Question 1

When do I use in, on, and at?

Accepted Answer

This is the most important question in this lesson. The rule is the TYPE of place. in = inside a closed space (in the kitchen, in the box, in Paris). on = on a surface or in contact (on the table, on the wall). at = a specific point (at the door, at the bus stop, at home). Memorize this rule and you'll avoid most mistakes.

Question 2

Why are there 3 different words when other languages might use just one?

Accepted Answer

English is more specific and separates places based on the TYPE of relationship you have with them. It's extra information packed into one choice. The good news: once you learn the rule, you stop guessing randomly because it's logical, not arbitrary memorization.

Question 3

Is it "at home" or "in home"?

Accepted Answer

Always at home, never "in home". When you're talking about your activity or usual presence in a place, it's almost always at + place with no the: at home, at school, at work, at church. You'd only use in if you wanted to emphasize the physical interior of the building (I am in the house, but I can't find the cat), but in everyday speech, at.

Question 4

What's the difference between next to and in front of?

Accepted Answer

next to = beside (to your left or right). The bank is next to the café means the bank and the café are neighboring buildings. in front of = facing forward, in the front position. The car is in front of the house means the car is parked in front of the house's façade. Picture two people: next to = shoulder to shoulder; in front of = one facing the other.

Question 5

Is between only for two things?

Accepted Answer

Yes. between is for EXACTLY two things or people: The cat is between the two chairs. For three or more you use among: He is among friends. At A1, between is enough; among comes up later.

Question 6

Are there more prepositions of place?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This lesson covers 10 prepositions of place: in, on, at, next to, between, under, behind, in front of, above (on top without touching), opposite (facing each other), and around (surrounding). There are also below (underneath without touching), near, inside, outside, and others, which you'll see in vocabulary lessons later on.