When do we use “in” for places?

Мы используем in when someone or something is inside an enclosed space. Think of it as being within boundaries, like a room, a building, or a small vehicle where you sit inside.

• Использование in for cars and taxis: in the car, in a taxi.
• Использование in for buildings and rooms: in a restaurant, in a cafe, in a hotel.
• Also use in для in bed.

When do we use “on” for places?

Мы используем on for public transport where you can stand and walk around. We also use on for surfaces, but for A1, let’s focus on transport and holidays.

• Использование on for public transport: on a bus, on a train, on a plane.
• Использование on when talking about holidays: on holiday.

When do we use “at” for places?

Мы используем at for specific points or general locations. It often means ‘near’ or ‘at the position of’ a place, not necessarily inside it. We also use at for events.

• Использование at for specific public places: at the station, at the cinema, at the airport, at the bus stop.
• Использование at for common locations: at home, at work, at school.
• Использование at for events: at a party.

Примеры

• I am in the car.
• She is in a taxi now.
• We are in a restaurant for dinner.
• He is in a cafe with friends.
• They are in a hotel for the night.
• My cat is in bed.
• Are you on a bus?
• He is on a train to London.
• They are on a plane to Spain.
• We are on holiday next week.
• The train is at the station.
• Let’s meet at the cinema.
• My flight is at the airport.
• I am waiting at the bus stop.
• She is at a party tonight.
• I am at home.
• My dad is at work.
• The children are at school.

Практика

Распространенные ошибки у носителей испанского языка

Confusing “en” with English prepositions

Many Spanish speakers use in for all situations because “en” is used for many prepositions of place in Spanish. Remember that English is more specific.

• Неправильно: I am in home. Правильно: I am at home.
• Неправильно: She is in the bus. Правильно: She is on the bus.
• Неправильно: They are in the airport. Правильно: They are at the airport.

Always try to learn the preposition with the place, like a fixed phrase. This makes it easier to remember.

Часто задаваемые вопросы

What is the main difference between in, on, and at for places?

In is for enclosed spaces (inside something). On is for public transport where you can move, or for surfaces. At is for specific points, general locations, or events.

Why do we say “in the car” but “on the bus”?

We say in the car because you sit *inside* a car and cannot usually stand up or walk around. We say on the bus (или on a train, on a plane) because you can stand and move around *on* these larger forms of public transport.

Is “at home” always correct?

Да, at home is a very common and correct fixed phrase in English. It means you are at your house or apartment.

Can I use “in” for a country or city?

Yes, for larger geographical areas like countries, cities, or towns, we use in. Например, I live in Spain или She is in Madrid.