Lesson 17: Specific Prepositions In-On-At

Specific Prepositions in-on-at

PLACES

IN
We use “in” when we talk about places which have three dimensions, surrounded surfaces, and when something is forming part of something.

• My friends are in the park. 
• Your passport is in the drawer. 
• The window is in the wall. 

ON
On is used to talk about contact with surfaces and lines.

• What a beautiful picture you have on the wall. 
• Your book is on the table. 
• I’m walking on the beach. 

AT
At is used to describe that one thing or person is at no specific point.

• At the North Pole. 
• He is at the hospital. 
• She is at the movies. 

We also use “at” to describe small places of entertainment such as discos,
bars, cafes, etc.

• We were at the White Lion disco last night. 
• They serve great food at Pal Joey’s. 
• You can meet nice people at the Starbucks. 

At is also used when we want to talk about group activities.

• They are at the meeting. 
• See you at the concert. 
• I saw Daniela at the party. 

ADDRESSES

IN
We use “in” to mention the name of the neighborhood, city, town, country, continent.

• I live in Paris. 
• Harry and Margaret live in New York. 
• My uncle lives in South America. 

ON
We use “on” when we mention the name of the street and not the number.

• John lives on Orchard Street. 
• The store is on River Road. 
• I used to live on a street called Hayes. 

We also use “on” when our address has an intersection, with or without the number.

• Mary lives on Washington and 371 Diamond Street. 
• The tennis club is on Elm and Maple Avenue. 
• Is the school on Washington and Denver Boulevard? 

AT
At is used when the address includes the number of the house and the name of the street.

• I live at 907 Fifth avenue. 
• The library is at 901 Ocean Boulevard. 
• Is the party at 369 Highland Avenue? 

AS TIME PREPOSITIONS

IN
In is used with months, years, seasons, and portions of the day.

• in February 
• in 1994 
• in the fifties 
• in winter 
• in summer 
• in the morning 
• in the evening 

ON
On is used for the days of the week.

• See you on Tuesday. 
• The last test is on Friday. 

And also when we give the whole date.

• She was born on December 12th, 1969. 
• The party will be held on August 10th. 
• Our wedding will be on September 13th at 8:00 PM. 

AT
At is used to tell or to set time (hours).

• We have lunch at 1 PM. 
• I’ll see you at 9:00 o’clock. 
• She arrived at 7:30. 

We also use “at” to mention specific moments.

• at noon 
• at midnight 
• at sunset 
• at sunrise 
• at night 

and the special expression: at night.

COMMON PREPOSITIONS