Using Prepositions "IN" and "ON" in English

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| English | Prepositions | Examples |

In this tutorial, we'll learn when to use the prepositions "in" and "on" in English, which have specific uses in different contexts.

Using "IN"

1. For Enclosed Spaces or Containers

  • I am in the house
  • She is in the car
  • The book is in the box

2. For Cities, Countries, and Large Places

  • I live in New York
  • They work in Spain
  • The temple is in India

3. For Longer Time Periods

  • In summer
  • In 2025
  • In December

Using "ON"

1. For Surfaces

  • The book is on the table
  • The picture is on the wall
  • The cat is sleeping on the bed

2. For Specific Days and Dates

  • On Monday
  • On July 4th
  • On my birthday

3. For Specific Means of Transportation

  • On the bus
  • On the train
  • On the plane

Practice Exercises

Complete the sentences using "in" or "on":

  1. I have a meeting _____ Monday.
  2. She lives _____ Paris.
  3. The cat is sleeping _____ the sofa.
  4. We're going on vacation _____ summer.
  5. The keys are _____ the drawer.

Answers: 1. on 2. in 3. on 4. in 5. in

Tips to Remember

  1. Use "in" when something is inside something larger or contained within something.
  2. Use "on" when something is on a surface or for specific days.
  3. For dates: use "on" for specific days, "in" for months and years.

Practice Sentences

Try making sentences using these contexts: 1. A book on a table 2. Living in a city 3. Meeting on Friday 4. A cat in a box 5. Being in summer

Example answers: 1. The book is on the table 2. I live in London 3. See you on Friday 4. The cat is in the box 5. We are in summer

Practice these concepts regularly, and soon choosing between "in" and "on" will become natural!

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