Temporal Expressions: English Vocabulary List

from the beginning or continuously throughout a period of time

"He knew the truth all along."

"He knew the truth all along but he chose to keep it a secret to protect his family."

used to indicate that something is happening or being done in the usual or customary way

"As per usual he was late."

"As per usual he was late to the meeting and everyone was already waiting for him."

up to the present time

"As yet no decision has been made."

"As yet no decision has been made about the new policy so we just have to wait and be patient."

used to indicate that something will happen or be accomplished eventually or after a period of time

"By and by the sun came out."

"By and by the sun came out and the children were finally able to go outside to play."

used to refer to a point in the future or a specific moment that is coming soon

"There is a gas station up ahead."

"There is a gas station up ahead so we can stop there to fill up the tank."

at the current moment or during the existing time

"At present I am busy."

"At present I am busy with another project so I cannot take on any additional work right now."

for a limited period, usually until a certain condition changes

"Stay here for the time being."

"For the time being stay here and do not go anywhere until I come back to get you."

at the appropriate or expected time, without rushing or delay

"It will happen in due time."

"Don't worry about the results; the truth will be revealed in due course."

used to explain the main reason or starting point of a situation

"Why did you start?"

"Why did you go there in the first place if you knew it was dangerous and forbidden?"

only a few moments before it is still possible to get something done or avoid something bad from happening

"He arrived in the nick of time."

"He arrived in the nick of time and caught the train just as the doors were closing."

used to indicate that something will happen immediately after a certain condition or event occurs

"Call me as soon as you land."

"As soon as the bell rings the students run out of the classroom happily."

used to emphasize the present moment in relation to the topic under discussion

"We cannot help at this point in time."

"We cannot help you at this point in time because our office is closed for the holiday."

used to emphasize a specific moment or period in history or a past event

"At that point in time I was scared."

"At that point in time I was too scared to move so I just stood there frozen."

exactly at the specified time, neither late nor early

"Please arrive on time."

"Please arrive on time for the meeting because we have a lot to discuss and the schedule is very tight."

in a short amount of time

"I will be with you in a tick."

"I will be with you in a tick as soon as I finish this phone call."

used to indicate that something is not expected to happen in the near future or immediately

"The bus won't arrive anytime soon."

"The doctor said that the patient will not be discharged from the hospital anytime soon because he needs more tests."

used to express that a condition must be met for something to happen or be true

"You can go as long as you are quiet."

"You are welcome to borrow the book as long as you promise to return it in good condition by the due date."

after a period of time

"He arrived in time."

"Fortunately, the ambulance arrived in time to provide critical medical assistance to the injured cyclist."