Cuándo usar in, on y at en inglés

Master prepositions of place in English with confidence. Learn how to use in, on, and at to describe locations accurately, from general locations to very specific places, using real examples and everyday phrases.

What does in mean for places?

Using in signals a general or enclosed location. It helps you talk about wide areas, containers, and some transportation. Building this skill trains you to recognize when a place feels like a space you are “inside.”

• Countries and cities: “I live in Mexico.” “I work in Paris.”
• Neighborhoods: “Central Park is in Manhattan.”
• Enclosed spaces: “I am in a room, in a studio.”
• Liquids: “Fish live in the water.”
• Means of transportation (some): “I am in a car, in a taxi, in an airplane.”

Which examples should you practice with in?

• “They are in China.”
• “She is in the car.”
• “We’re in the kitchen.”

Tip: sometimes you must memorize the correct preposition by context, especially with transportation. Keep a list and review regularly.

When do we use on for place and direction?

Use on for specific positions along lines and surfaces, for media and communication, and for certain transport. This concept focuses on contact with a surface or position along a route.

• Streets: “I live on William Street.”
• Surfaces: “The couch is on the floor.” “The clock is on the wall.”
• Communications and media: “I listened to this show on the radio,” “on the internet,” “on television.”
• Directions: “The store is on the left.”
• Means of transportation (others): “On a bus,” “on a motorcycle.”

Which examples highlight on in context?

• “The clock is on the table.”
• “The socket is on the wall.”
• “He lives on Jamie Street.”

Skill boost: distinguish “street only” vs “full address.” Use on for just the street name.

When is at used for very specific locations?

Choose at for precise points and exact destinations like full addresses, stops, and venues. This sharpens your accuracy when naming a single, exact spot.

• Complete address: “I live at 13 South Maple Street.”
• Bus stops and stations: “See you at the train station.” “See you at the bus stop.”
• Specific points: “The dog is at a traffic light.”
• Shops and venues: “I am at a café,” “at a mall,” “at a store.”
• Group activities: “I am at a party.”

How do real-life lines sound with at?

• “We’re at Platzi.”
• “She’s at home.”
• “See you at the train station.”

Concept map you can visualize: in = general location, on = more specific, at = very specific.

Can you test yourself now?

• Countries: “They are in China.”
• Surfaces: “The clock is on the table.”
• Street only: “He lives on Jamie Street.”
• Precise place: “See you at the train station.”
• Enclosed transport: “She is in the car.”

Key vocabulary to remember: - General locations: countries, cities, neighborhoods. - Enclosed spaces: room, studio, car, taxi, airplane. - Surfaces: floor, wall, table. - Communications: radio, internet, television. - Directions: on the left. - Specific points: bus stop, traffic light. - Venues and activities: café, mall, store, party. - Address rule: full address with at; street only with on.

Share your own sentences using in, on, and at in the comments and practice with a friend to build fluency.