AT/ON/IN - Prepositions In English Grammar With Examples | English Grammar Lesson | ChetChat

Summary

In this engaging lesson, Cha explains the differences between the prepositions 'in,' 'on,' and 'at,' using clear examples and visuals. 'In' is for broad locations or time periods (e.g., in a room, in September), 'on' is for surfaces and more specific places (e.g., on the table, on Monday), and 'at' is for precise points, locations, and times (e.g., at work, at 5 p.m.). With plenty of real-life examples, Cha helps viewers master the subtle distinctions between these commonly used prepositions, while encouraging active participation through comments and engagement.

Takeaways

• 😀 'In' is used for large or enclosed spaces (e.g., inside a room, country, or time period).
• 😀 'In' also refers to broad time periods like months, years, and long durations (e.g., in September, in the future).
• 😀 'On' is used for surfaces or something placed on top of another thing (e.g., on a table, on a bike).
• 😀 'On' is also used for specific days or dates (e.g., on Monday, on June 5th).
• 😀 For transportation, use 'on' when walking into a vehicle or standing (e.g., on a bus, on a train).
• 😀 'At' is used for very specific locations or addresses (e.g., at Starbucks, at 15 Craig Street).
• 😀 'At' is used for exact points in time (e.g., at 5:00 p.m., at midnight).
• 😀 'At' is used for activities or events happening at a specific place (e.g., at work, at the party).
• 😀 Be careful with expressions like 'at the table' when referring to a location versus 'on the table' when referring to a surface.
• 😀 The key distinction: 'in' for large areas, 'on' for surfaces or days, and 'at' for specific places or times.

Q & A

When do we use the preposition 'in'?

'In' is used for larger places or broad locations (e.g., 'in the room', 'in the United States') and for broad periods of time (e.g., 'in September', 'in the morning'). It indicates being inside something or within a larger area or timeframe.

Can 'in' be used to describe time periods? Provide examples.

'In' can describe broader periods of time. For example, 'My birthday is in September' refers to a general time period within that month. Other examples include 'We live in the United States' or 'I will retire in the future'.

What is the main rule for using 'on'?

'On' is used when something is on top of a surface or when referring to specific days. For example, 'The cat is on the table' (surface), 'Our anniversary is on June 5th' (specific date), and 'I am on the bus' (mode of transport where you stand/walk in).

When do we use 'on' with modes of transport?

'On' is used for modes of transport where you can stand or walk into the vehicle, like 'on the bus', 'on the train', or 'on a plane'. Even if you're not literally on top of the bus, 'on' applies when entering such vehicles.

How do 'in', 'on', and 'at' differ in terms of size and specificity?

'In' is used for larger or broad areas, like cities or time periods. 'On' is used for surfaces or more specific locations, like a street or a particular day. 'At' is used for very specific places, like a particular address or an exact time.

What are the common mistakes people make with 'at' and 'on'?

A common mistake is using 'on' when referring to specific locations or activities that should use 'at'. For example, saying 'I am on the library' is incorrect; it should be 'I am at the library'. Similarly, saying 'We are on the table' instead of 'We are at the table' while sitting for a meal is incorrect.

Why do we use 'at' for specific times and places?

'At' is used for exact points in time or specific locations. For example, 'The flight is at 12:30' or 'I am at the train station'. It points to a very particular moment or a specific place.

What is the difference between 'in the middle of the night' and 'at night'?

'In the middle of the night' refers to a time within a larger duration (the night). 'At night' refers to the entire stretch of night as a specific period.

When should we use 'at' for places or addresses?

'At' is used for specific places or exact addresses. For example, 'I live at 15 Craig Street' or 'I met him at the party'. It focuses on a specific location or point.

Can 'in' be used for smaller or specific places?

No, 'in' is not typically used for smaller or specific places. It is used for larger locations, like cities or countries. For more specific places, we use 'at'. For example, 'at the restaurant' instead of 'in the restaurant' when talking about being at a precise location.