Prepositions can be tricky. Why is it in January but on the 15th? Why is it on Avenue Q but at 12:30? In this week’s blog post, we have a nifty chart to help clarify when to use in, on, and at.
Remember, A preposition links a noun to pronoun to the other parts of a sentence. Prepositions are usually positional words. Prepositions include words like: in, on, under, behind, and next to.
So, why are in, on, and at sometimes confused? It has to do with the specificity of time/place. On a general scale, in is used: in the 1800s, in Mexico, in May, etc.
If the level of specificity is narrowed, on is used: on Tuesday, on University Avenue, on Valentine’s Day, etc.
Once the level of specificity is very specific, at is used: at 9 AM, at work, etc.
Here is a graphic to help you remember if it should be in, on, or at.
Want to learn more about prepositions? Make an appointment with the Graduate Writing Center!
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