English Grammar - Prepositions of Place: AT, ON, IN

In this lesson, you will learn about three common prepositions of place: AT, ON, and IN. Want to know how to use AT, ON, and IN? Have a look at this video, and improve your English grammar, as well as your written and spoken English. To test yourself on this lesson, check out the quiz at www.engvid.com/

[@sebdecc]

Great video, but It is tricky. After your explanation about AT (something being AT a specific location), I could think that is correct to say "I like to study AT my bedroom". Or after your explanation about IN, I may think that is correct to say "My brother is IN the theatre" (the theatre is an enclosed area).

[@sowbs6925]

I can't express how thrilled i am to have discovered this great teacher's channel. Some of my difficulties that i had before on learning English are transformed into drinking water. Thanks for everything, indeed! ❤💛💚

[@engvidAlex]

Thanks for clicking, everyone! Just a reminder that you can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter. Facebook: facebook.com/alex.engvid Twitter: twitter.com/alexengvid Finally, if you would like to support EngVid, you can donate at this link: www.engvid.com/support We truly appreciate every donation we receive. Thank you for studying with us.

[@emtit4519]

Thank you Alex. Why don't we say "on my bed"? We actually lay on surface of the bed.

[@bensweiss]

+Linh Lê I'm not a teacher but occasionally I do say "on the bed" when laying on the top of their bed to make a point that I'm lying down (on the vertical surface) but not sleeping under the covers. I'll say I'm "in" bed if I am enclosed and surrounded by bed sheets and covers. Most times when you are in bed you could be covered/enclosed by sheets/under the covers. But using "on the bed" confuses other people (e.g. If I am talking on the phone while on my bed) as it is very specific and occasional so I will say "I'm in bed" or I'll use the more general phrase "I'm just laying down."-meaning I could be asleep, reading, thinking, watching TV, relaxing, resting either on top of the bed or under the covers.

[@hasnainalisangha4178]

+Linh Lê because bed is specific thing.

[@dylanrico]

on THE bed... On a surface. IN bed = inside it.

[@dylanrico]

Because it's a surface, in this case. So you'd use ON.

[@francisalbert6651]

Thank you Alex. This visual representation helps a lot!

[@engvidAlex]

+Francis Albert Awesome. That's what I was hoping.

[@crabnoshell1]

Honestly, after watching this video, i still feel confused when to use AT or IN. especially the questions at the end ' My brother is (at) the theatre. ' You explained that was because AT the Specific place.but i think theatre should be a closed area. so i could also use IN the theatre. Am i right?

[@PrakashKrchintha2007]

For a specific place u use 'at' ..here alex has mentioned a specific place i.e theatre

[@ArtemLokhovitskiy]

@@PrakashKrchintha2007 but "my bedroom" is specific place too. So why "study in my bedroom"? Is it because "I like to study *in* _enclosed_ _environment_ (bedroom) *at* _specific_ _place_ (my house)?

[@ArtemLokhovitskiy]

It seems like degrading system: Live in this city on this street at this building in this room on this bed.

[@Optional_4321]

Mikey Lin Facebook

[@vlache6983]

...lol and why not theater is not enclosed evironment ? yes, theater can be "opened"(summer theathre without roof) or fully closed, like a big room! i think this is just 1 rule worked here, "at some building", and all buldings will be with "at": at the hospital, at the home, at school e t.c. not "in".

[@user-wd1ej5rs7p]

You are the best teacher! Thank you for your lessons! Everything is clear, like always!

[@melissayong5878]

Finally had a clearer understanding! Thank you for being explicit in ur explanation and emphasize the key points! *THUMBS UP*

[@TJDESL]

I agree that one normally would say: "My brother is at the theater." I can, however, think of a situation where one would say: "My brother is in the theater." Here is an example. Your brother Grover, your friend Mike and you just watched a movie at the theater. [Actually, I think one could argue that you could use "in the theater" in the previous sentence]. Mike and you step outside of the theater. Mike looks around and does not see Grover. Mike asks you: "Where is your brother Grover?" You respond: "My brother is in the theater." I think whether you use "in" or "at" depends to some degree on how far you are from the theater and the context of the conversation. In my example, I think Mike would be pretty annoyed with you if you responded: "My brother is at the theater." In this context, "at the theater" could mean in the theater's parking lot, in the concession line at the theater, in the ticket line, etc.... Mike wants more precise information in this context. In this context, saying "My brother is in the theater" makes it clear that your brother is still in the building.

[@shinjiyouong4117]

Your reply was so helpful for me. preposition is very hard to ESL students like me, thank you :)

[@crabnoshell1]

TJ D Do you mean both In the theatre and At the theatre are correct? if so, which one is more idiomatic? thx in advance.

[@dlovand.mahmood747]

I think he meant using( in ) is just for specific location inside closed area. So there is no reference to any specific location of theater

[@TJDESL]

Mikey Lin Sorry, I just noticed this now. I mean both are correct depending on the context. If you're at home and your mom asks you where your brother is, you would reply: "He is at the theater." Pretend, however, that you just watched a movie at the theater with your mom and brother. Now, you're in the parking lot with your mom and your mom notices that your brother is not in the parking lot with you. You would tell your mom that your brother is in the theater if he was still in the movie theater for some reason (for example, if he was using the restroom or talking to a friend). Yes - basically, inside a closed area like Dlovan D.mahmood stated.

[@HaroldCastilloenglishteacher]

Alex, you're a nice teacher and your explanations are clear and spot on.

[@jdragos7274]

Thank you sir, as always you shared your talents to us (non-native english speakers). This is really great. I have been watching your videos for quite sometimes now and your youtube channel is one of my favorite.

[@mawarblackpink]

Thank you very much, Alex. Now I understand it.

[@lauranunez7662]

thank you Alex, you are the best teacher in the world. I am learning English for you

[@johndavidsoncario7797]

Thank You Sir Alex. Now It Helped Me To Better Understand The Right Use Of Prepositions. I'm Still A Low Level English Learner.

[@Onlinehimik]

Alex, you are a genius! I have been studying English since my school days but your explanation is the best! 🤝

[@eduardotoporekmex]

Thank you very for this explanation. I have been confused all my life with the use of these basic prepositions. I expect no more. =) Kindly regards, since Mexico!

[@ypooi72]

We use 'in' for months and years, e.g. "I was born in March", "She was born in 1988". We use 'on' for days, e.g. "I was born on 21st September 1976", "I will be there on Monday". We use 'at' for a specific time, e.g. "I will be there at 3 p.m. tomorrow". Hope these sentences help!!!

[@virgilbosu3014]

I realy like the way what Alex explaine in ,the meaning of differents words .He help me definitely to improved my English

[@TSGS21]

I was just going to ask you to make a video for this. You are ahead of the game. I am native Spanish speaker and every time I do a paper, this seem to be one of my biggest issues. Thanks for the videos, and keep up the good work. I would like to see a video of when to combined word? Some easy examples are; worthless(worth less) and nowadays. Sometime I struggle with these type of words.

[@bluesmoon755]

Alex! I perfectly understand your explanation on the white board!! Thanks a lot!!

[@vickynghenhac]

woww, this is the first time I understand this preposition. I always use wrong preposition all the time because I didn't understand when I in school. My teacher never explain or give example as good as this one tutorial. Exellent and thank a lottttt loveeeee you ten thousand times more

[@YousafKhan-yc4ud]

Sir Alex you are really very good teacher your videos made me able to talk to someone in English.. thank you very much

[@betelgezaa]

Very good lesson. It clears any doubts about using these prepositions. Bravo !

[@sunsea98]

I like your class; it's simple but direct. Thank you very much Alex.

[@auroraraab8632]

Thank you Alex, you are in my heart!

[@iacastillo4474]

This really helped me understand these prepositions.

[@makielmounirtall6320]

I've never understood that prepositions before but now after watching this video I can use them correctly so thank you very much Alex you are doing a good work.

[@Paulo412349]

Thank you very much for your video. It's kind of hard for non native English speakers to fully understand the prepositions of place, and where to use them correctly, but your video sure helps a lot! Kind Regards.

[@foxsshift]

this is great Alex, I also like how it felt like your inside a review center or inside a class ~

[@eduardorpg64]

Thank you for this video. It has helped me a lot. I had problems with these 3 prepositions.

[@armandovaldovinos5545]

thank you very much alex, with your examples its easier for me, to do a correct pronuntiation or to have a better comunication if i know wich are the correct ways to express my ideas or things that i want to say.

[@felixbertoyalung9216]

You illustrated it clearly. Thanks. Way to go, Alex.

[@engvidAlex]

@shtirlic76tube You are absolutely correct. There are numerous exceptions or cases where we use either "at" or "in." It can get a little confusing. For example, I can say "Look at the picture!" However, I cannot say, "I am at the picture," if my meaning is that I am "in" the picture. The guidelines I provided in this video are the basics.

[@oussamanaceur2027]

Thank's teacher that's a great lesson you just gave us.....MERCI

[@Wisky19]

Thank u professor alex for this video I have learned how to use these prepositions

[@akramalhilo]

Than you, I will never forget these examples, and I will never forget Mr, Alex as well,

[@loryencajurao8015]

Thank you so much sir Alex. You are a very good teacher. I have learned a lot from you. i loved the way you teach, i am expecting for more lessons to learn from you and i am looking forward to it..God bless.

[@lossurdo]

Best lesson ever! Thanks for sharing.

[@juliojc8853]

Your Lessons are very usefull, I'm improving and getting the details each day that I've watch your videos! Nice job, keep going!!

[@marcossilva-saberfazer889]

That´s great. I am learning each day more with your lessons!

[@engvidAlex]

That's great to hear, Marcos! Thanks for studying with EngVid, and I wish you luck in all of your studies.

[@franciscoalvarez5215]

Amazing, dude. That was very helpful. Thanks.

[@theottomanemperor1767]

Yes sir good job, I understood. I'm Zubair from Bangladesh

[@Savogre]

Thanks a lot for such great explanations!

[@freya4858]

Thanks! Your lessons help me!

[@fawazsa3]

thank you my teacher. GO انصح بمتابعته لأن شرحة حلو.. يعلمك طريقة الاستخدام ثم يعطيك أمثلة ثم يعطيك سوال تحلة بنهايه الدرس.

[@oscardelgado2469]

Thanks dude ever so much!! Greetings from the Brasilian English Teaching Community

[@galope22]

you 're rocks buddy, this took me a lot of time to understand and then i watched your video, it comes to my mind so easy, you're great.

[@jamalmahdi8284]

thank you , you are the best ! I finally understand preposition of place.

[@melanieobour9768]

Thank you Alex. You really helped me !

[@laurabrown3869]

Nice simple drawings for the students to copy, and good examples. Thank you!

[@Mirelly]

I am from Brazil, and watch this video in my home, thank you teacher!

[@engvidAlex]

No problem! I'm amazed that people still watch these very old videos. :)

[@ccriss0601]

Excellent, teacher..thanks so much from Brazil!

[@gelox32]

A very good an illustrative lesson, that is an excellent method to teach ... thank you teacher

[@mahdihatef4729]

Thank you Sir this is very great method. wish you all the best.

[@wahid73]

I am waheed from Pakistan and I would like to thank you very much for this tutorial.

[@parlezmoidetoi]

Thank you so much! Great help!

[@hadeerismail3051]

Amaaaaaaaazing explanation, actually the best and the most simple one ever 🌷🌷🌷🌷

[@hodugirl]

I want improve my english and you'll help me, thank you very much! I will watch everyday a video in your channel.

[@praveenkumarshukla2599]

Excellent, convincing, and easy to undersatand as well.........Thanks alot

[@dinosandatlas]

Great video Alex. Thanks.

[@elciosantana]

Thank's from Brazil! 🇧🇷

[@latinpaver]

Alex thank you for this lesson.

[@isaurokambita1195]

I've been watching your videos . They're really good.

[@dashaftaway]

that´s very kind of you as to upload such nice and useful videos on English tuition. Thank you very much, Dash.

[@chaitziwei2333]

Thanks Mr. Alex. You helped me alot.

[@NEGUS19702]

tks so much Alex for sharing us! I liked it!

[@amadorortiz549]

Thanks Alex that really helped me !

[@gocalixto]

Thanks Alex, I was too confused about it. It helped a lot.

[@elmerdadivas2331]

hello , regarding to your illustration , I have a few questions . if you point the theater is a specific location and used at on it, why do you used "in" in the car? isn't "my car" much more specific place than a theater . please respond. I'm really having a hard time using preposition

[@wendy6832]

Very Useful, Thank you！

[@domingosanchez8007]

I used the book '150 English Errors' when I was writing my essay at university. Helped me a lot. Especially with the prepositions. Should be on Amazon.

[@MrBlacksingh]

Do you have the author's name? It would be of great help cuz as an English language learner it would help a lot.

[@ravpriyankara]

thank you Alex, i understood clearly the difference.

[@patriciacruz7981]

Thank you, Alex! You make it easy to understand. Can you please include a lesson for the use of "upon, beneath, toward and towards" in one of your videos?

[@indiandrift]

Alex u r simply rocking .... It was as simple n clear as possible. thanx. :)

[@majasmith8613]

hi Alex I like your lessons! They're very helpful. I'm from Poland and love English language..;)

[@amrayoub]

Thanks Alex. Excellent.

[@psmat97]

Finally I could understand that!! Thanks a lot!

[@luismunoz6753]

It's awosome how you have being improving your teaching skills. The Best !

[@engvidAlex]

Thanks, Luis! I'm glad you're enjoying the videos.

[@jigarpatel9836]

Bro u have solve my all doubt about preposition tq bro.........

[@manoelacampos5562]

Thank you Alex, that was great!!!!!

[@Munreto]

at---->specific location, on--> horizonal or vertical, in----> inside. Thank you so much

[@timelordmoonpie]

Thank you so much Alex!

[@Davidswansonhome]

You're right there - prepositions are tricky. I understand that it's really a question of vocabulary rather than grammar, i.e. learning the various ways they combine in certain sentences in the memory rather than rules. Also difficult because used differently in different languages. We English are always tempted to use the Spanish 'en' as if it were the English 'en'. But hey, nothing truly worthwhile is easy. ;)

[@andrestarazona6190]

That was a very good lesson. Thanks!

[@shubham42070]

Simple and best explanation appreciate it ....

[@annazamora3113]

Now I'm no longer confused. Thanks for this video.

[@PerumalPerumal-tu9bx]

about the at

[@gulgul7937]

Thank you my teacher .

[@naiie170892]

Best lesson of prepositions of place that I ever seen! (Y) GOOD & thank's

[@Sweetitly]

Thank you Mr. Alex.

[@b.k6280]

Thank you very much, sir.your videos are very useful

[@MegaAlanRicardo]

Thank you, i liked very much... Very good!! Well done...

[@alejandrosanchez9709]

hey Alex you are a great teacher. I wander if you would make some videos on how to master the ACT and SAT grammar and English writing. THANKS.

[@elliehs]

SO helpful, tthanks!

[@edivaldoac]

Good explanation, I understood and was easy, and the best: IT'S FREE!!!

[@KarenDPR]

Nice job! Thank you!!

[@saudilady06]

Thank you Mr. Alex

[@afonsogu]

Thank you Mr Alex, you helped me a lot.

[@friedchicken1]

you don't really say Mr Alex.. either you say Mr LastName or just alex ;) thought this might help

[@abt013]

thank you very much for this lesson

[@taydelana]

Thanks a lot! I am studying for foreign language exam of university entrance. Your videos are so helpful. Greetings from Turkey!

[@hrezai]

awesome and excellent . thank you very much

[@argenismoreno8838]

Thank you Alex.✅👏👏👏