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
