When to use “in”, “on” and “at”

Question

I’m not a native speaker and I started English classes in school later than everyone else, so I started in 4th grade when everyone else has already 3 years of learning the basics, and since these are really basic words I never learned them in class

So, please, how do I know when to use each one? I can get by a bit as evidenced in this post, but a lot of times I get it wrong

In: Other

Answer 1

I can’t tell you what the rules are, but I can give you examples.

“I was driving on the road.” You would never drive in the road, it’s not something you can get inside. You wouldn’t drive at the road either (that means you would be driving toward the road).

“I was sitting in class” You wouldn’t sit on class, you’re inside the room, not on top of it. You wouldn’t sit at class either, but you might say “I’m at the school”.

“I’m at work” You certainly aren’t on work because it’s not something you stand on top of. You might say “I’m in work” but that sounds odd.

I would say on is used to refer to things you’re literally on top of (on the floor, on the road, on time).

In would be used for places or situations you’re inside of (in school, in trouble, in the car but in work sounds odd).

At would be for places or situations you’re near or reaching, without specifying you’re inside them (at work, at my wits end, at the grocery store).

I suppose it’s mostly something you have to memorize at least somewhat. Like articles in German (die/das/der). There aren’t any rules, you just sort of have to remember which is used in what situation.