2006-07-30 14:58:45 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Read this sentence, "The amphibians live both in water and on land". These "in", "on" and "at" are called prepositions. Another example, "You meet me at 10 O' clock". The preposition "in" is used to give meaning of the location inside certain object or system. eg. "My son is studing in 8th standard", "The fish swims in water", "The sun rises in the east". The preposition "on" is used to locate over any object or system. eg. "Keep the pen on the table", "Ice floats on water", "you write on a paper" etc. The preposition "at" is used to locate the exact point or time in a system or object. eg. "The line intersects at this point", "You are good at English" not you are good in English (incorrect). "I will arrive at Madurai (place)", "I am working at a research centre", "The National Research Centre for Banana is situated at Tiruchirapalli (place)" but you have to use the preposition "in" when you use the word "University". eg. "I am working in the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University".
2006-07-30 19:58:22 · answer #1 · answered by K.J. Jeyabaskaran K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have no idea. I use them when i think it sounds cool or cute. Try that way. Because English is really a crazy language. Huh?
Hey I was kidding you can use a Dictionary to find which words carry in, on, at then use them with the particular word. You acn ask your English teacher if you really want to learn this language.
Good Luck
2006-07-30 22:03:20 · answer #2 · answered by 123456 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not at the end. Never end a sentence with a preposition.
2006-07-30 22:16:13 · answer #3 · answered by stowchick01 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The main item to remember is never end a sentence with the word at. But I just did it, didn't I?
Avoid "Where's it at?" unless it's dialogue. That is what I'm referencing.
2006-07-30 22:02:55 · answer #4 · answered by Guitarpicker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not ask something simpler like when do you use the definate and the indefinate article? I mean jeez that would only take several hours to answer... (in) generally shows enclosure, (on) generally means slightly above in some manner, and (at) usually shows right at the point of..
Kelli: They are also called particles when dealing with phrasal verbs
2006-07-30 22:00:27 · answer #5 · answered by JAR2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In, on, at, hehehhe, yes,the biggest nightmare for those who arent native speakers (like myself). I think the guy who invented the English language was totally drunk the day he made up the using of prepositions...
No general rule. Lots of particular cases; "I'm in the bar" (location), but then, you have "I'm at home" (location as well!!!!), or "I'm on a plane" and so on...
"I stood barefoot in the fountain","I remained at the crossroads".
Where the heck is the difference?!?!?!?!? Why not "at the fountain" or "in the crossroads"?!?!?!?!?! lol
2006-07-30 22:47:31 · answer #6 · answered by rtorto 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In, on and at are prepositions, used before a noun to clarify a position. It is improper to use a preposition at the end of a sentence.
Proper Examples:
I stood barefoot in the fountain.
I sat on the horse's back.
I remained at the crossroads.
Improper Usage:
What is this in? (Should be, "In what is this?")
What is your thesis on? (Should be, "On what topic is your thesis?")
Where are the people at? (Should be, "Where are the people?")
2006-07-30 22:03:45 · answer #7 · answered by Jylsamynne 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You use in when you actually place something inside something, a physical location. You use on when you place something on something like a tablecloth goes on a table.
2006-07-30 22:01:42 · answer #8 · answered by betterbegood_to_me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
those words are prepositions. you use them in prepositional phrases before nouns and/or pronouns.
2006-07-30 22:04:26 · answer #9 · answered by cleatus!! the pig! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
are you new at this english thing?
2006-07-30 22:00:34 · answer #10 · answered by Sally Pepsi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋