Compound Adverbs - Temporal Expressions

Discover how compound adverbs like "all along" and "up ahead" convey temporal expressions in English.

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all along [adverb]

from the beginning or continuously throughout a period of time

Ex: The solution to the problem was evident all along .

as long as [adverb]

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

Ex:

as per usual [adverb]

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

Ex: As per usual , the teacher assigned homework for the weekend .

as yet [adverb]

up to the present time

Ex: The details of the project are incomplete as yet .

by and by [adverb]

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

Ex: With dedication and effort , success will come by and by .

up ahead [adverb]

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

Ex: Keep working hard ; success is up ahead if you stay focused .

at present [adverb]

at the current moment or during the existing time

Ex: The website is experiencing technical issues at present ; please try again later .

for the time being [adverb]

for a limited period, usually until a certain condition changes

Ex: We 'll use this office for the time being until our new space is ready .

in due (course|time) [adverb]

at the appropriate or expected time, without rushing or delay

Ex: The project will be completed in due course , according to the schedule .

in the first place [adverb]

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

Ex: In the first place , the data is flawed , which invalidates the entire study .

in the nick of time [adverb]

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

Ex: They submit their project proposal just in the nick of time , minutes before the deadline .

as soon as [conjunction]

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

Ex: We 'll leave as soon as the rain stops .

at this point in time [adverb]

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

Ex: At this point in time , we are still assessing the situation .

at that point in time [adverb]

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

Ex: At that point in time , technology had not yet advanced to where it is today .

on time [adverb]

exactly at the specified time, neither late nor early

Ex: I need to wake up early to get to the station on time .

in time [adverb]

after a period of time

Ex: He knew that , in time , he would learn to play the piano well .

in a tick [phrase]

in a short amount of time

Ex: Dinner will be ready in a tick , so please set the table .

anytime soon [phrase]

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

Ex: Unfortunately , it does n't look like the weather will improve anytime soon ; we might need to cancel our outdoor plans .

Compound Adverbs
Temporal Expressions	Place or Extent	Clarifying & Informing	Emphasis or Distinction
Simplification or Generalization	Expressing Contrast	Comparison or Illustration	Giving Explanation
Condition or Consequence