Do you have a minute to spare to learn some English? Sam’s on the scene, at your disposal and in teaching mode to explain ‘at’, ‘in’ and ‘on’ for locations! Give us 60 seconds and we’ll give you the English!
Sam
Hello, I’m Sam and in this lesson we’re going to look at the differences between ‘at’, ‘in’ and ‘on’ for location.
‘At’ can be used to talk about a single specific location. I’m at work. Or: I’m at the BBC right now.
‘On’ is used in relation to a surface. I’m sitting on a chair.
And ‘in’ is used to talk about a three-dimensional space, usually with four walls. It’s similar to ‘inside’. I’m in a room.
So to help you remember these rules, try to think of a concert:
I’m at the front. The band is on the stage. And my friends are in the crowd.
And where are you right now?
Prepositions of place: at, in on
At
At can be used to talk about a single specific location.
- I’m at work.
- I’m at the BBC right now.
- He’s at the shops.
On
On is frequently used in relation to a surface.
- I’m sitting on a chair.
- The pen is on the table.
- You can hang the picture on the wall.
In
In often talks about a three-dimensional space – often with four walls. It’s similar to ‘inside’.
- I’m in a room.
- Your letter is in the post box.
- The flowers look great in that vase.
Remember!
Think of a music concert:
I’m at the front. The band is on the stage. And my friends are in the crowd.