Prepositions (place and time)
PREPOSITIONS: place & time
You have learned a lot of prepositions by now. You've probably noticed that there are a few rules. Unfortunately, there are so many exceptions! The only way is to keep practicing, practicing and practicing.
You studied some rules when you were elementary and pre-intermediate. (If you need to revise on those early rules, look back into the lower levels). Let's have a look at some major problems.
ON TIME – exactly
IN TIME – you still have some time
AT THE END – at the time when something ends
IN THE END – finally
AT THE MOMENT – right now
IN A MOMENT – after some time
Some words require prepositions surprising for Czech learners:
IN THE SKY, IN A PICTURE, IN THE SUN…
AT A PARTY, AT THE STATION, AT THE AGE OF…
ON FIRE, ON TELEVISION, ON THE RADIO…
UNTIL vs. BY
• I'll stay until the end of summer. (all the time)
• You have to finish it by the end of the month. (any time before the end)
BY CAR, BY BUS, BY PLANE ….. but ON FOOT
BY CHECK, BY CARD… but IN CASH
IN A HOUSE, IN A CAR… but ON A PLANE
The door was opened by Jack. XXX The door was opened with a key.