These three prepositions are especially common. Learn their patterns and compare how they are used.
1. The basic pattern
The same three prepositions are used for both place and time, but the pattern is different.
| Preposition | Place | Time |
|---|---|---|
| in | in a room; in London; in a box | in July; in 2026; in the afternoon |
| on | on the table; on the wall; on the second floor | on Tuesday; on 14 October; on Friday morning |
| at | at the station; at the door; at home | at six; at noon; at night |
2. A useful way to remember time expressions
AT — a point
at six o’clock
at midday
at night
ON — a day or date
on Monday
on 14 October
on my birthday
IN — a longer period
in October
in 2026
in winter
3. Watch out for these expressions
- at the weekend is usual in British English; on the weekend is common in American English.
- Say in the morning, in the afternoon, but at night.
- Say on Monday morning, because the day is specified.
- Say at home, not usually in home.
- Do not use in, on or at before last week, next month, this year or every day.
4. Quick check
Choose the correct preposition for each sentence.