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Simple Prepositions of Time & Place: The Ultimate Guide for IELTS Band 6
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July 21, 2025
IELTS Grammar: Simple Prepositions of Time & Place
Band 6 Essentials – Master in, on, at for Top Scores
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Why Are Prepositions of Time & Place So Important?
For Band 6 IELTS, you must describe when and where things happen with accuracy. These tiny words—like in, on, at—can change the meaning of your sentences and impact your exam score.
For Band 6 IELTS, you must describe when and where things happen with accuracy. These tiny words—like in, on, at—can change the meaning of your sentences and impact your exam score.
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What Are Prepositions of Time & Place?
Prepositions of Time answer "When?"
Prepositions of Place answer "Where?"
Example: at 7 o’clock, on Friday, in July / at home, on the table, in London
Prepositions of Time answer "When?"
Prepositions of Place answer "Where?"
Example: at 7 o’clock, on Friday, in July / at home, on the table, in London
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Most Common IELTS Prepositions:
in, on, at.
Plus: by, under, between, next to, behind, in front of, on, in, at—each has a specific use!
in, on, at.
Plus: by, under, between, next to, behind, in front of, on, in, at—each has a specific use!
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Real IELTS Examples:
- Part 1: “at 5 o’clock”, “on Monday”, “in July”
- Part 2: “I live in London”, “My class is at the university”
- Part 3: “They travel by bus”, “The bank is next to the supermarket”
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IELTS Writing Sample:
In 2010, the number of visitors increased. Most students arrived at 6 pm on Mondays.
In 2010, the number of visitors increased. Most students arrived at 6 pm on Mondays.
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Your Goal:
Learn how to use these prepositions correctly—in all common situations. Even small mistakes (like “at Monday” or “in 7 o’clock”) can lower your score. This course will help you master every key situation!
Learn how to use these prepositions correctly—in all common situations. Even small mistakes (like “at Monday” or “in 7 o’clock”) can lower your score. This course will help you master every key situation!
Quick Guide:
at = exact time, address, or point (at 8 o’clock, at the bus stop, at 25 King Street)
on = days, dates, surfaces, transport (on Friday, on 1st May, on the table, on the bus)
in = months, years, larger places, inside (in July, in 2023, in London, in a box)
Ready to Learn? Let’s begin with the most important rules and common mistakes Band 6 candidates make!
at = exact time, address, or point (at 8 o’clock, at the bus stop, at 25 King Street)
on = days, dates, surfaces, transport (on Friday, on 1st May, on the table, on the bus)
in = months, years, larger places, inside (in July, in 2023, in London, in a box)
Ready to Learn? Let’s begin with the most important rules and common mistakes Band 6 candidates make!
Practice Exercise 1: Gap-Fill Prepositions
Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition (in, on, at, by, under, next to). Press Check Answers for instant feedback and animated explanations!
Tutorial 2: Key Rules & Patterns for Prepositions of Time & Place
⏰ “At” – Specific Times, Points, and Addresses
Use at for exact times (at 7 o’clock), precise moments (at midnight), addresses with numbers (at 25 King Street), or specific places/events (at the station, at the party).
My class starts at 8 a.m.
Let’s meet at the entrance.
I live at 10 Main Street.
Let’s meet at the entrance.
I live at 10 Main Street.
📆 “On” – Days, Dates, Surfaces & Transport
Use on for days (on Monday), dates (on 5th May), surfaces (on the table), public transport (on the bus), and streets (on King Street).
I have an exam on Monday.
The book is on the table.
She travels on the train.
The book is on the table.
She travels on the train.
📦 “In” – Months, Years, Long Periods & Enclosed Places
Use in for months (in July), years (in 2000), seasons (in summer), parts of the day (in the morning), cities/countries/large areas (in London, in Asia), and enclosed spaces (in the room).
My birthday is in June.
We usually travel in summer.
She works in a hospital.
We usually travel in summer.
She works in a hospital.
💡 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t mix up at, on, in.
❌ I was born at 2000. → in 2000
❌ The class is in Monday. → on Monday
❌ The bank is in 25 King Street. → at 25 King Street
❌ I was born at 2000. → in 2000
❌ The class is in Monday. → on Monday
❌ The bank is in 25 King Street. → at 25 King Street
Always check which preposition is correct for time/place!
✨ Other Useful Prepositions & Their Functions
by (transport): by bus
under (below): under the bed
between (middle): between the school and the park
next to / beside (adjacent): next to the bank
under (below): under the bed
between (middle): between the school and the park
next to / beside (adjacent): next to the bank
The cat is under the chair.
The library is between the school and the cafe.
The library is between the school and the cafe.
📝 IELTS Exam Tips!
For best scores:
- Days/dates? Use on
- Times/addresses? Use at
- Months/years/seasons? Use in
I get up at 7 o’clock on Monday in June.
Practice Exercise 2: Correct the Preposition!
Find and correct the mistake in each sentence. Type the whole correct sentence. Click Check Answers for feedback and explanations!
Tutorial 3: Real-Life & IELTS Usage Situations
Tap or click each block to highlight the preposition and see the explanation!
These examples help you understand how to use prepositions of time & place in both IELTS Speaking and Writing.
These examples help you understand how to use prepositions of time & place in both IELTS Speaking and Writing.
Talking About Days
I have an exam on Monday.
Use on for days of the week and dates. "On Monday" is correct in both speaking and writing.
Describing Times
My class starts at 9 o’clock.
Use at for exact clock times (at 9 o’clock, at midnight, at 7:15).
Talking About Months
My birthday is in July.
Use in for months, years, and long periods. "In July" is natural English.
Describing Places
I live in London.
Use in for cities, countries, and large areas (in London, in Italy, in Asia).
Explaining Positions
The book is on the table.
Use on for surfaces (on the table, on the wall, on the floor).
Talking About Years
I was born in 2000.
Use in for years, months, and seasons (in 2000, in winter, in September).
Describing Events
She arrived at the party late.
Use at for events and locations (at the party, at the conference, at the meeting).
Talking About Locations
The bank is next to the supermarket.
Use next to or beside for something immediately adjacent. Very common in IELTS tasks about maps or directions.
Explaining Where Things Are
The cat is under the chair.
Use under for something below another object. Great for describing pictures or rooms in speaking tasks.
Describing Addresses
I live at 25 King Street.
Use at with exact addresses (at 25 King Street). In is used for areas, at for specific points or numbers.
Talking About Holidays
I travel in summer.
Use in for seasons and long periods (in summer, in winter, in the morning).
Describing Directions
Go straight and turn at the corner.
Use at for points/locations in directions (at the corner, at the traffic light).
Talking About Buildings
I work in a hospital.
Use in for buildings and enclosed spaces (in a hospital, in a library, in an office).
Practice Exercise 3: Choose the Correct Preposition
Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition (in, on, at, by, between, under, next to, behind, in front of).
Press Check Answers for instant feedback and animated explanations!
Tutorial 4: Advanced Usage & Special Cases
Explore complex patterns and tricky combinations for prepositions of time and place.
Tap each block to see the special rule and a real IELTS-style example!
🔗 Combining Prepositions: Place + Time
I have a class in Room 3 at 10 o’clock.
Rule: When you use both place and time in one sentence, the preposition of place comes first, then the preposition of time.
❌ at 10 o’clock in Room 3 is not natural.
✅ in Room 3 at 10 o’clock is correct for IELTS.
❌ at 10 o’clock in Room 3 is not natural.
✅ in Room 3 at 10 o’clock is correct for IELTS.
🎪 At for Events & Activities
We met at the conference.
Use at for events (concerts, meetings, parties).
Also, use at for “at school,” “at university,” and “at work” (meaning the activity, not just the building).
Also, use at for “at school,” “at university,” and “at work” (meaning the activity, not just the building).
🚗 On and In for Transport
I go to work by train, but I sit in a car and on the bus.
On is used for public transport: on the bus, on the train, on the plane.
In is used for cars and taxis: in a car, in a taxi.
By is used to express means of transport: by bus, by train, by plane.
In is used for cars and taxis: in a car, in a taxi.
By is used to express means of transport: by bus, by train, by plane.
🌏 Less Common Prepositions: among, opposite, near, beside
The post office is opposite the library. My house is near the river. I feel comfortable among friends.
Opposite: directly facing something.
Near/close to: not far away.
Beside/next to: immediately next to.
Among: inside a group (more than two).
Near/close to: not far away.
Beside/next to: immediately next to.
Among: inside a group (more than two).
🖊️ With for Tools & Instruments
I wrote the letter with a pen.
Use with to describe the tool or instrument you use to do something.
(with a pen, with my laptop, with a key)
(with a pen, with my laptop, with a key)
💬 IELTS Model Sentences
She started working in London in 2021.
I usually get up at 7 o’clock on weekdays.
I usually get up at 7 o’clock on weekdays.
In IELTS Speaking & Writing, combine prepositions naturally for Band 6+.
Place first, then time! Try making your own sentences using two or more prepositions.
Place first, then time! Try making your own sentences using two or more prepositions.
Practice Exercise 4: Advanced Prepositions in Action
Choose the correct preposition for each sentence: in, on, at, by, with, among, opposite, near, beside, between.
Press Check Answers for animated feedback and detailed explanations!
Tutorial 5: Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
Don’t let simple preposition errors lower your IELTS score!
Tap on each mistake to reveal the correct version and a quick explanation.
Tap on each mistake to reveal the correct version and a quick explanation.
I have a meeting in Monday.
I have a meeting on Monday.
Use on for days of the week (on Monday, on Friday). In Monday is incorrect.
Use on for days of the week (on Monday, on Friday). In Monday is incorrect.
The class starts in 8 o’clock.
The class starts at 8 o’clock.
Use at for clock times (at 8 o’clock, at 6:30). In 8 o’clock is a common error.
Use at for clock times (at 8 o’clock, at 6:30). In 8 o’clock is a common error.
My birthday is on July.
My birthday is in July.
Use in for months and years (in July, in 2020, in winter). On July is not correct for months.
Use in for months and years (in July, in 2020, in winter). On July is not correct for months.
I live on London.
I live in London.
Use in for cities, countries, large areas (in London, in Italy). On London is wrong.
Use in for cities, countries, large areas (in London, in Italy). On London is wrong.
The book is in the table.
The book is on the table.
Use on for surfaces (on the table, on the shelf, on the floor). In the table is a classic error.
Use on for surfaces (on the table, on the shelf, on the floor). In the table is a classic error.
The bank is in 25 King Street.
The bank is at 25 King Street.
Use at for addresses with numbers (at 25 King Street). In 25 King Street is incorrect.
Use at for addresses with numbers (at 25 King Street). In 25 King Street is incorrect.
I go to work in bus.
I go to work by bus.
Use by for transport (by bus, by train, by plane). In bus is not standard English.
Use by for transport (by bus, by train, by plane). In bus is not standard English.
We met at Friday evening.
We met on Friday evening.
Use on for days and parts of days (on Friday, on Monday morning). At Friday evening is not correct.
Use on for days and parts of days (on Friday, on Monday morning). At Friday evening is not correct.
Practice Exercise 5: Correct the Mistake!
Each sentence below has a preposition mistake. Write the whole correct sentence.
Click Check Answers for instant animated feedback and explanations!
Tutorial 6: Model IELTS Sentences & Sample Answers
Tap or click any model sentence below to see the breakdown, vocabulary highlights, and why it's effective in IELTS Writing or Speaking.
My best friend lives in Canada, and we usually call each other on Sundays.
Why it's good: This sentence uses in for country and on for a regular day.
Shows clear Band 6+ grammar: combining place & time with correct prepositions.
IELTS Tip: In Speaking Part 1, you often discuss friends and routines!
Shows clear Band 6+ grammar: combining place & time with correct prepositions.
IELTS Tip: In Speaking Part 1, you often discuss friends and routines!
I always read in the evening before going to bed at 11 o’clock.
Why it's good: Shows how to combine in for time of day with at for an exact time.
Good for both Speaking and Writing.
IELTS Tip: Use “in the morning/afternoon/evening” but “at night”!
Good for both Speaking and Writing.
IELTS Tip: Use “in the morning/afternoon/evening” but “at night”!
The hospital is between the school and the post office.
Why it's good: Accurately describes a map or directions—useful for IELTS Writing Task 1.
“Between” is for the position in the middle of two things.
IELTS Tip: Learn prepositions for describing locations in diagrams!
“Between” is for the position in the middle of two things.
IELTS Tip: Learn prepositions for describing locations in diagrams!
He arrived at the station in the morning.
Why it's good: Correct sequence: “at” (place), “in” (general time).
Shows fluency with common time/place combinations in IELTS.
IELTS Tip: Place before time in complex sentences!
Shows fluency with common time/place combinations in IELTS.
IELTS Tip: Place before time in complex sentences!
I prefer to study at the library rather than at home.
Why it's good: Uses “at” for specific locations/points.
Directly answers typical IELTS Speaking and Writing questions.
IELTS Tip: “At home/at school/at work” are fixed, high-frequency phrases.
Directly answers typical IELTS Speaking and Writing questions.
IELTS Tip: “At home/at school/at work” are fixed, high-frequency phrases.
The post office is opposite the library, and the cinema is next to the bank.
Why it's good: Combines two location prepositions, using the correct pattern for describing places on a map.
IELTS Tip: Use “opposite,” “next to,” and “between” accurately in all Part 1 & Task 1 answers.
IELTS Tip: Use “opposite,” “next to,” and “between” accurately in all Part 1 & Task 1 answers.
We went to a concert on Friday at 8 p.m.
Why it's good: Demonstrates proper use of “on” (day) and “at” (time) in one sentence.
Shows awareness of natural time expressions.
IELTS Tip: “On [day] at [time]” is a classic pattern for plans and routines.
Shows awareness of natural time expressions.
IELTS Tip: “On [day] at [time]” is a classic pattern for plans and routines.
Practice Exercise 6: Build Your Own Sentences
Write your own example sentence for each prompt below, using the best preposition. Then, Check Your Answer to see a model sample and get instant feedback!
Final Quiz: Prepositions of Time & Place Mastery
Ready for the ultimate challenge? You’ll get 10 random questions each time.
Try to score 10/10! Click Retake Quiz for a fresh set.
Try to score 10/10! Click Retake Quiz for a fresh set.
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