Prepositions are essential when learning English. They have an important role in linking sentences. In this lesson we will learn about the most commonly used prepositions (In- On- At).
Using prepositions with place
We use In with:
1- Places such as states and countries.
2- Enclosed spaces such as buildings or boxes.
Examples:
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In Sweden |
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In the picture |
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In a box |
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In London |
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In the bag |
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In the mirror |
We use On with:
1- Flat areas such as streets.
2- Things above or in contact with the surface of something.
3- Directions like left and right.
4- A floor in a house or a building.
5- Television and radio.
Examples:
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On Oxford street |
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On TV |
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On the table |
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On the first floor |
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On the left |
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On a wall |
We use At with:
1- Specific places or points.
2- Events, film, university, and work.
Examples:
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At the entrance |
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At my house |
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At the party |
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At the crossroad |
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At the movie |
Using prepositions with time
We use In with:
1- Months, seasons, and years.
2- Morning, evening, and afternoon.
3- A period that is not limited.
Examples:
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In the 1600s. |
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In 1998. |
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In June. |
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In a few weeks. |
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In two months. |
We use On with:
1- The days of the week.
2- A specific date.
Examples:
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On Friday. |
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On my birthday. |
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On the weekend. |
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On the 18th of May. |
We use At with:
1- A specific time or hour.
2- Night, midnight, midday, and sunrise.
3- Times of meals.
Examples:
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At 5 PM. |
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At 12 o'clock. |
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At dinner. |
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At midnight. |
Using prepositions with transportation
We always use In and On with these words:
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In a car. |
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In a taxi. |
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On a train. |
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On a bus. |
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On a plane. |
Note:
We use (at) with the term (the weekend) in British English.
We use (on) with the term (the weekend) in American English.
Examples:
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I play football at the weekend. (British English) |
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I play football on the weekend. (American English) |
Knowing the use of prepositions in English helps in understanding the meaning of a sentence. If you have any questions or suggestions, you can share them in the comments section below.
Exercise
Choose the correct preposition.
1- It rains .... winter.
(at, in, on)
2- My birthday is ... the 9th of April.
(at, in, on)
3- I get up ... eight o'clock.
(at, in, on)
4- We have dinner .. 6 p.m.
(at, in, on)
5- He arrives ... Thursday.
(at, in, on)
Answers
1- in
2- on
3- at
4- at
5- on