Preposition Problems: "Mastering the English Preposition 'In' - Common Problems and Solutions"

LESSON: PREPOSITION PROBLEMS

Topic: “Mastering the English Preposition 'In' - Common Problems and Solutions"

The preposition "in" is very difficult to use in English because of its many exceptions and varied contexts. Here are a few reasons why "in" can be especially difficult:

I. LOCATION VS. MOVEMENT:

“In” signifies location within an area or space.  Example: “Rob is in the kitchen.”

But when “in” is combined with verbs of motion, “in” changes to "into".  Example: "Rob walked into the kitchen.”

II. TIME EXPRESSIONS:

“In” is used with longer time periods.  Examples: "in the afternoon,” "in September," "in 2025".

But many specific phrases and contexts exist where other prepositions are used. Examples: "at night," "on Wednesday".

III. IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS:

Many idiomatic expressions in English include "in" and often don't follow grammar rules.  Examples: "in a flash," "in love," and "in pain".

For more examples, click this

IV. ABSTRACT VS. LITERAL USAGE:

“In” can be used in abstract contexts. Examples: "in my opinion," "in theory".

Literal contexts. Example: "in the bottle".

For more examples, click this

V. SET PHRASES AND COLLOCATIONS:

Many phrases use "in". Examples: "in charge," "in control," "in progress".

You need to memorize these phrases and collocations because they don’t follow any grammar rules.

VI. INTERCHANGEABLE USES WITH OTHER PREPOSITIONS:

"In" can sometimes be interchanged with other prepositions such as "at" and "on.” Examples: "in the office" and "at the office"; “on the list” and “in the list”

For more examples, click this

PRACTICE TEST
Answer Keys below the test

1. ____ practice, the plan faced several challenges.

a) at

b) on

c) in

2. ____ hindsight, it’s clear we should have anticipated the risks.

a) at

b) on

c) in

 

3. When viewed ____ perspective, the issue seems less critical.

a) at

b) on

c) in

 

4. Despite his initial hesitation, he agreed to join the adventure club ____ a heartbeat when he learned they were planning a hiking trip to the mountains.

a) at

b) on

c) in

 

5. The surprise birthday party for Sarah is ____ the works, but we need to keep it a secret until the big day arrives.

a) at

b) on

c) in

 

6. The magician made the coin disappear ____ the blink of an eye.

a) at

b) on

c) in

 

7. My grandmother is ____ the hospital recovering from surgery.

a) at

b) on

c) in

 

8. We'll meet ____ the hospital entrance before visiting Aunt Jane.

a) at

b) on

c) in

 

9. She's ____ the committee for organizing the school fundraiser.

a) at

b) on

c) in

 

10. He's actively participating ____ the committee's discussion on the new policy changes.

a) at

b) on

c) in

 

11. The company hired him ____ a long-term basis.

a) at

b) on

c) in

 

12. They discussed the proposal ____ length during the meeting.

a) at

b) on

c) in

 

13. He can work for six hours ____ a stretch without taking a break.

a) at

b) on

c) in

 

14. Please notify me ____ advance if you cannot attend the meeting.

a) at

b) on

c) in

ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS

1. In practice, the plan faced several challenges.

This sentence means that when the plan was put into action or implemented, it encountered difficulties or obstacles. “In practice” refers to the real-life application or execution of the plan.

2. In hindsight, it’s clear we should have anticipated the risks.

This sentence means that looking back at the situation after it has happened, it is now obvious that we should have predicted or foreseen the potential dangers or drawbacks. "In hindsight" refers to reflecting on the past with the knowledge gained from the experience.

3. When viewed in perspective, the issue seems less critical.

This sentence means that when considering the situation from a broader viewpoint or with a wider understanding, the problem appears to be less severe or important. "In perspective" refers to understanding the true significance of something by considering it in relation to other factors or circumstances.

4. Despite his initial hesitation, he agreed to join the adventure club in a heartbeat when he learned they were planning a hiking trip to the mountains.

This sentence means that although he initially had doubts or reservations, he quickly and eagerly agreed to join the adventure club when he found out about their plan for a hiking trip. "In a heartbeat" emphasizes how quickly and decisively he made the decision.

5. The surprise birthday party for Sarah is in the works, but we need to keep it a secret until the big day arrives.

This sentence means that the surprise birthday party for Sarah is currently being planned or organized, but it is important to keep it confidential until the actual day of the celebration. “In the works” indicates that the party is in the process of being arranged or prepared.

6. The magician made the coin disappear in the blink of an eye.

This sentence means that the magician made the coin vanish very quickly, almost instantly. "In the blink of an eye" emphasizes the rapidity of the action, implying that it happened in a fraction of a second.

7. My grandmother is in the hospital recovering from surgery.

This sentence means that my grandmother is currently in the hospital, undergoing the process of recuperation or recovery after having surgery. "In the hospital" emphasizes her current location and situation.

8. We'll meet at the hospital entrance before visiting Aunt Jane.

This sentence means that we will gather or rendezvous at the entrance of the hospital before proceeding to visit Aunt Jane. "At the hospital entrance" specifies the meeting location outside the hospital building.

9. She’s on the committee for organizing the school fundraiser.

This sentence means that she is a member of the committee responsible for planning or arranging the school fundraiser. “On the committee” indicates membership or involvement in a specific group or team.

10. He's actively participating in the committee's discussion on the new policy changes.

This sentence means that he is currently taking part in the committee's conversation or debate regarding the proposed alterations to the policy. "In the committee's discussion" emphasizes his involvement in the ongoing conversation.

11. The company hired him on a long-term basis.

This sentence means that the company employed him with the intention of having a lasting or extended working relationship. "On a long-term basis" specifies the duration or arrangement of his employment.

12. They discussed the proposal at length during the meeting.

This sentence means that they thoroughly talked about the proposal for an extended period during the meeting. "At length" indicates that the discussion was detailed and comprehensive.

13. He can work for six hours at a stretch without taking a break.

This sentence means that he is capable of working continuously for six hours without pausing or resting. "At a stretch" emphasizes the uninterrupted duration of his work without breaks.

14. Please notify me in advance if you cannot attend the meeting.

This sentence means that if you are unable to attend the meeting, please inform me beforehand or with advance notice. "In advance" specifies the timing of the notification, indicating that it should be done ahead of the meeting.

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Rob San Miguel is an English language instructor with over a decade of experience teaching English to non-native speakers.

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