Cómo usar “on”, “in” y “above”

How are prepositions of place used in English?

The proper use of prepositions of place can make a big difference in the clarity and accuracy of the English language. These little words are essential for describing the location of objects, people or places relative to one another. Below, we will explore three fundamental prepositions: on, over and in, to master their use and improve your communication skills.

When is on used?

The preposition on is used to indicate that something is in direct contact with the surface of another object. It is commonly used to describe positions where an object is physically touching this space. For example:

• The computer is on the desk: Here, the computer maintains direct contact with the surface of the desk.
• The clock is on the wall: In this case, the clock touches the wall surface.

On can also be used to describe positions relative to the right or left of something:

• The chair is to the left of the desk.
• The chair is to the right of the desk.

What is the difference between over and on?

While on indicates direct contact, over is used to describe something that is in a higher position but not touching the surface below. This can create confusion, as in some contexts, the two can seem interchangeable. Some examples are:

• The drawers are above the desk: The drawers do not touch the desk, but are suspended above it.
• The clock is above the desk: In addition to being on the wall, it is also in an overhead position without touching the desk.

It is important to note the similarity to the term above, which is also used for elevated positions without touching, as in "the light bulb is above me" or "the light bulb is above me."

How is in used correctly?

The preposition in is used to indicate something that is contained within a boundary or perimeter. It applies to objects that are physically enclosed or surrounded:

• The microphone is in the drawer: The microphone is contained within the enclosed space of the drawer.
• The pants are in the closet: The pants are inside the space enclosed by the closet.

It is crucial to note that in and inside are interchangeable in many cases, but there must be a clear physical delimitation. For example, in can be used for a box or a bag, but not for a country. Thus, you would not say "estoy dentro de México", but "estoy en México".

Practicing at home

Theory is important, but practice is even more important to master these prepositions. Here's a mission to strengthen your language skills: try to identify objects in your home and describe their location using these prepositions. For example:

• There is a book on the table.
• There is a lamp on the desk.
• The silverware is in the drawer.

Share your sentences in the comments and, if you can, accompany them with a picture to illustrate your examples. Practice makes perfect, and each example brings you one step closer to total fluency!