Lesson 31 of 46

in, on, at for place and movement

Talk about where things are and where you go.

The rules

  1. 1.At = a point or activity place: at the door, at work, at home, at the airport.
  2. 2.In = inside a space or area: in the office, in a car, in Mumbai. On = a surface or public transport: on the table, on the bus, on the second floor.
  3. 3.For movement use to: go to the office, return to Delhi. Do not use to with home, here, there, abroad: "go home".
  4. 4.Arrive at a small place or building, arrive in a city or country: "arrive at the station", "arrive in London".

Common mistakes and fixes

Incorrect: I am going to home.

Correct: I am going home.

No "to" with home.

Incorrect: We arrived to the hotel.

Correct: We arrived at the hotel.

Arrive at/in, not to.

Incorrect: She is in the bus.

Correct: She is on the bus.

Public transport takes "on".

Watch out: Home, here, there, and abroad never take "to" after go.

Quick quiz

1. I will meet you ___ the airport.
2. She lives ___ Bangalore.
3. When does he arrive ___ Paris?

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