Past-time expressions

Use yesterday, last, ago and in with past dates to place completed events in time.

When do we use it?

Choose natural time expressions for past events.

Form

Use last week, two days ago, yesterday and in 2024 without extra prepositions.

• yesterday morning
• last year
• three hours ago
• in 2025

Key contrast

Look for the subject, noun type, sentence form and time expression before choosing.

Common mistakes

• in last week → last week
• ago two days → two days ago

Remember

Use yesterday, last, ago and in with past dates to place completed events in time.

Quick check

• Read the complete sentence.
• Find the grammar clue.
• Choose the form that fits both meaning and structure.