In, on, and at are also used to describe location. The difference depends on how we see the place: as a space, a surface, or a point.
In → inside a space (3D)
Use in when something is inside a space or area.
- In a room
- In a city
- In a car
- In a building
- She is in the kitchen.
- They live in Lisbon.
On → on a surface
Use on when something is on a surface or line.
- On the table
- On the wall
- On the floor
- On a street
- The keys are on the table.
- The painting is on the wall.
At → a point or specific place
Use at for a specific point or location, often for places like buildings or events.
- At the door
- At the bus stop
- At school
- At work
- I am at the entrance.
- She is at the office.
In vs. On vs. At (same place, different meaning)
- He is in the restaurant. (inside the building)
- He is at the restaurant. (location/activity, not specific inside/outside)
- The cat is on the table. (surface)
- The cat is under the table. (different position)
Transport differences
- In a car / taxi
- On a bus / train / plane / bike
- She is in the car.
- They are on the train.
Key idea
- In → inside something (3D space)
- On → on a surface
- At → a point or general location
