In December Or On December

In December or On December: Mastering the Subtleties of Prepositional Usage

The seemingly simple question of whether to use "in December" or "on December" often trips up even native English speakers. This seemingly minor grammatical point actually delves into a deeper understanding of prepositional usage and the nuances of expressing time in English. This article will thoroughly explore the correct usage, delve into the underlying grammatical rules, and offer practical examples to solidify your understanding. By the end, you'll confidently navigate the complexities of "in December" versus "on December" and similar temporal preposition choices.

Understanding Prepositions of Time

Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence. When it comes to time, prepositions like in, on, at, during, for, and since play crucial roles in specifying the duration, point, or period of an event. Choosing the correct preposition is essential for clear and accurate communication.

• In: Generally used for longer periods of time, such as months, years, seasons, and centuries. It indicates a period within which something happens.

• On: Typically used for specific days and dates. It pinpoints a particular day within a larger time frame.

• At: Often used for specific points in time, such as times of day (e.g., at 3 pm), holidays (e.g., at Christmas), or events (at the concert).

The Correct Usage: In December vs. On December

The correct usage hinges on the specificity of the time reference.

• In December: This is the correct phrasing when referring to something happening within the month of December. It indicates a timeframe, not a specific date.

  Examples:

  • My family vacation is in December.
  • The Christmas markets open in December.
  • We'll be visiting Grandma in December.

• On December: This is grammatically incorrect. The preposition "on" requires a specific date. You would use "on" with a specific day in December, such as "on December 25th."

  Incorrect Example: The party is on December.

Expanding on the Rules: Specificity and Precision

Let's examine some scenarios to further illustrate the correct usage and avoid common errors.

Scenario 1: Referring to events within a month.

If you are referring to an event that occurs at any point within a month, use "in."

• "The snow usually falls in December in this region." (Unspecified date within December)
• "My birthday is in December, but I don't remember the exact date." (Month specified, date unspecified)
• "We expect to receive the shipment in December." (Timeframe within the month)

Scenario 2: Referring to specific days within a month.

If you're referring to an event that occurs on a specific date, use "on" followed by the date.

• "The Christmas party is on December 24th." (Specific date)
• "I have a doctor's appointment on December 15th." (Specific date)
• "The deadline for the project is on December 31st." (Specific date)

Scenario 3: Combining prepositions for clarity.

For more complex time references, you can combine prepositions.

• "The concert is on the 22nd of December in the evening." (Combines "on" for the specific day and "in" for the time of day)
• "We’re leaving on December 20th for a week-long trip." (Combines "on" for the departure date and other temporal references)

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

A common mistake is using "on" with just the month. Remember, "on" requires a specific day.

• Incorrect: The concert is on December.
• Correct: The concert is in December. or The concert is on December 15th.

Another mistake is using "in" with specific dates.

• Incorrect: The meeting is in December 20th.
• Correct: The meeting is on December 20th.

Expanding the Scope: Other Prepositions of Time

While "in" and "on" are central to this discussion, let's briefly review other relevant prepositions to provide a more comprehensive understanding of temporal expressions.

• At: Use "at" for specific times of day or short, specific points in time.

  • "The meeting is at 2 pm."
  • "I'll call you at noon."
  • "We arrived at midnight."

• During: Use "during" to indicate something happening within a longer period.

  • "The storm occurred during December."
  • "He worked overtime during the holiday season."

• For: Use "for" to indicate duration.

  • "I worked for two weeks in December."
  • "We stayed for a month in the summer."

• Since: Use "since" to indicate a starting point in time and continuing to the present.

  • "I've been living here since December."
  • "It has been snowing since December 1st."

Advanced Usage: Nuances and Exceptions

While the general rules are clear, there are subtle nuances. The context of the sentence plays a crucial role. Consider these examples:

• "In December of 1999, a major snowstorm hit the region." (Here, "in" works because we’re referring to the entire year and month, even though a specific year is mentioned.)
• "We had a wonderful Christmas in the December of 2022." Although unusual, this construction can work depending on the overall phrasing. It sounds more natural to just say "in December 2022."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I say "on the December 25th"? No, this is incorrect. It should be "on December 25th." The definite article "the" isn't needed.

Q: Is it ever correct to use "in" with a specific date? No, "in" is always used for longer periods (months, years, seasons, centuries). It's never used with a specific date.

Q: What if I'm talking about a recurring event in December? You would use "in" to indicate the month in which the event occurs. For example, "The annual Christmas parade is held in December each year."

Q: How can I avoid making mistakes with prepositions of time? Practice! Read widely, pay attention to how native speakers use prepositions in context, and refer to grammar guides when in doubt.

Conclusion: Mastering Time Prepositions

The choice between "in December" and "on December" highlights the importance of precision in language. While seemingly minor, this distinction reflects a deeper understanding of grammatical principles and the nuanced way we express time. By mastering the usage of prepositions like in, on, at, and others, your communication becomes clearer, more accurate, and ultimately, more effective. Remember the key: "in" for months (and longer periods), "on" for specific dates. With consistent practice and attention to detail, you'll confidently navigate the intricacies of temporal prepositions and avoid common mistakes. This solid grasp of grammatical principles will significantly enhance your writing and speaking skills in English.