30 Time Expressions in English

30 Time Expressions in English (Meanings & Examples) | B2–C1

Time expressions are small words and phrases with big power. They help us say when something happens, how long it lasts, and by what point it must be completed. If you are writing emails, essays, stories, or preparing for B2 First (FCE) or C1 Advanced (CAE), accurate use of time expressions will immediately make your English sound more precise and natural.

In this lesson, you’ll learn 30 essential time expressions, with clear meanings and realistic example sentences.

Let’s take our time — wisely.

Time Expressions Showing Start & End Points

From … to

Shows the beginning and end of a period.

→ Today’s meeting is from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Since

Shows the starting point of an action (usually with the present perfect).

→ Sara has been working for this company since 2020.

Until / Till

Shows the point when something stops.

→ We’ll wait until Rebecca arrives before we eat.

By

Shows a deadline — not later than a specific time.

→ Please finish the report by Friday.

Time Expressions Showing Duration

For

Shows how long something lasts.

→ Tom has been writing the article for two hours.

During

Shows when something happens within a period.

→ We stayed at the hotel during the conference.

Throughout

Emphasises that something happens continuously.

→ It rained throughout the night.

Over

Refers to an activity during a period of time.

→ She worked on the project over the weekend.

Within

Means “before the end of a period”.

→ You’ll receive a reply within two days.

Time Expressions Referring to the Future

In

Shows how long before something happens.

→ I’ll be home in an hour.

For the next

Refers to an upcoming period.

→ Robert will be away for the next two days.

For the foreseeable future

As far ahead as we can reasonably predict.

→ The policy will remain unchanged for the foreseeable future.

Specific Points in Time

At

Used for exact times.

→ The train leaves at 6:45.

On

Used for days and dates.

→ The parcel should arrive on Wednesday.

“All + time period” Expressions

All day

→ She’s been working all day.

All night

→ It was snowing all night.

All week

→ Laura studied for her exams all week.

All month

→ They stayed by the sea all month.

All year

→ He’s been waiting for this opportunity all year.

Indefinite or Emphatic Time Expressions

For a while

A short but undefined period.

→ We chatted for a while and then left.

For ages

A very long time (informal).

→ I haven’t seen her for ages!

For a short time

→ He felt nervous for a short time.

For a long time

→ She sat there for a long time without speaking.

For the time being

Temporarily, for now.

→ Let’s leave this issue for the time being.

Referring to Past & Remaining Time

For the past

Refers to a period leading up to now.

→ He’s been ill for the past three days.

For the entire

Emphasises the whole period.

→ We travelled together for the entire week.

For the whole

Similar meaning, slightly more informal.

→ They lived in the village for the whole winter.

For the rest (of)

The remaining part of a period.

→ They didn’t speak for the rest of the evening.

For the remainder of

More formal; often used in writing.

→ Prices will stay stable for the remainder of the month.

For the duration (of)

Emphasises the full length of something.

→ He slept for the duration of the film.

Exam Tip (B2–C1)

Examiners love accurate time reference. Mixing up since and for, or by and until, is a common mistake — but also an easy one to fix. Master these expressions, and your writing instantly becomes clearer and more professional.

Download Time Expressions in English – Practice Worksheet in PDF here

Learn how to prepare for the Cambridge B2 First exam here