Time & Change
Words for talking about time, schedules, and change
Overview
25 A2 words for talking about time, schedules, changes, and how things evolve.
Words
afterward /ˈɑːftəwəd/
adverb — A2
Meaning: later; after an event Examples:
- We had dinner and afterward went for a walk.
- She realized the mistake afterward.
annual /ˈænjuəl/
adjective — A2
Meaning: happening once a year Examples:
- The annual festival is in July.
- Our annual report is ready.
Word Family: annual (adj.) → annually (adv.)
century /ˈsentʃəri/
noun — A2
Meaning: a period of 100 years Examples:
- We’re in the 21st century.
- The castle was built in the 15th century.
correct /kəˈrekt/
verb — A2
Meaning: to make right; to fix errors Examples:
- Please correct these mistakes.
- She corrected the student’s essay.
Word Family: correct (v./adj.) → correction (n.)
currently /ˈkʌrəntli/
adverb — A2
Meaning: at the present time Examples:
- She’s currently studying in London.
- We currently have 200 employees.
Word Family: currently (adv.) → current (adj.)
deadline /ˈdedlaɪn/
noun — A2
Meaning: the last date by which something must be done Examples:
- The deadline for applications is next Friday.
- We need to meet the deadline.
Collocations: meet a deadline, miss a deadline
decrease /dɪˈkriːs/
verb, noun — A2
Meaning: to become smaller in number Examples:
- Sales have decreased by 10%.
- There’s been a decrease in crime.
era /ˈɪərə/
noun — A2
Meaning: a long period of time Examples:
- We’re living in the digital era.
- The Victorian era lasted 63 years.
eventually /ɪˈventʃuəli/
adverb — A2
Meaning: in the end; after a long time Examples:
- He eventually found a job.
- Eventually, the rain stopped.
forever /fərˈevər/
adverb — A2
Meaning: for all future time Examples:
- Nothing lasts forever.
- I’ll love you forever.
Collocations: forever and ever, last forever
frequently /ˈfriːkwəntli/
adverb — A2
Meaning: often Examples:
- She frequently travels to Asia.
- Buses run frequently during rush hour.
Word Family: frequently (adv.) → frequent (adj.) → frequency (n.)
gradually /ˈɡrædʒuəli/
adverb — A2
Meaning: slowly, over a period of time Examples:
- The situation is gradually improving.
- She gradually got better.
Word Family: gradually (adv.) → gradual (adj.)
immediately /ɪˈmiːdiətli/
adverb — A2
Meaning: at once; without delay Examples:
- Call me immediately if there’s a problem.
- She left immediately after the meeting.
Word Family: immediately (adv.) → immediate (adj.)
latest /ˈleɪtɪst/
adjective — A2
Meaning: most recent Examples:
- Have you heard the latest news?
- This is our latest product.
Collocations: the latest, at the latest
manage /ˈmænɪdʒ/
verb — A2
Meaning: to succeed in doing something difficult Examples:
- I managed to catch the last train.
- She manages to study while working.
meanwhile /ˈmiːnwaɪl/
adverb — A2
Meaning: at the same time; during the time between Examples:
- The soup needs an hour. Meanwhile, make the salad.
- She was studying. Meanwhile, he was watching TV.
modern /ˈmɒdn/
adjective — A2
Meaning: relating to the present time Examples:
- Modern technology has changed everything.
- The hotel has a modern design.
Word Family: modern (adj.) → modernize (v.)
occasion /əˈkeɪʒn/
noun — A2
Meaning: a special time or event Examples:
- It was a very special occasion.
- On this occasion, I’ll make an exception.
Collocations: special occasion, on occasion
Word Family: occasion (n.) → occasional (adj.) → occasionally (adv.)
period /ˈpɪəriəd/
noun — A2
Meaning: a length of time Examples:
- She lived abroad for a period of three years.
- This was a difficult period in history.
Collocations: time period, period of time, trial period
previous /ˈpriːviəs/
adjective — A2
Meaning: happening before the current one Examples:
- I lived in Japan in my previous job.
- The previous owner painted it blue.
Word Family: previous (adj.) → previously (adv.)
recent /ˈriːsnt/
adjective — A2
Meaning: happening a short time ago Examples:
- In recent years, prices have risen.
- She read a recent article about it.
Word Family: recent (adj.) → recently (adv.)
remain /rɪˈmeɪn/
verb — A2
Meaning: to stay the same; to be left Examples:
- The building remains closed.
- Only three tickets remain.
Word Family: remain (v.) → remaining (adj.)
schedule /ˈʃedjuːl/
noun, verb — A2
Meaning: a plan of times for activities Examples:
- What’s on today’s schedule?
- The meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m.
Collocations: on schedule, ahead of schedule, busy schedule
since /sɪns/
preposition, conjunction — A2
Meaning: from a point in time until now; because Examples:
- I’ve lived here since 2020.
- Since you’re free, let’s go.
Collocations: ever since, since then, since when
update /ʌpˈdeɪt/
verb, noun — A2
Meaning: to make more modern; add new information Examples:
- Please update your profile.
- I’ll give you an update tomorrow.
Collocations: software update, update information
Quick Review
| Word | Type | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| afterward | adv. | later |
| annual | adj. | yearly |
| century | n. | 100 years |
| correct | v. | fix errors |
| currently | adv. | now |
| deadline | n. | last date |
| decrease | v./n. | become less |
| era | n. | long period |
| eventually | adv. | in the end |
| forever | adv. | always |
| frequently | adv. | often |
| gradually | adv. | slowly |
| immediately | adv. | at once |
| latest | adj. | most recent |
| manage | v. | succeed in |
| meanwhile | adv. | at same time |
| modern | adj. | current |
| occasion | n. | special event |
| period | n. | length of time |
| previous | adj. | before this |
| recent | adj. | short time ago |
| remain | v. | stay |
| schedule | n./v. | time plan |
| since | prep./conj. | from then; because |
| update | v./n. | make current |