Mastering Prepositions of Time, Place, and Location: A Complete Guide

Prepositions are an essential part of the English language, but for non-native speakers, they can often be tricky. With approximately 150 prepositions in English, it can be challenging to know which one to use in a sentence. A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and another part of the sentence, typically concerning time, place, or direction. In this guide, we will dive into prepositions of time, place, and location, and offer easy-to-understand explanations to help you use them with confidence.

What Are Prepositions of Time, Place, and Location?

To simplify things, let’s break down prepositions into three major categories:

• Prepositions of Time: These prepositions tell us when something happens.

• Prepositions of Place: These prepositions describe the position of something or someone.

• Prepositions of Location: These prepositions explain the precise location of something, often within a specific space or area.

Now, let’s take a closer look at each category and provide some key tips for using at, on, and in, the three most commonly used prepositions.

Prepositions of Time: When Things Happen

The prepositions at, on, and in are used to talk about time in specific ways.

1. At

We use at to refer to specific times of day or points in time.
Examples:

• The train is due at 2:15 p.m.

• She will arrive at noon.

2. On

We use on to talk about specific days and dates.
Examples:

• My meeting is on Monday.

• We’re having a party on Christmas Eve.

3. In

We use in to talk about non-specific times, such as months, seasons, years, or parts of the day.
Examples:

• She likes to walk in the morning.

• It’s too cold in winter to run outside.

• He was born in 1971.

• They are going on vacation in August.

Prepositions of Place: Where Things Are

The prepositions at, on, and in also describe locations, though each has a unique use depending on the level of specificity.

1. At

Use at when referring to a specific address or point.
Examples:

• Rachel lives at 33 Bleeker Street in New York.

• I’ll meet you at the station.

2. On

Use on to refer to streets, avenues, or surfaces.
Examples:

• Her apartment is on Bleeker Street.

• The book is on the desk.

3. In

Use in for larger areas such as towns, cities, states, and countries.
Examples:

• She lives in Manhattan.

• I’m studying in New York City.

• France is in Europe.

Prepositions of Location: Describing Where Things Are Inside or Around

This category focuses on more specific locations, often inside or around something.

1. At

We use at to refer to specific locations or places.
Examples:

• I am waiting at the bus stop.

• She is working at the office.

2. On

Use on when something is placed on the surface of an object.
Examples:

• Your shoes are on the floor.

• The pen is on the table.

3. In

We use in when something is inside or enclosed by an area.
Examples:

• I found this book in the library.

• The kids are playing in the park.

Let’s Practice! Fill in the Blanks with the Right Preposition

Now that you’ve learned the rules, let’s test your understanding! Choose the correct preposition (at, on, or in) to complete each sentence:

1. My plane is arriving ______ 10:30 p.m. tomorrow.

2. She left her jacket ______ the car.

3. The receipt is ______ the table.

4. I will take my vacation ______ October.

5. She said she would be here ______ time.

Struggling with Prepositions? We’re Here to Help!

Do you find yourself confused about certain prepositions? Is it “at” or “on” for a particular sentence? We understand that mastering prepositions can be tricky, and we’re here to help you! Share with us which prepositions you struggle with the most, and we’ll create a dedicated post to explain them more clearly.

Conclusion
Mastering prepositions of time, place, and location is essential for sounding natural and fluent in English. Though there are many prepositions, at, on, and in are the most commonly used for expressing when and where things happen. By practicing these prepositions in different contexts, you’ll gain confidence and improve your overall English skills. Keep practicing, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you need help!