building blocksPrepositions

Introduction

This page shows you how to use the prepositions on, in, and at in different contexts.

1. Transportation

Preposition Example Nouns Example Sentences
in car, truck I went to Vancouver in my car.
on bus, train, ship, plane, bicycle I went downtown on the bus.
We travelled to Toronto on the train.

2. Time

Preposition Example Nouns Example Sentences
in January, February, March
1987, 1988, 1989
two minutes, three days 		She arrived in February.
I was born in 1988.
I'll be home in three days.
on Wednesday, Thursday
weekend 		The party is on Thursday.
He left on the weekend.
at 7:00, 7:30, 8 o'clock, noon I'll call you at 7.30.

3. Communications

Preposition Example Nouns Example Sentences
on telephone
Internet
radio, television

I spoke to him on the telephone yesterday.
I read about it on the Internet.
I heard the news on the radio.

4. Where prepositions are NOT used

We don't use prepositions with certain words and phrases:

NO Preposition Words and Phrases Example Sentences
in, on, at home
this morning
this afternoon
every week
last Tuesday
next year

Sally went home.
I met my classmates this morning.
We will arrive this afternoon.
We have an exam every week.
Neil did his laundry last Tuesday.
Betty will return next year.

When you are sure that you understand the lesson, you can continue with the exercise.