"At", "in", and "on" are prepositions are that often used to show time, place, or position.

In this lesson, we will cover everything you need to know about these prepositions.

First, let's talk about using "at", "in", and "on" to tell when.

Prepositions of time

1. Use "at" with a specific time (at 10 p.m.)
2. Use "in" with a year, month, season, or time period (in 1986/in the summer/in July)
3. Use "on" with one day (on Monday / my birthday)

Take a look at some examples.

• The movie starts at 8 o'clock.
• My work starts at 9 a.m.
• I fell asleep at midnight.
• She will arrive at around 5 pm.
• I swim in the summer.
• He works in the morning.
• Life was hard for people in the Stone Age.
• I don't like to travel in January. It is too cold.
• Men give their girlfriend or wife a present on Valentine's Day.
• I practice baseball on Saturday and Sunday.
• My birthday is on May 25th.
• They will be happy on their wedding day.
• She goes to the gym on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Note: We never say "in the night". Instead, we say "at night". This is an exception to the rule.

Now, let's talk about using "at", "in", and "on" to tell where.

Prepositions of place

1. Use "at" with a place (at the store)
2. Use "in" with countries, cities, and places (in China/in Paris/in the store)
3. Use "on" with a surface (on the table)

Study the examples below.

• I work at the bookstore.
• She studies at the library.
• He works in England.
• We exercise in the park.
• The book is on my bed.
• The boy sits on the chair.

Sometimes, "at" or "in" can be used in the same sentence.

• I play in the park.
  (=I play at the park.)


• We study in the coffee shop.
  (=We study at the coffee shop.)

The reason is that person is both "at" and "inside" of the place.

We can also use "at", "in", and "on" to tell the position of something.

Prepositions of Position

Here are some common phrases used with "at" "in", and "on". These tell the location of something.

In

in a box	in my head	in the ocean	in a river
in a swimming pool	in the shower	in a book	in a line
in a row	in an office	in a magazine	in a newspaper
in bed	in the countryside	in the city	in the front
in the back	in the back	in that photo	in the corner
in the sky	in the universe	in the world	in your hand
in my ear	in the mountains	in my nose	in my eye

At

at the traffic light	at the door	at the table	at the front desk
at the next stop	at the intersection	at church	at the window
at a party	at a concert	at a show	at a game

On

on the wall	on the ceiling	on the floor	on the ground
on your face	on my hand	on a page	on an island
on the table	on the beach	on the grass	on a chair
on your shirt	on my pants	on the door	on a sign
on the left	on the right	on a menu	on a list
on the second floor	on a farm	on a map	on a street

Obviously, depending on the situation we might have to change the article.

• I want to swim in an ocean.
• I want to swim in that ocean.
• I want to swim in the Pacific Ocean.
• I have never swum in any ocean.

Using a different preposition can change the meaning of the sentence. For example, "in the river" and "on the river" are two very different things.

• Many fish live in the river.
• The boats float on the river.

Remember that these are just some common examples. There are many more nouns that we can use with "at", "in", or "on" to show where something is located.

Pay attention to how native speakers use these and how they are used in English books, newspapers, etc. Then, try to remember and use them the same way when you speak.

Use the English prepositions you learned in this lesson to practice speaking English. First practice by answering the questions and completing the sentences. Then try making your own.

When is your birthday?
What days do you study English?
Where do you study?
Where do you hang out with your friends?
Where were you born?
Where did you grow up?
What was on TV last night?
What time do you wake up?
What time do you go to work or school?
What year did you graduate high school?
What is on your table at your home?

I like to _______________ at _______________.
We _______________ in _______________.
She enjoys _______________ at _______________.
I study English at _______________.
Tonight, I will eat dinner at _______________.
There is _______________ on the wall.
There are _______________ in my bag.
I am sitting on _______________.
There are _______________ on the table.