AT, ON, or IN? The Triangle Method for Prepositions of Place

No more mistakes! Learn this simple trick to use “at”, “on”, and “in” correctly in English. Master common prepositions of place with the Triangle Method, to speak and write more fluently at work, in school, on exams, or in daily life. Then, move on to master prepositions of time with my other video: • Master AT, ON, IN with...
Take the quiz here: www.engvid.com/at-on-in-trian...
TRANSCRIPT
Hi. I'm Rebecca from www.engvid.com. In this important lesson I'm going to show you how to use three very common prepositions correctly in English, and they are: "at", "on", and "in". Now, you might have seen an earlier lesson of mine where I talked about "at", "on", and "in" when it had to do with time, and we used something called "the triangle method". But here, also, we're going to use this triangle method to learn "at", "on", and "in", but we're going to refer to places. Okay? To place; not time, but place. So, let's see how it works.
So, here we have the triangle, and you can see "at" at the top, "on" in the middle, and "in" at the bottom. Okay? So what does that mean? So, here we want to show that "at" is used when we're talking about very specific places. Okay? For example, when we're talking about the name of a restaurant: "at Starbucks", "at McDonald's", and so on. Or when we're giving a specific address: "at 25 Main Street". Okay? So, you have the number; not only the street, not only the city, but the specific number of the building and the street - "at 25 Main Street". Or we say a specific place, like: "at JFK Airport". And even if it's not with a name, it could just say: "at the airport", "at the office". Right? "At the library", "at the supermarket". You see that it's very specific, and that's why we use "at"; in those very specific situations. All right? Got that?
Now let's look at the second one. So, the second one is "on". "on" we use for a little bit more than a very specific place; it's a little bit wider. For example, we see here on a street, or a highway, or a floor. Okay? So, we see: "on Main Street", "on Route 66", "on the 6th floor". Okay? So: "Somebody lives on Main Street.", "I drive to work on Route 66.", "I work on the 6th floor." Okay? So we see that it's a little bit wider than that specific place. Little bit wider tends to often be horizontal kind of places. Okay?
Next we come to "in". So, this is for everything more. Okay? So, "in" is used for large areas. For example, we say: "in Los Angeles". Well, let's look first at what the categories are. So, large areas, such as a city, a state, a country, a continent, or just a large area. For example, we could say: "He lives in Los Angeles.", "She lives in California.", "They live in the US.", "in North America", "in the world". Okay?
So, what do we see here? That "in" is the broadest; it's the widest. Okay? And then "on" is a little bit less, and "at" is very specific. Okay? So, have you got that? Let's find out when we do a little quiz where we're going to practice using these very common prepositions: "at", "on", and "in". Okay? Because we use these all the time; we use them in writing, we use them in speaking - and if you have a mistake in this then you're going to have lots of mistakes. So, let's get it right and let's practice with a little quiz.
Okay, so before we get started, let me just tell you that there are two ways that you could do this with me. One is if you'd like a little more time to think about the answer, then just pause the video, and you can see all of the exercises. So, stop it, write down the answers, think about it, and then you can follow me as I go through it. Or if you feel you can do it right away, then join me right now. Okay? Let's get started.
So, again, your options are what? "at" for something very specific, "on" for something a little bit wider, and "in" for the largest areas of all. Okay? All right. So, let's begin.
Number one:
"_____ Tokyo".
What do we say there? Okay? Yes. It should be "in Tokyo". Okay? Why? Because Tokyo is a city, and it's a large place, so we said that for large places we use "in". All right?
Next:
"_____ Hill Road. ____ Hill Road. I live ____ Hill Road."
What would you say, there? Which of these? Okay, good: "I live on Hill Road." Okay? So, we said "at" is the specific one; "on" is for things like also the horizontal kind of places like roads, and streets, and rivers. Okay? The places like that; the floor that you live on. Okay? We say "on", "on Hill Road".
Number three:
"_____ Brazil. She lives _____ Brazil."
What would you choose for that one? "She lives"-yes-"in Brazil". Okay? Again, Brazil is very wide. Right? It's a big place, so we want the widest option, which is "in". All right? "in Brazil". "in" for cities, countries-remember?-continents, large areas of land, or also in the world. All right? […]

[@2ndfloor401]

you've just made something very complicated so simple!

[@fhsn9130]

Correct

[@BLINKitONCE]

I'm so good at 'in' now but, sometimes I'm confused between 'at' and 'on'

[@2ndfloor401]

@@BLINKitONCE i don't know if this will help....but study prepositions in chunks...

[@virtudescalderon9341]

Thank yours. Rebecca you are a lovely teacher. I always learn with you thank you.

[@ellasepkhanyan4556]

Yesss

[@deniseweste9239]

Thank you Ms. Rebecca. Your lessons are very clear and easy to understand. Keep up the good work.

[@laddelalilano208]

I'm currently studying BSED English, I want to improve my grammar, thank you for sharing this wonderful videos Ma'am !

[@suelicarr5873]

Hi teacher, You are amazing. I love your classes. I had a traumatic experience with an English teacher in the past but you helped me to overcome this feeling. I love watching your videos and doing the exercises with you. God bless you. You are generous, empathetic and charismatic. 🤗🙏🌼🌸🌷

[@robertbolivarr8363]

Learning English is like learning the rules. Each words have its own usage. I'm in my car. Since the car is smaller, we have to use IN. I'm on the train, we use On because the train is much bigger than a car. Thank you Rebecca,

[@mujiburrohman3593]

Simple but useful explanation. Thank you. I Love EngVid.

[@yennyg389]

Thank you so much, this video is one of the most important that we have to watch and practice. I was very confused before to watch the video, but now all is clear, just have to practice.

[@balasubramanianilangovan888]

Hi Rebecca. thank you for making this lesson. I appreciate your simplicity and sincerity!!

[@marthabaumgartner5282]

Great class and clear examples. Thanks for your time and God bless you 😉

[@dianamachado2415]

I always had some question about all this prepositions but now that’s so clear. Thank you for this lesson so wonderful!

[@gayratubaydullaev1599]

You're so polite and generosity! You're really a professional! Thank you so much!

[@JapayuKin]

Thank you so much Ma'm Rebecca. I've learned a lot from this video. Now I know what and when to use prepositions. I've been searching for the answers in my questions, you're teaching method is an eye-opener. Now I feel confident and ready to explore.

[@lailacampos1117]

I really love your classes! Thanks a lot for this video. Your lessons help me so much to understand these English's details 💞💞

[@abolhasanmohamadrezaei5209]

Mis Rebecca , you’re excellent teacher. Thank you so much for your course.

[@user-zb7uz6xb7s]

It's a very helpful lesson. Thank you so much for teaching, Rebecca

[@loriecoloquit2105]

Hi Rebecca, I just graduated last May as Bachelor of Secondary Education specializing in English. I know I have to learn more and watching your video made it easier for me to review some about English. Thank you for this.

[@laninpant832]

Good morning, It was really good to learn the use of preposition in a simple way with you. Thank you.

[@ddnz7]

This video is outstanding. Thank you so much, Rebecca. I used your explanation a lot in my classes. You are so generous for sharing that. I appreciate you.

[@nitropenta21]

wonderful class. You can explain simple and efficient. Thank you a lot.

[@pasularajitha5104]

Thank you, for teaching the prepositions in easy way.

[@band586]

When she said I heard you at Q7) I was filling I’m in the class and she stand front of me ))) Incredible teacher thank you !!!

[@cindybellota]

Thank you, Ms. Rebecca! Now, this is so clear for me :)

[@lucypacquiao4280]

Thanks, you're so helpful!!! God bless you and your family.

[@anee7163]

Wow Rebecca! You made the lesson easier despite it's a confusing one although you explained so joyfully so that it became interesting and also helped us to grasp the understandings quickly .

[@kannanmithran5721]

Your teaching is interesting. And clearly understanding

[@jijindasc.j2793]

Hai mam, i'm from India. As a beginner to study english i like your class somuch. Expecting much classes.. Thank you..

[@sijijijo6165]

Thank you Rebecca. You are an amazing teacher and makes each one of your lessons are extraordinary and you made it is in a way that everyone could easily understand and learn. I appreciate your teaching skills and efforts. ❤️

[@brilliantminds8410]

So sweet and effective teaching . Thank you !

[@orhanbaki3803]

Thanks, my teacher, Mrs. Rebecca, your way to teach English is simply wonderful, I appreciate you very much, lovely God help and bless you forever. Orhan Baki, from Germany.

[@sebastiaoelias5351]

ohhhh You are good teacher. And God Bless you!!!! Good lesson

[@carlosandreslaverdeooo5010]

You are an excellent teacher! Please continue to create these fantastic videos that change lives.

[@ClairePenettiere]

Great lesson and thank you for using creative methods which are easy to learn and remember ☺️

[@FallenAngelTeam]

*Excelent,Becky!*

[@chauvuong4250]

Thank you Ms.Rebecca . I love your class .

[@agneshoy7728]

Congratulations, Rebecca. You are an excellent teacher. Your explanation is very clear!

[@WOXZE]

Really helpful videos, Teacher Emma. You're the best!

[@coccinelle5979]

Thank you very much from Russia. I amazed by your teacher skills. So clear!

[@navdeepdeol1605]

You are an amazing teacher. This lesson has cleared many of my doubts.🙌

[@sujith123kaushalya2]

My favorite teacher on internet ..😁😁😁❤❤❤

[@nolannalon6437]

you are a real professional teacher. your lessons are easy to consume.

[@jayrichzhanra4988]

Thank you for your effort, we are learning.

[@nasseralasmari862]

This is the best explanation of the distinction between these three prepositions. It's the clearest and simplest I've ever seen since I started learning English. Now I tutor English and I will be glad to use your superb method and I'll also refer my students to your awesome channel. 👍👏👏

[@hanamohamad2231]

Thanks so much I hopethis chanal increase

[@raisahmed4499]

Thank you Ma'am

[@dyeninalibut3025]

Thank you so much for your clear teaching!

[@adrianaa3562]

Thank you, Rebecca. I start to undestand the preposition

[@hermes5456]

This is abolutely what i was looking for.

[@sojanjoseph9699]

Very good class 👍

[@01111191000]

Thank you so much Ms.Rebecca for your clear and helpful video.

[@esayasbamlak9991]

What a lovely Teacher. I like the way you teach English and the way you express things. Thanks for your kind contribution

[@juanjosebodan7861]

Thank you, teacher. I appreciate so much the way you teach us. You're so passionated when you're doing your job. Hope this amazing channel increase more and more. Blessings from Nicaragua.

[@abrehamag]

Thank you,I appreciate much more u teach me

[@huynhco602]

Thanks Miss Rebecca

[@mdariyanahamedrasel6150]

@@huynhco602.

[@relaxwithnature6593]

Your methodology of explaining preposition is admirable, incredible, facinating. Thank Teacher Robecca for teaching us in a simplest way.

[@thirinandaraung7405]

I understand completely the way you teach.Thanks Tchal Rabecca..

[@vadimb3591]

so far it is the best explanation of prepositions.. I checked other videos, but this one so easy to learn. i thought I am not good with English learning, but with Rebecca, I change my mind. Thank you so much

[@haniabatool2452]

Pls tell us silent words which we are use or not like... Absorb, slightly,plough etc..

[@GrannaMary]

Am using these videos to help teach English to two Ukranian Refugees here in California. I am a retired teacher who taught ESL for years in elementary school. These are wonderful supplements to what we are learning! Thank you for making these available to all!

[@informaticienmason7419]

Thank you so much and many blessings !

[@LeaHannalov3]

You are such a brilliant English Teacher ma'am Rebecca. Thank you for sharing your exceptional gift, more power! love from the Philippines.

[@irenemartins9496]

I really like the way you explain this. You cleared my doubts. Thank you

[@vanhungtran5920]

Vềccceuvcecec

[@humeratariq2260]

BOYS ABD GURLLS my teqcher recommended me to whatch this and now i recommend this to other peeps

[@CristinadelaLuz]

Excellent lesson, thanks a lot Rebecca.

[@eriklucas4662]

i would like to thank you for this amazing video!! I finally understood when to use the prepositions and now i don't have fear to talk about it!! XoXo from Brazil

[@chhandadhar4846]

Nice video and I'm the first one to comment 😁👍

[@SK-cf6nh]

Ma'am One question 5) we're staying _____ the moon hotel ...over here y we are not using 'on'... Because we are not confirm at which room

[@user-fn5qe2qh9m]

That's because if you say "on the hotel" you literally mean that you're staying on the hotel, on its roof

[@olgaigolka9194]

Thank you very much for this lesson. I study english by myself and this lesson is the best lesson of the prepositions of time

[@EXAGERAIS]

excellent and very clear explanations - thank you

[@SK-cf6nh]

There is 26 people they dislike the video... I think they don't know how to learn and understand

[@aarongerena4862]

35 people

[@ezequielgonzalez8567]

Probably they misclicked

[@209lapko]

56 Now, how could you not like, Rules of Grammar?

[@mumuvangpan9578]

Not everyone are same so the probability of understand is also not same they might had dislike bcoz they dont understand what she had explained. Different people have different level of understanding. Those dislikes doesn't mean they don't know lear to learn.

[@priscillawilson2634]

@@mumuvangpan9578 'Not everyone is the same'. 'Different levels of...'. '...dislikes don't mean...' Singular vs plural.

[@relaxinguniversesite2385]

Thanks mam, I never got 10/10. First time in my life I get 10.

[@juancarloshernandezhernand7096]

Thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was a very good explanation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep clearing up those confusing things in English to all the non-native speakers around the world!!

[@mariateresa-kf2si]

thank you teacher Rebecca for imparting your knowledge to us, now im not confusing anymore on how to used that preposition.

[@geografisica]

0:47 You said “at AT the top”, “on IN the middle” and “in AT the bottom”... my question is, why not “on ON/AT the middle” but IN???

[@PearlPrime]

Cuz, it is in between the two of them.

[@hendtabab4718]

May Allah help you more than you help me

[@rahmafazal1573]

Aameen

[@gloriae3362]

Wow, your triangle method is brilliant! the picture helps the brain to place the preposition the right place. Excellent for a visual learner.

[@carmerafa6241]

you say... "ON is IN the middle"... but you are being very specific about the location of ON... 😵😵😵😵

[@patriciajorge6958]

She mentioned the name of the street ... but just when you say the number you are giving a specific location. No number... is wider area than when the number is given. Hope having helped you!!

[@ODIRGO]

@@patriciajorge6958 It was a joke, in case you didn't get it, haha

[@ME-eu9gm]

Dear Mrs. Rebecca: thank you so much for your wonderful work, being always very clear and specific while explaining all the lessons I've already seen from you. Besides, your manners and voice are so sweet and pleasant. I am a very visual learner and your notes on the board are very helpful to me. In using prepositions, I learned long ago the idea of "The Triangle Method", but I still confuse in some cases, as "I'm not sure when to consider a place as a specific, medium, or large" area... sometimes. E.g.: JFK Airport is a specific place, so we should use AT (is a specific place, but bigger than my village, where we should use IN, or bigger than "the 6th floor of a hotel", where we should use ON)... and that's my struggle. Thank you.

[@TheFoklan21]

Great tip. I got understand, this lesson was my nemesis for much time. Thank you.

[@priscillawilson2634]

'for a long time'

[@sukhdeepsukhz]

Beautiful way to make understand.

[@anitablanco7309]

Thanks for teaching English. I enjoy it!

[@juliocesarrodriguez4919]

It's great how she teaches... congratulations!!!

[@isurunuwan2575]

You are a very talented teacher. Thank you .

[@ttttt808]

Very clearly explained. Thanks a lot!👍🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@rajas.2659]

Awesome. So many years I confused but now it's very clear.

[@AndyInLearning]

Thank you! Madam Rebecca. Very juicy and useful lesson.

[@raquelkras2476]

Thank you so much for the incredible class!! I had lots of doubts about this and you explained very clearly. God bless you ❤

[@user-xl3mx6rx4s]

Thank you very mach for you lessons! You lessons are very understandable and help me improve a lot english skill.

[@chansam8966]

Great method of teaching, thank u!

[@xandrabonaobra27]

Thank you Teacher Rebecca your lessons are clear.

[@luvkow4299]

Best teacher ever. Good bless you

[@Renne_Renne]

Your way of explaining is more than excellent thank you 🙏

[@RakibulIslam-sn4mp]

Thanks for magnificent class.

[@raugustop27]

Hi Rebecca, My name is Rafael and I from Brazil. I really would like to say thank you for that class. I used to have some trouble to understand that, but your methodology truly helped me out.

[@AbdallahAjkabdka]

You provide us a unique lessons. always sparkling.thx

[@ragima7880]

❤️ your teaching...Thank you🙏🏼

[@berezina100]

This is amazing method. Probably it was the most helpful explanation that I ever had. Thanks.

[@samandissanayake7492]

Very clear.. Thank you

[@user-tb3yw2dw4i]

All your lessons are excellent, thanks a lot Rebecca

[@mariopereira6367]

Like you Web site, you're a good teacher makes everything so easy, simple and to the point. Thanks

[@nouraelmalki2167]

Hello, I love your method of teaching. Thank you so much, dear Rebecca.

[@aaquibkhan9684]

Please, keep uploading such videos maem, I've learnt a lot from you.

[@haduytai5547]

Thank you very much for sharing the video.

[@user-pf3eu7gk4r]

Great and easy. Respect to you.

[@kpng8832]

Thank you for sharing this topic. It made me more clear how to use these preposition words. thanks again