At whatever time 3. The teacher likes originality whenever it is shown. Definition Sentence

1. Gradually, she realized that he wasn t telling her the truth. 1. Slowly 2. Over a period of time 3. Over a period of distance. 2. Gradually, the snow began to accumulate on the mountain tops. 3. The river bank gradually slopes down to the water. Definition Sentence

1. Momentarily the wind let up, allowing us to start a campfire. 2. Momentarily he paused before finishing his speech. 1. For a very short time. 2. At any moment 3. Very soon. 3. We expect them to arrive momentarily. Definition Sentence

Occasionally At times Now and then Every now and again, Once in a while Every so often Periodically Sometimes it rains for many days. Sometimes, on a clear day, you can see for miles. Sometimes you can see grizzly bears grazing for berries. Sometimes the bears are to busy eating berries to notice hikers. Definition Sentence

Sometime in the future we plan to build a new house. At a future time At an unknown time Sometime later we will get an ice cream cone. At an unnamed time Sometime before we go on our holiday, we should plan out our schedule for places we would like to tour. Definition Sentence

1. During in the time that; at the same time that 1. While she was reading a book, she also was listening to music. 2. While we wait, we should grab a bite to eat. 2. As long as 3. While the sky appeared to be clear, an ominous looking cloud lurked in the distance. 3. Even though; although Definition Sentence

1. At that time 1. Then the prices were lower. 2. Then it started to rain right after we got out of the car. 2. Immediately or soon afterward 3. At first the water appeared to be blue, then gray. 3. Next in order of time Definition Sentence

1. Nearest or immediately following. 1. Next, we will listen to Sarah present her work. 2. In the place, time, importance, etc., 2. Next in line is Ben. 3. Lisa will perform her song next. 3.On the first occasion to follow Definition Sentence

1. Immediately at 1. As soon as the sun goes down the mosquitoes start to bite. 2. After another event 2. As soon as we finish our coffee, we will go shopping. 3. Just after; at the earliest moment that 3. We will eat the chocolate cake as soon as we finish our dinner. Definition Sentence

1. Following in time or place. 1. After we eat dinner, we will go to a movie. 2. After a while, the students became bored with the movie. 2. Later in time. 3. If something follows something, it is after it. 3. The little girl walked across the stage after her brother. Definition Sentence

1. Following in time order 1. Later, we will go to the zoo to see the monkeys. 2. Eventually, inevitably 2. We will have dinner later in the day. 3. Afterwards, subsequently, (sometimes used with the words on 3. Later on we will enjoy a swim in the river. Definition Sentence

1. At an unspecified later time. 1. Eventually, I did get better and returned to school. 2. In the end. 2. Eventually, I am sure that we ll succeed. 3. At some later time 3. Her neverending persistence eventually helped her to succeed. Definition Sentence

1. Since the new pool has been built, many children have been getting more exercise. 1. From a definite past time until now. 2. Before the present time. 2. Since getting braces, the boy cannot eat corn on the cob. 3. After a time in the past. 3. She graduated four years ago and has since become a lawyer. Definition Sentence

1. At the final point or moment; in the end 1. Finally he made it up the mountain. 2. In a final manner; conclusively or decisively 2. Finally the little girl stopped crying. 3. After three tries, he finally passed his driving test. 3. At last, eventually; after considerable delay Definition Sentence

Halliday, M.A., & Hasan, R. (1976). Cohesion in English. London, England: Longman