Metaphorical or Abstract Use of Place Preposition Time Position: at, on, in

1.3.1.2 The Function of Preposition: Time

a. Time Position: at, on, in

At, on, and in as prepositions of time when are to some extent parallel to the same items as positive prepositions of position, although in the time sphere there are only two ‘dimension types’, ‘point of time’ and ‘period of time’. Example:  At ten o’clock  On New Year’s day  In August

b. Measurement into the future : in

To denote measurement from the present time, the post posed adverb ago is used for a span back to a point of time in the past, and in for a similar span ahead into the future. Example:  We met three months ago.  We will meet in three months time  We will meet in three months from now

c. Duration: for, during, over, all through, throughout.

Preparation phrases of duration answer the how long? Example:  How long did you camp in Scotland?  We camped there for the summer. d. Duration: from…to, until, up to From…to till is another pair of preposition whose locative function is transferred to duration. Example:  We camped there from June till September

1.3.1.3 The Cause Purpose Spectrum

a. Cause, reason, motive: because of, on account of, for, from.

At one end of the causepurpose spectrum, we have prepositions expressing either the material cause or the psychological cause motive for a happening. Phrase of cause, reason, and motive answer the question why…? Example:  We had to drive slowly because of the heavy rain.  On account of his wide experience, he was made chairman.

b. Purpose, intended destination: for

Phrases of purpose or destination answer the questions Why…?, What…for?, Where…for?, or Who…for?. Example:  He will do anything for money.  Everyone ran for shelter.

c. Recipient, goal, target: for, to, at

When for is followed by noun phrases denoting persons or animals, the meaning is rather one of intended recipient. In contrast to the nation of intended