Time and Place
- David Fisher
- Nov 9
- 2 min read
Nothing is better for your success than being in the right time and at the right place, but in the English language the prepositions of time and place are confusing, so let's learn how and when to use them.
Mastering Prepositions of Time and Place in English
Learning English prepositions is tricky, especially small words like in, on, and at. But these little words are very powerful! They help us say when and where something happens clearly.
Let’s explore how to use prepositions of time and place, why they matter, and how using the wrong one completely changes your meaning.
Prepositions of Time
Prepositions of time tell us when something happens.The most common are in, on, and at.
In – Use in for months, years, and long periods.
I was born in 2002. We go skiing in winter. She goes to work in the morning.
🟡 Tip: Think of in as being inside a period of time.
On – Use on for specific days or dates.
My birthday is on Monday. We have a meeting on July 10th. I go to the gym on weekends.
🟡 Tip: Think of on as being on your calendar.
At – Use at when you talk about the exact time.
The movie starts at 7:30. I usually wake up at sunrise. Let’s meet at midnight.
🟡 Tip: Think of at as pointing to a precise moment.
⚠️ Be careful!
Changing the preposition changes the meaning.
❌ The meeting is in 7:00.
✅ The meeting is at 7:00.
❌ She was born on 1999
✅ She was born in 1999.
Prepositions of Place
Prepositions of place tell us where something or someone is. The most common are in, on, and at. And this is where the confusion lies. Why? Because they are the same words used as prepositions of time.
In – Use in when something is inside a space.
She is in the kitchen. There are apples in the basket. I live in London.
🟡 Tip: Imagine being inside walls, boundaries, or limits.
On – Use on when something touches or rests on a surface.
The keys are on the table. There’s a picture on the wall. The cat is sleeping on the bed.
🟡 Tip: Think of on as touching a surface.
At – Use at for an exact point or position
I’m waiting at the bus stop. She’s at the door. We met at the cinema.
🟡 Tip: Think of at as one specific point on a map.
⚠️ Changing the preposition changes the meaning.
❌ I’m in the bus stop
✅ I’m at the bus stop.
❌ There’s a fly in the table
✅ There’s a fly on the table.
Why Prepositions Matter
Prepositions might be short, but they carry big meaning.Using the wrong one confuses your listener or even change your message completely.
✅ She’s at the office. → She’s there, probably working.
✅ She’s in the office. → She’s inside the room.
❌ She’s on the office. → (This might mean she’s on the roof!)
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