Prepositions: In, On, and At

The prepositions in, on, and at can be used to indicate time and place. Notice how the yareused in the following situations:


In many languages, there is only one preposition for the above situations. In English there are three. Just remember that in usually indicates the “largest” time or place, and at usually indicates the “smallest” time or place.

Examples:

• A: Where’s your office?
• B: In Taipei, Taiwan.
• A: Really? What part of Taipei?
• B: It’s on Chung Shan North Road.
• A: I know that area. Where exactly is it?
• B: It’s at 105 Chung Shan North Road, next to the bookstore.
• C: When is the wedding?
• D: It’s in June.
• C: What day?
• D: It’s on Saturday, the 25th.
• C: What time?
• D: It starts at 6:00.

When talking about locations, use at to indicate the general vicinity or area, and in to indicate inside the building, enclosed area, etc.

For example:


Sample Sentences:

• I met my wife at the theater. (while watching a movie)
• I spilled my drink in the theater (on the floor of the building)
• She works at the library on Wednesdays.
• She found a rare coin in the library (building).
• Dr. Jones works at the hospital every day.
• John was in the hospital for a week with a broken leg.

For school, prison,and church, the isused to indicate the building. No article indicates the general situation. Note the following:


Where’s Dad?