Preposition In, On, At – Rules and Examples in Sentence
In, on and at are three mostly used prepositions which can be found in extensive purposes. Students can use all these prepositions in single manner differently based upon the context of a sentence. Before looking forward of usage we must know the meaning and application rules of these three prepositions.
1.) Preposition of time:
All the three prepositions are used as preposition of time to mention specific time, date, short time, time period and prolonged time according to the meaning. It establishes relation of preposition with the entire sentence. It explains the connection with the subject and object in a definite way. Preposition of time is specifically used for mentioning time according to the relation of the two parts of a sentence. Some common preposition of time are:
In- for unspecific time period.
On- for a specific date or time.
At- to mention specific time.
From..to- to refer the long or short time span for completing an action.
Before- to mention the action place which comes prior of something.
During- when an action takes place while another action is already going on.
2.) Preposition of Place:
Like preposition of time preposition of place also work in similar way. But in this case, prepositions show relationship with place by connecting two parts of sentence. It indicates the definite places where an action takes place by showing direction or movement. In this case, prepositions are followed by verbs used to show motions.
In- to show the place in enclosed space or large area.
On- for showing the surface of a specific place generally in larger area.
At- to mention a certain point of time.
Behind- for showing the position which is in relation to something else.
Between- to indicate the position in the middle of two places or things.
Near- to show the position of two objects which are apart form one another.
Rules for In, On, At Preposition
To use the three preposition in, on and at we should focus on the rules described along with suitable examples. A single preposition can be used at different contexts for fulfilling the meaning or sense of a sentence. Further explanation of each preposition is given below:
i) In:
a) It is used to mention any bigger place.
Ex.
They live in Rajasthan for a long time.
b) To mention time where the structure will be in+ part of day/ date/ week/ month/ year etc.
Ex.
He likes to work out in the morning.
c) For presenting the involvement of someone in any kind of occupation.
He is in the army at present.
He is working in the multinational company.
d) To show someone dressed in particular dress.
Ex.
She was well-dressed in party.
e) For referring the state and circumstances of an action.
Ex.
I was in a hurry then.
f) To show something when it is at rest or without movement.
Ex.
Our class teacher is in class now.
g) To specify any subject or state of matter clearly.
Ex
She is excellent in mathematics.
ii) On:
a) To mention the place which is in upper surface of something.
Ex.
Please keep the book on the study table.
b) To mention the fact of something attached to some other thing.
Ex.
The teacher has written the notice on the blackboard.
c) To mention any specific date as a specific time.
Ex.
She is used to come on Sunday evening.
d) To speak in detail about someone or something.
Ex.
He wrote a book about his life experience.
e) To mean the membership of someone.
Ex.
We are on the management team.
f) To represent the direction of movement.
Ex.
They are going to throw a party on the weekend.
g) To show the dependence.
Ex.
I heard the news on radio.
iii) At:
a) To mention the point of a place which means smaller place.
Ex.
He must be at home now.
b) To show the state of something.
Ex.
He is at liberty in his house.
c) It refers any aim or direction of something or some action.
Ex.
He was throwing stones at the small frog.
d) To mention a specific point of time.
Ex.
We will sleep at 11 O’ clock.
e) To mean the age and occupation this preposition is used.
Ex.
He is at his late twenties now.
f) To give the price or value of something.
Ex.
The house owner sold his house at 35 lakhs.
g) For showing the degree or manner.
Ex.
The train runs at 80 kilometres per hour speed.
FAQs:
1.) What are prepositions to use in different contexts?
Answer. In, on, at are three common prepositions which are used as preposition of time and place to complete the meaning of a sentence.
2.) Where will students find all rules of using prepositions?
Answer. Students can follow this article for getting all rules of application along with examples.