Prepositions of time & place
in, on, at, the classic troublemakers.
The rules
- Days take "on" ("on Monday"); clock times take "at" ("at 3 pm").
- Years take "in" ("in 1998"); towns and enclosed areas also take "in".
- "Arrive at" a building or point; "arrive in" a city or country. Never "arrive to".
- Specific meeting points take "at": "at the station", "at the entrance".
- British English says "at the weekend"; American English prefers "on the weekend". Both are accepted, this course uses "at".
- Surfaces take "on": "on the wall", "on the table", "on the screen".
Examples
- The meeting is on Monday at 3 pm.
- She was born in 1998 in a small village.
- I arrived at the airport at noon.
- Meet me at the station.
- I'll see you at the weekend.
- The picture is on the wall.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.The meeting is _____ Monday _____ 3 pm.
2.She was born _____ 1998 _____ a small village.
3.Which sentence is correct?
4.I'll see you _____ the weekend.
5.Which sentence is correct?