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In this reference, you will learn about the prepositions “in,” “on,” and “at” and how to use them correctly. These prepositions can indicate both time and place depending on their usage. Understanding prepositions will help you see the relationship between different words in a sentence.
You will find explanations of prepositions of time and place, along with examples of how “in,” “on,” and “at” can be applied in various contexts. The reference also includes an infographic and a video to provide visual learning aids. This will help you grasp the concepts more effectively.
In, On, At
What Are Prepositions of Time?
Prepositions of time show the relationship of time between parts of a sentence. They explain how ideas relate in terms of time. Common ways they’re used include:
- Indicating an unspecific amount of time (e.g. in)
- Indicating a specific date (e.g. on)
- Indicating a specific time (e.g. at)
- Indicating a time span (e.g. from… to…)
- Indicating something prior to something else (e.g. before)
- Indicating something happening during another event (e.g. during)
In: When used as a preposition of time, “in” represents an unspecific amount of time or a more general period.
- I like to swim in summer.
- I should be home in a week or two.
- John turned 18 in 1996.
On: As a preposition of time, “on” refers to a specific date.
- I’ll be home on Sunday.
- Let’s go out to eat on Valentines Day.
- Jenny has to go to the dentist on the 15th Feb.
At: When used as a preposition of time, “at” indicates a specific time.
- Meet me in the park at 6pm.
- The movie starts at 7.
- Snow usually falls at Christmas time.
What Are Prepositions of Place?
Prepositions of place work similarly but show the relationship of place between sentence parts. Reasons you might use them include:
- Indicating an enclosed space or large area (e.g. in)
- Indicating a surface or a specific place in a larger area (e.g. on)
- Indicating a certain point (e.g. at)
- Indicating position of something relative to another (e.g. behind)
- Indicating position in the middle (e.g. between)
- Indicating position with objects further apart (e.g. near)
In: When used as a preposition of place, “in” refers to something inside an enclosed space or a larger area.
- Tim was waiting in the car.
- Paris is located in France.
- The best food can be found in the center of the city.
On: When used as a preposition of place, “on” indicates something situated on top of something else or in a specific place in a larger area.
- You should head to the theatre on Second Street.
- The apple was on the table.
- James was looking for a doctor’s office on Main Street.
At: As a preposition of place, “at” is used to show a certain point. It is the most specific of the three prepositions to indicate a specific place.
- You can find my office at 612 Made Up Street.
- I picked this book up at the library.
- I had to ask for a refund at the store.
How to Use In, On, At Correctly
Prepositions of Time (In, On, At)
IN is used for non-specific times such as years and months.
In + Parts of the day
- In the morning
- In the afternoon
- In the evening
In + Months
- In January
- In February
In + Seasons
- In (the) spring
- In (the) summer
IN + Years
- In 1980
- In 1969
In + Decades
- In the 1960s
- In the seventies
In + Centuries
- In the 15th century
- In the 21st century
IN + Weeks
- In a week
- In 2 weeks
IN + Periods of time
- In the past
- In the next century
- In the future
- In the middle ages
- In a moment
IN + Holidays
- In the Easter holiday
ON is used for dates, days of the week, and holidays with “day”.
On + Days
- On Monday
- On Thursday
- On Sunday
On + Dates
- On April 3rd
- On 1st January 2013
- On the 10th
- On the first day
On + Holidays with “day”
- On New Year’s Day
- On Christmas Day
- On Easter Day
On + Specific days
- On my birthday
- On my wedding day
- On that day
On + Time
- On the weekend (U.S.)
- On weekdays
- On time
- On a summer evening
On + Day + Part of day
- On Sunday morning(s)
- On Friday afternoon(s)
- On Monday evening(s)
AT is used for specific times and holidays without “day”.
At + Hours
- At 7 am
- At 12 o’clock
At + Parts of the day
- At night
- At noon/ midday
- At midnight
At + Holidays without “day”
- At Easter
- At Christmas
- At New Year
At + Time
- At present
- At the weekend (U.K)
- At breakfast
- At the moment
Prepositions of Place (In, On, At)
IN is used for the largest or most general places.
In + Countries
- In England
- In America
In + Cities
- In London
- In New York
In + Neighborhood
- In Manhattan
- In Chinatown
In + Enclosed Space
- In a traffic jam
- In a building
- In a car
ON is used for more specific places, like certain streets.
On + Means of transport
- On a bus
- On a train
- On a plane
On + Communications
- On the radio
- On the television
- On the phone
- On the Internet
On + Surfaces
- On a table
- On a wall
- On the floor
- On the roof
AT is used for exact addresses or intersections.
At + Exact Addresses or Intersections
- At 23 Birch Street
- At 734 State Street
At + Specific Locations/ Points
- At The Empire State Building
- At the corner
- At the bus stop
At, In, On | Video
Learn a simple method to use prepositions of TIME and PLACE AT, IN, ON Correctly with a video lesson.
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