Prepositions

In / On / At (Place)

Inside a space, on a surface, or at a specific point.

Rule

In means inside a space, on means on a surface or line, and at means at a specific point, address, or destination.

Formula

In: countries / citiesinside a large areain Francein Kyiv
In: rooms / buildingsinside an enclosed spacein the kitchenin the car
In: neighborhoods / areasinside a district or areain Manhattanin the city centre
On: streets / roadson a line or routeon Oxford Streeton this road
On: surfacescontact with a surfaceon the tableon the wall
On: floors / levelsa floor in a buildingon the second flooron level 3
On: public transport / mediatransport and communication channelson a buson the radio
At: addressesan exact address or pointat 15 Green Streetat this address
At: specific placesa specific point or destinationat the stationat the door
At: events / work / homea social or functional placeat schoolat workat home

Notes

  • in the car, but on the bus / train / plane
  • at school / work / home when we mean the place generally
  • on the street for a surface or line, but exact addresses usually use at