Introduction
Using “in” as a Preposition of Position
Look at the following examples of IN.
Prepositional Phrase | Example |
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in a line in a row |
The flowers are planted in a line. The seats are in a row. |
in a field in a park in a garden in a room in a city |
Look at that horse in the field. Let's play ball in the park. We have beautiful roses planted in a garden. We keep our boxes stored in a room. They live in San Diego. |
in the lake in the water in the ocean |
Greg went swimming in Elk Lake. The dog dropped the ball in the water. We had a wonderful time swimming in the Pacific Ocean. |
in an armchair Note the difference: on a chair |
I like to sit in that red armchair. It is more comfortable than sitting on the brown chair. |
in a mirror in a photo in the sky |
The actor is looking at himself in the mirror. I can't see you in the photo. Are you in it? Did you see that falling star in the sky? |
Corners: Use in or at for a corner that is outside (on the street): at / on a corner. Use in for a corner that is inside a room: in a corner |
I will meet you on the corner by the bank. Let's meet at/on the corner of Main Street and Hastings Street. The desk is in the corner of the living room. |
in (the) front of in the front in the back Note: We say: on the back of the envelope on the back of the newspaper on the front of the newspaper in the middle of the newspaper |
The park is in front of the lake. I was sitting in the front of the class. The children are in the back of the car. Write your address on the back of the envelope. We read the story on the back of the newspaper. The most popular story was on the front page of the newspaper. We found the advertisement in the middle of the newspaper. |
Using “at” as a Preposition of Position
Look at these examples of AT.
Prepositional Phrase | Example |
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at the desk |
Cathy is sitting at her desk and doing her work. |
Using “on” as a Preposition of Position
Look at these examples of ON.
Prepositional Phrase | Example |
---|---|
on the chair |
The little boy sat on the big chair. |
on the left (side) |
The flower shop is on the left side. |
on the way |
I often buy a coffee on my way to work. |
When you are sure that you understand the lesson, you can continue with the exercises.