How do I use "in" "on" & "at" to talk about places? #EnglishHelp

I often take the bus to school. The other day, my friend called me when I was on my way. Was I in the bus, on the bus, or at the bus?

Do you get confused which word to use? If so, you're not alone!

In, on, and at are examples of prepositions of place.Prepositions of place can be confusing for English learners.

But why?

This is because prepositions in English don’t always match prepositions in your native language.

Prepositions are little connectors. They link words to show a relationship. Without prepositions, sentences can be incomplete, or the meaning of a sentence can change.

Prepositions of place show where something is or where it happens.

If I say, “The book is on the table,” the word on is the preposition of place — it shows where the book is.

The three most common prepositions of place are "in", "on", and "at". You use them a lot to talk about where things are.

• in: The toys are in the box.

• on: The plant is on the table.

• at: Susan lives at 30 Main Street.

What are some ways you can use in to talk about place?

1. When something is inside a space

I've kept the book in my bag.

My laptop is in my office.

In both these sentences, in is used for spaces that are enclosed like a bag or office.

2. To talk about big places like countries and continents

Korea is in Asia.

Jane lives in India.

Asia is a continent and India is a country, so use in to talk about them.

Quiz: Farida's New Apartment

Here's what Farida has to say about her new apartment. In which sentences does Farida use the preposition "in" correctly?

A. I recently bought an apartment in Detroit.

B. It's in the 27th floor.

C. Detroit is the largest city in Michigan.

D. I have been busy, so I have yet to hang my pictures in the walls.

Use the preposition on is many ways:

1. For a position on a surface

My class is on the 5th floor.

The cat is sitting on the table.

In both these sentences, on describes a position on a surface.

2. For some forms of public transportation

You use on for buses, airplanes, trains, and ships because you stand in them or walk around in them.

Maria was on the bus when her phone rang.

This describes the location inside a bus. You can stand in a bus or walk around in it.

3. For rivers, borders, streets, and islands

Jackie lives on Howard Street, Brooklyn.

This tells you the street where Jackie lives.

1. For general locations

Fred's kids are at the park, and his parents are at a concert.

You use at to talk about general places like a park, or for events, gatherings, concerts, and parties.

2. For specific locations

The University of Toronto is located at 27 King's College Circle.

You use at for addresses or a building which has a specific location.

3. For places where people go for treatment

Rajeev is at the dentist, but he will be back soon.

You use at to talk about places like a dentist's office or a hospital.

Jack and Jay are in their new office. Help them use the right prepositions of place:

Our New Office

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

Jack: I'm so happy with our new office!

Jay: Me, too! We only need a few more things. I think we need two more cabinets ___ Mary's room.

Jack: Oh yes! And we can keep this computer ___ your desk.

Jay: Sure! How about placing our books ___ this shelf? They will look neat there.

Jack: Sounds good! And we need to update our new address everywhere. We're now ___ 32 Cumberland Avenue, right?

Jay: Yes! And, I need to run now. I have to pick up my kids. They're ___ a birthday party!

There are many online resources to learn more about prepositions of place. Here are a few for you to explore: