35-minute grammar lesson. All you need to know about prepositions.

Summary

In this educational video, Marina from Lingua Marina explores the complexities of English prepositions, focusing on common ones like 'at', 'in', and 'on'. She clarifies usage through examples and quizzes, explaining when to use 'at' for specific places, 'in' for larger areas or enclosed spaces, and 'on' for surfaces and streets. Marina also addresses the nuances of prepositions with time, transport, and institutions, providing a free chapter of a grammar handbook for further learning. The video aims to demystify prepositions and enhance English proficiency through clear explanations and practical exercises.

Takeaways

• 📘 The video is an educational resource focused on teaching English prepositions, aiming to clarify common mistakes and tricky aspects.
• 🏠 Prepositions 'at', 'in', and 'on' are the main focus, with 'at' used for specific, small places like buildings, and 'in' for larger areas like cities or countries.
• 🚪 'At' is the correct preposition to use with specific locations such as 'at the door', 'at the hospital', and addresses like 'at 13 Green Street'.
• 🛣️ 'On' is used with streets and avenues, such as 'on Park Avenue', and in certain exceptions like 'on campus', but not with large geographical locations.
• 🌆 'In' is used for enclosed spaces like 'in a car' or 'in a building', and for districts within cities, as well as for parts of days like 'in the morning'.
• 🚍 The choice between 'in' and 'on' for transportation can depend on whether one can stand up inside, with 'in' for cars and 'on' for buses and trains.
• 🎓 The difference between 'in a hospital' (as a patient) and 'at the hospital' (not as a patient) highlights the nuanced meanings prepositions can convey.
• 📚 The video recommends a handbook titled 'Grammar is all you need' for advanced English learners, which includes a chapter on prepositions.
• 🕰️ Prepositions are also discussed in the context of time, with 'in' used for general time periods and 'on' for specific dates and times.
• 🔍 The script clarifies other commonly confused prepositions and conjunctions, such as 'beside' vs 'besides', 'among' vs 'between', and 'in' vs 'into'.
• 📝 The video concludes with a quiz to test understanding of prepositions in context, reinforcing the lesson's educational purpose.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video 'Lingua Marina'?

The main focus of the video is to help viewers understand and improve their use of English prepositions, covering common mistakes and tricky parts.

What is the first rule mentioned in the video for using the preposition 'at'?

The first rule for using 'at' is that it is used with a very exact place, typically a small building or something specific.

Why would you never say 'at' when referring to large geographical locations like Panama or London?

You would never say 'at' with large geographical locations because 'at' only applies to smaller things, and places like Panama or London are considered too big.

What preposition is used with streets and avenues in English?

The preposition 'on' is used with streets and avenues in English.

When is the preposition 'in' used instead of 'on' for streets?

'In' is used instead of 'on' for streets when referring to a district or a part of town, or when talking about something bigger than the street itself, like cities or countries.

What does the video suggest for learning and remembering preposition rules?

The video suggests enjoying the learning process, starting to use English as early as possible, not focusing on mistakes or accent, and having a grammar book or resource for reference.

What is the difference between 'in a hospital' and 'at a hospital' according to the video?

'In a hospital' implies that the person is a patient receiving treatment, while 'at a hospital' could mean that the person is there for a different reason, such as visiting someone.

Why does the video recommend having a grammar book for English learners?

A grammar book is recommended because it provides a resource for learners to check their understanding, verify correct usage, and have essential grammar topics readily available for reference.

What is the correct preposition to use when talking about being on a bus?

The correct preposition to use when talking about being on a bus is 'on', as it is a means of transportation where you can stand up.

What does the video suggest for learners who are overwhelmed by preposition rules?

The video suggests that learners should not be overwhelmed, as language learning takes time, and they should start using English as early as they can, focusing on the process and not being perfect.

What is the name of the handbook mentioned in the video for advanced English learners?

The handbook mentioned in the video is called 'Grammar is all you need'.

How does the video differentiate between the prepositions 'beside' and 'next to'?

'Beside' and 'next to' both mean very close to or at the side of something, but 'beside' is a bit more formal and can also be used as a linking adverb to add information or reasons.

What is the difference between 'in' and 'into' when referring to movement?

'In' is used when a person, animal, or object is located within a place, while 'into' is used for movement towards the inside of something, indicating entry into a closed space.

How should you use 'for' and 'since' when talking about time periods?

'For' is used to indicate the duration of time, such as 'for many years', while 'since' refers to the starting point of a time period, such as 'since 2014'.

What is the correct way to use prepositions with days of the week?

The correct way to use prepositions with days of the week is to use 'on' before each day, such as 'on Monday', 'on Tuesday', etc.

What is the difference between 'at the beginning' and 'in the beginning'?

'At the beginning' or 'at the start' indicates a starting point, often with 'of' following it, while 'in the beginning' is used to contrast two situations at different times or to show the initial state of something.

What is the correct preposition to use when talking about mornings, afternoons, and evenings?

The correct preposition to use with mornings, afternoons, and evenings is 'in', as in 'in the morning', 'in the afternoon', and 'in the evening'.

How does the video explain the use of 'at the end' and 'in the end'?

'At the end' is used to mark the point in time when something finishes, while 'in the end' is used to talk about the result of something after a long time or the conclusion of a process.