GLOW: Grammar Lessons On the Web
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Prepositions

Prepositions are very difficult for second-language learners. The best way to learn to use them is to listen to native speakers use them and to read a lot of fiction. Still it often takes many years to perfect.

The most difficult prepositions, in my experience, are in, on, at, and to.

Prepositions of place or space:

In expresses confinement. That's why it's part of the words INSIDE and WITHIN.

I'll ride in your car.
My brother's in jail
I've got $12 in my pocket.
Tiblisi is in Georgia.

On means attached to or adjacent to something.

Dinner's on the table.
My car is parked on Ventura Boulevard.
She had a strange smile on her face.
There was a picture of Ghandi on the wall.

At refers to a specific point in space.

There's a guest at the door. Would you let him in?
The plane was at the end of the runway.
Change trains at Waterloo Station.
I'll be at the office all morning.

At also indicates "in the direction".

He pointed at the machine and asked, "What's that?"
I looked at Paul as he entered the room.
The drowning man grabbed at the rope, but he could not hold it.
I could only guess at the meaning of the new words.

To indicates "in a direction" or towards.

Aura goes to the office early on Tuesdays.
Drive to the end of the road and turn to the right.
The young mother sings to her baby every night.
Philadelphia is to the south and west of New York.
We give our magazines to a hospital when we have finished with them.

To indicates the end of a range with from.

It takes four days to drive from Los Angeles to Florida.
It's three miles from my sister's house to mine.
Count (from one) to ten before saying anything you'll regret.
I love all food, from hot dogs to fine cuisine.

Prepositions of time:

In is used for confinement in a time period.

My birthday is in September.
Sandra was born in 1977.
I go to class in the afternoon.
I watch television in the evening.

On is used for a specific day.

I go the gym on Mondays and Wednesdays.
We started the class on June 10th.
I'm going to fly to Italy on the day after tomorrow.
Let's go out to lunch on a day when you're not too busy.

At refers to a specific time.

I have an appointment with Dr. Fermi at 3 p.m.
The game starts at 7:30 in Paris. That's at 2:30 in New York
I like to stay home at night.
I left home at 18. (I was 18 years old.)

To means "until".

The concert began at quarter to eight. (7:45)
How long is it to dinner?
It's six days to my birthday.

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