Preposition of place with IN, ON, AT and BY

 

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Here is a red signal for those searching for the best elucidation of prepositions of place with IN, ON, AT and BY.

                 

 

Use of AT

‘’Mostly used for the specific place and point in space’’

Examples:

We were still at the railway station when a war of words broke out between two passengers.

Don’t look at the policeman standing at the traffic signal while crossing.

He was still at school when the announcement was made for the holidays.

We shall meet you at the café in the evening. (Used for public places)

Please, do make a stop at the bakery on way to the office.

I am lucky to have that much time to learn some basic skills at college.

 

Example (Address):

 Let’s have a discussion at Ahmad’s home.

He was at the gate of the park when a fight broke out between passers-by.

 

Example (Gatherings and other events):

We really enjoyed the gathering at Ali’s house.

My friend's performance at the party was awesome.

 

Use of ON

“It is specifically used for the surfaces”.

Example (Surfaces):

She yelled at the office boy upon finding the lizard on the wall surface.

He sat at the table when no one was there.

Have you seen my phone it was right there on the table?

We usually play cricket on the roof of my home.

I demand your signature on the paper to ink this deal.

 

Example (Flat surfaces like on the surface of the water):

The boat was floating on the surface of the water.

Beautiful shadows of coastal trees were there on the water when we visited last evening.

Use of IN

“It is broadly defined as something inside the edges or walls’’

Example:

There was nothing in the bottle, as such, when I opened it.

I found my mobile in my pocket last night.

He was sitting in the room when I got him last night.

I saw a beautiful canteen in the college.

 

Example (Inside the water and any liquid):

Beware! Sugar in coffee may affect your health.

Don’t mix sugar in the water.

 

Example (Regions and areas where boundaries are not obvious):

He is living right in the corner of this housing society.

He has been living in London for the last four years.

Use of BY

“Here ‘by’ is used to represent ‘next to something.”

Example (Adjacent position):

Put your baggage by the door and take shower.

Put your luggage by the seat and ease yourself.

I live by the school’s new building.

 

👉CAUTION:

Although the above-mentioned roles are more than reliable, there are some gray areas where readers get confused, while making sentences. Readers are suggested to prepare prepositions with words around them and listen to a local English speaker to further unleash it.

Here is a link for further clarification.