Confused Prepositions

To and At

Rule: to is used to express motion; at is used to denote a position.

Incorrect Usage: (a) We go at church every Sunday.

  (b) The guard was positioned to the gate.                                         

Correct Usage: (a) We go to church every Sunday.

                             (b) The guard was positioned at the gate.

Confused Prepositions

In and At

Rule: in is used to describe the physical location of something; at is used when we refer to an address, place, building, etc. It is also used in cases where the location is not an issue; rather, what we do there is important (school, park, mall, hospital, etc.).

Incorrect Usage: (a) Henry owns a mansion at New York.

  (b) The British Prime Minister stays in 10 Downing Street.                                          

Correct Usage: (a) Henry owns a mansion in New York.

                             (b) The British Prime Minister stays at 10 Downing Street.

Confused Prepositions

On, At, and In (time factor)

Rule: on is used with the days of the week or month (on Sunday, on February 15, etc.); at is used to denote the exact time (at dawn, at 10 o’clock, etc.); and in is used with a period of time (in spring, in the evening, etc.).

Incorrect Usage: (a) The delegates will arrive at Monday.

  (b) He goes to bed on 11 o’clock.

  (c) My mother goes for a walk at the evening.                                

Correct Usage:    (a) The delegates will arrive on Monday.

                                (b) He goes to bed at 11 o’clock.

                                (c) My mother goes for a walk in the evening.

Confused Prepositions

For and At (price factor)

Rule: for is used if the actual amount is specified; at is used if the actual amount is not given.

Incorrect Usage: (a) They bought an apartment at 50 lakhs.

  (b) I can’t buy that gift for such a high price.                                     

Correct Usage: (a) They bought an apartment for 50 lakhs.

                             (b) I can’t buy that gift at such a high price.