Tell me why. Why did the different places require different prepositions, that is, in, on and at?
The choice of prepositions like "in," "on," or "at" when
referring to locations can be influenced by subtle nuances
in the spatial relationships involved. There are no
strict rules, but there are some general guidelines:
In New York:
We use "in" for larger areas or regions like cities and countries. New York, in this context, refers to the city as a whole.
On Fifth Avenue:
We use "on" when referring to streets, roads, or surfaces. Fifth Avenue is a street, so we say "on" Fifth Avenue.
At Penn Station:
We use "at" for specific points or locations. Penn Station is a specific place, so we say "at" Penn Station.
These prepositions help show the relationship between the
subject and its location. Note that prepositions
can vary based on local conventions and idiomatic usage.
The guidelines shown here offer general principles; language
can be flexible and context-dependent.
Let's take a look at some more examples showing how in, on and at are used.
Can you explain how these three prepositions of place are used in the examples?
Maybe you noticed that the preposition IN is used
when we talk about something that is enclosed or bounded in 2D or
3D space. The box has boundaries inside of which a teacher stands.
We also see a strange man who somehow is inside a table!
The preposition, ON, on the other hand, indicates that
the teacher is standing atop the surface of the box. Similarly, the
man with the tatoos is sitting on(touching) the surface of a table.
Finally, AT suggests that someone (or something) is nearby,
around, or next to the box or the table.
Question: Would you rather an airplane fly over your head or
on your head? Tell me why.
Check-Up: Click on the picture that matches the given sentence.
Pinocchio is at the Liar's Club.
Donald is in the Liar's Club.
He is on his horse.
Tweety is at the hospital.
The alligator is at the river.
Cheeta is sitting on the grass.
There's a fly in the soup.
The student is at the bus stop.
1. He's not working today. He's
_____
the dentist's office.
2. The cat is up
_____
the roof again.
3. She's working
_____
the garden now.
4. The police are
_____
the scene of the accident.
5. I left my drivers license
_____
home.
6. Did you talk to her
_____
the school bus?
7. What time do you have to be
_____
work?
8. The cat is asleep
_____
the bed.
9. Don't disturb him. He's
_____
bed with a fever.
10. No, sir. I'm afraid Mr. Garcia is not
_____
at the moment.
11. He's slipping
_____
a banana.
12. Alfred has pimples
_____
his face.
13. Pinochio got a job
_____
the Liar's Club.
14. Dr. Thomas works
_____
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Home