![Is It “At January” or “In January”? In English [2025]](https://grammarprotips.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Is-It-At-January-or-In-January-In-English-2025.jpg)
When it comes to speaking or writing about January in English, many people often find themselves confused between using the phrases “at January” and “in January.”
The difference might seem subtle, but it has a significant impact on the clarity and accuracy of your communication.
Whether you’re sending a formal email, talking about events, or simply mentioning plans for the month, it’s essential to use the correct preposition to avoid sounding awkward or incorrect.
In this detailed guide, we will explore the proper use of “in January” and why “at January” is not grammatically appropriate.
We will also cover a range of examples, provide scenarios for each phrase, and examine the correct usage of other temporal prepositions, such as “on January 1st” and “in the winter”.
Why Is This Topic Important?
The preposition you use to describe time can change the meaning of your sentence. Using “in January” or “at January” incorrectly can make your English sound off.
This article will help you avoid such mistakes and sound more natural and accurate in your writing and speaking.
Overview of Prepositions in English
Before diving deeper into the usage of “in January” and “at January,” it’s important to first understand how prepositions work in English.
Prepositions like in, on, and at are commonly used to express time, place, and direction. They often indicate relationships between different elements in a sentence.
In the context of months, “in” is typically used when referring to a whole month or when discussing something that occurs within that timeframe.
For specific days or dates, we tend to use “on.” However, “at” is used for exact moments, such as specific times.
“In January”: The Correct Usage
The phrase “in January” is the grammatically correct choice when referring to the entire month of January.
It is used when discussing general plans, events, weather, or activities that will occur during the month of January, without specifying an exact day.
Let’s explore some key scenarios where “in January” is the right choice:
1. General Statements About January
Whenever you want to talk about something that will happen in the month of January or events that span across the month, “in January” is the proper preposition.
Example 1:
- Email Example
Subject: Marketing Campaign in January
Dear Sarah,
I wanted to remind you about our marketing campaign in January. We’ve already sent out the initial communications and expect to launch the full campaign within the first two weeks of January. Let me know if you need more details.
Best regards,
Tom
In this case, “in January” is used because the campaign is planned to run throughout the month.
2. Talking About Events or Activities in January
Use “in January” when referring to events, meetings, or activities that are scheduled within the month. This includes anything that might happen over a span of days, or even weeks, but isn’t tied to an exact date.
Example 2:
- Email Example
Subject: Training Sessions in January
Dear Team,
We will be holding multiple training sessions in January to ensure that everyone is up to speed. The first session will be on January 5th, followed by the next one on January 12th. Please check the updated schedule.
Best regards,
Rachel
In this email, the sessions will occur during January, so “in January” is used.
3. Talking About the Weather or Seasonal Changes in January
When describing the weather or seasonal shifts that typically happen in January, “in” is the correct preposition.
Example 3:
- “Is it winter in January in the United States?”
Yes, January is a typical winter month for many parts of the U.S., where temperatures are low and snow is common.
Example 4:
- “Is it winter in January in Europe?”
In much of Europe, January marks the peak of winter. Countries like Germany, France, and the UK experience cold temperatures, with some areas even seeing snowfall.
“At January”: Why It’s Incorrect
On the other hand, “at January” is grammatically incorrect in almost all cases. “At” is a preposition used for specific points in time, like exact times of the day, specific dates, or even precise locations.
Why “At” Doesn’t Work:
- “At” is typically used with times like “at 5 PM,” or with precise locations like “at the park”.
- For months, we don’t use “at” to refer to a specific month. The correct preposition is “in”.
Example Mistake:
- Incorrect: “I will visit London at January.”
- Correct: “I will visit London in January.”
Temporal Prepositions: A Quick Reference
To make things even clearer, here’s a quick reference table comparing how “in”, “on”, and “at” are used for temporal references:
| Preposition | Usage | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| In | Used for months, years, seasons, and long periods of time | In January, in 2025, in summer |
| On | Used for specific dates or days | On January 1st, on Monday, on Christmas Day |
| At | Used for specific times or places | At 5 PM, at the station, at noon |
This table summarizes when to use each preposition and will help ensure you choose the right one.
Scenarios and Examples in Context
Scenario 1: Workplace or Professional Communication
If you’re talking about meetings or deadlines in January, you’ll use “in January” to express that the event will happen sometime during the month, not on a specific day.
Example Email:
- Subject: Project Deadline Update Dear Alex,
The deadline for the project submission has been extended to the end of January. Please ensure that your tasks are completed by that time.
Best,
Jennifer
In this case, the task must be completed within the month of January.
Scenario 2: Personal Plans or Social Events
Whether you’re planning a vacation, a party, or another social event, “in January” is the appropriate preposition when you’re not specifying a particular date.
Example Text Message:
- “Hey Emily, are you free to meet up in January? I’d love to catch up before the month ends.”
Scenario 3: Discussing Holidays or Seasonal Events
When discussing January in terms of holidays or seasonal events, “in January” is always the right choice.
Example:
- “What is going on in January in terms of New Year’s events?”
Common Questions About January Usage
Is January Considered Winter?
In many parts of the Northern Hemisphere, January is the dead of winter, with cold weather, snow, and shorter days. However, in the Southern Hemisphere, January is typically summer.
What Is Going on in January?
This could refer to both personal plans and global events. For instance, New Year’s celebrations and winter sports are common in January.
Conclusion: Mastering Time References in English
In conclusion, it’s clear that the correct way to reference January is with “in January” this applies when talking about events, weather, and plans during the month.
Avoid the mistake of using “at January”, as it doesn’t fit the grammatical structure of English.
By using the correct prepositions, you’ll improve the clarity and correctness of your speech and writing.
Whether you’re crafting professional emails, making travel plans, or simply discussing the weather, knowing when to use “in January” versus other prepositions will ensure that you sound fluent and confident in your use of the English language.
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Sienna Mauldon is a passionate writer and grammar expert. On her blog, she shares easy-to-follow guides to help readers master grammar rules and improve their writing. With a love for language and teaching, Sienna makes grammar simple and fun for everyone, from beginners to experienced writers.
