Prepositions show relationships between nouns (or pronouns) and other words—especially for time and place. At A2 level, you need to use in, on, at, by, with, for, from, to correctly. This lesson explains the key rules with clear examples.
at → exact times
✅ at 3 o’clock, at noon, at midnight
on → days and dates
✅ on Monday, on July 4th, on my birthday
in → months, years, centuries, long periods
✅ in July, in 2025, in the morning, in the 21st century
⚠️ Exceptions: in the morning but at night
at → specific point or address
✅ at the door, at 123 Main St, at the station
on → surface or line
✅ on the table, on the wall, on the bus
in → inside an enclosed space
✅ in the box, in the car, in the room
by / with → means or instrument
✅ by car, by email, with a knife, with my friend
for → purpose, duration, recipient
✅ This gift is for you. / I waited for an hour.
from → origin or starting point
✅ I’m from Canada. / The train leaves from Platform 3.
to → direction or destination
✅ We’re going to school. / She gave the book to me.
correct “I’ll meet you at 5 p.m. on Friday.”
incorrect “I’ll meet you in 5 p.m. at Friday.”