Mastering English Prepositions: The Ultimate Guide to 'In, On, At' (Time & Location)

Prepositions like 'in,' 'on,' and 'at' are often the trickiest part of English, leading to small errors that can interrupt clear communication. Whether you are discussing a specific time, a major city, or a single street corner, choosing the wrong preposition immediately marks you as non-fluent. We’ve teamed up with English language teacher Rodrigo Alverna to provide the definitive, visual guide to mastering these common prepositions for both time and location. Press play on our video lesson below, or follow the summary to finally get them right!

Updated: December 2025 (Originally published in July 2025)

Table of Contents

• Time and Location Prepositions: Video Summary
• Understanding Prepositions in English Grammar
• Use of In, On and At for Location Prepositions
• Location Prepositions for Specific Rooms and Places
• Time Prepositions
• Preposition Combinations

Time and location prepositions: Video summary

Prepositions are essential parts of speech that help provide context and establish relationships between different elements in a sentence. They are used to indicate location, time, direction, and more, and understanding how to use them correctly is crucial for effective communication in English.

Learning to use prepositions can be challenging since there are many different prepositions and various ways to use them. However, mastering prepositions is essential for anyone looking to improve their English language skills. In this video mini lesson, you’ll delve into the world of location and time prepositions and gain a deeper understanding of their usage and dynamics.

Understanding prepositions in English grammar

Prepositions play a vital role in English grammar and can significantly impact the meaning of a sentence. They often form fixed combinations with certain words and understanding these dynamics is crucial for accurate and effective communication.

When it comes to prepositions on time and location, the nuances of their usage can be particularly important. For example, the choice of a preposition can change depending on whether you are referring to a specific location or a more general area. Understanding these differences and knowing which preposition to use in different contexts is essential for fluency in English.

Throughout this section, you'll explore the intricacies of time and location prepositions, learn about common combinations, and gain practical insights that will help you use prepositions correctly in your everyday communication.

Use of in, on and at for location prepositions

When it comes to using in, on and at prepositions for locations, understanding the nuances of their usage is crucial for effective communication in English. One key aspect of using prepositions correctly is knowing when to use in, on and at.

Using 'in'

The preposition "in" is used to indicate a wider area or a large, more general location. It is used when referring to countries, states, cities, and broader regions.

Examples:

• I live in Brazil.
• The museum is in the city center.

Remember, 'in' is used for broader areas and can be applied to various contexts, including countries, states, cities, and other large geographic regions. By mastering the usage of 'in' for wider areas, you can enhance your fluency in English and communicate with confidence.

Using 'on'

The preposition "on" is typically used to indicate a specific location, such as streets, avenues, or other exact addresses. It is also used to indicate surfaces or the position of things in relation to surfaces.

Examples:

• The bookstore is on Main Street.
• The keys are on the table.

Using 'at' for exact locations

When it comes to pinpointing an exact location, the preposition 'at' comes into play. This preposition is used to refer to specific locations, such as a particular address or venue.

Examples:

• I work at 2088 F Lima Avenue
• The event is at the convention center

These instances require 'at' to convey the precise location, providing clarity and accuracy in communication.

Location prepositions for specific rooms and places

When using prepositions to describe specific types of rooms and places, it's important to know which preposition to use to accurately convey your location. Here are some common prepositions used for specific rooms and places:

• I am in the bedroom.
• The dog is outside the house.
• I walked out of the office.
• I walked into the kitchen.
• I put the pen into the case.
• I took the clothes out of the closet.

By understanding the specific prepositions for different rooms and locations, you’ll be able to effectively communicate your whereabouts and movements in English.

Time prepositions

When it comes to using prepositions to talk about time, understanding the correct usage of these prepositions is essential for effective communication in English. Prepositions like 'in', 'on', and 'at' play a crucial role in specifying different time frames and periods.

By mastering the appropriate use of these prepositions, you’ll master expressing time-related information accurately and confidently. In the following section, you'll explore how to use these prepositions to convey specific time frames and learn about common combinations that are essential for fluency in English.

Prepositions for dates, days, and hours

Understanding the correct prepositions for dates, days, and hours is vital for precise communication in English related to telling the time vocabulary. Different prepositions, such as 'in', 'on', and 'at', are used to convey specific time-related information, and knowing when to use each preposition is essential.

• 'In' is used for broader time frames, such as years or months. For example, "I was born in 1972" or "I have a meeting in May."
• 'On' is used for specific dates or days, such as "I have an appointment on Monday" or "She was born on May 22nd."
• 'At' is employed for particular times, indicating hours, such as "The train leaves at 6:30" or "The concert starts at 8:00."

By understanding the nuances of using prepositions for dates, days, and hours, you’ll be able to convey time-related information in various contexts and enhance your English language skills.

Preposition combinations

Prepositions are essential for establishing relationships between elements in a sentence. Understanding the preposition combinations with specific words is crucial for effective communication in English. Here are some common combinations to master:

• I'm interested in learning about new cultures.
• I'm good at taking pictures.
• I'm capable of painting a wall.

By mastering these combinations, you’ll become more confident in communicating effectively and accurately conveying your interests, skills, and capabilities in English.

Now, let's see some exercises!