【明報專訊】The Smarties are on their first hike in 2019! But someone was late...What's going on?

Dr Panda: Hey MoMo, wasn't Bill with you this morning when you were packing? Do you know where he is?

MoMo: Yes we were preparing for the hike together, but he received a call from his mom at 11am. His grandpa had been injured and hospitalised.

Dr Panda: Oh my goodness! Let me give him a call and check how he's doing... Hello, Bill, How are you?

Bill: Hello! I'm sorry I didn't meet you guys up. Please go on without me first. I may join you later in the afternoon or in the evening.

Dr Panda: Take your time. We will wait for the sunset on Lantau Peak around 5:35pm. We will then go downhill and it may take us an hour. Shall we dine together instead?

Bill: Sounds good. Enjoy your hike!

(ˇ)Prepositions

When describing time in English, we use different prepositions to talk about time of different lengths.

e.g. Can you meet me at 3pm?

Please come and see me on Tuesday.

The book was written in 1995.

(╳)Prepositions

However, when we use the words next, last, this, that, today, tomorrow and yesterday, the preposition is dropped.

e.g. We will go to Japan next week.

She has seen the movie last Wednesday.

I left my wallet at school yesterday.

■Now you try

Complete the sentences with a suitable preposition. Put a ╳ if no preposition is needed.

1. I would like to meet Nancy ____ 5pm ____ this Friday, can you ask if she's free?

2. Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region ____ 1997. The ceremony was conducted ____ midnight.

3. I am free ____ tomorrow. I might go to the museum ____ the afternoon.

4. Remember to bring me the present for dad ____ this weekend. The birthday party starts ____ 3pm.

(Answers on next text)

■Glossary

injure (v) 受傷

hospitalise (v) 留醫

meet sb up (v phr) 與(某人)會合

downhill (adv) 向山下

[Smarties' Power English 第235期]