Native Phrase Lab
WillowbrookPrepositions of Place: IN, ON, AT
Just like with time, we use 'in', 'on', and 'at' to talk about locations. A simple pyramid helps us remember when to use each one.
The Place Pyramid
Think of these prepositions as moving from very specific points (AT) to larger, enclosed spaces (IN).
AT
Specific Points
ON
Surfaces & Lines
IN
Enclosed Spaces / Large Areas
Using IN (Largest Areas & Enclosed Spaces)
- Countries, Cities, Neighborhoods: in France, in Tokyo, in my neighborhood
- Enclosed Spaces: in a car, in a box, in a room, in a building
- Liquids and other substances: in the water, in the soup
Using ON (Surfaces and Lines)
- Surfaces: on the table, on the floor, on the wall
- Streets and Avenues: on Oxford Street, on the main road
- Public Transport (where you can walk around): on a bus, on a train, on a plane
- The Internet/Media: on the internet, on TV, on the radio
Using AT (Specific Points)
- Specific Addresses: at 123 Main Street
- Specific Locations/Points: at the bus stop, at the door, at the top of the page
- Public places & shops: at the cinema, at the supermarket, at the library
- Events: at a party, at a concert