Lesson

To, in, at

Direction prepositions

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

To, in, at — basic uses

This lesson explains how to use the prepositions to, in and at for place, movement and time. These three short words often cause confusion because their meanings change with context. Knowing the main uses will help you choose the correct preposition in business and everyday situations.

  • 'to' usually shows movement toward a destination or a limit in time.
  • 'in' is used for enclosed spaces, larger areas, and periods of time (months, years, seasons).
  • 'at' is used for specific points in space or time (points, addresses, clock times, events).

Table

Quick Reference: To, In, At

Preposition Use Example
to Movement toward a destination; limit in time (from...to...) She walked to the office.
in Enclosed spaces, cities/areas, and longer time periods (months, years, seasons, parts of day) He works in London. / The report is due in June.
at Specific points, addresses, events, clock times Meet me at the reception. / The meeting starts at 9:00.

Tip

Key rule: Place and time guide your choice

Use the general spatial/time idea to pick a preposition:

  • For movement toward a destination use 'to' — verbs like go, travel, send: We are going to the client site.
  • For location inside an area or during longer periods use 'in' — parts of cities, countries, months, years: The office is in the business district.
  • For specific points in space or time use 'at' — particular places, addresses, events, clock times: The interview is at 10:30.

Think: to = movement, in = inside/period, at = specific point

Example

Examples in context

The consultant flew to Madrid for the client meeting.

Our team works in the new office building on 5th Avenue.

Please arrive at the reception desk at 8:45 AM.

The contract is valid from January to December.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Learners often confuse these prepositions. Watch for these universal errors:

  • Using 'in' for a specific clock time (wrong: in 3 PM → correct: at 3 PM).
  • Using 'at' for large areas or countries (wrong: at France → correct: in France).
  • Using 'to' instead of 'at'/'in' after verbs of position (wrong: I am to the office → I am in/at the office).
  • Omitting the preposition entirely in phrases that require one (wrong: arrive the office → arrive at the office).
  • Mixing up 'to' as a preposition of movement with 'to' that starts an infinitive (watch the verb structure).

When in doubt, ask: Is this movement, an enclosed area/period, or a specific point?

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Think about verbs of movement and the type of place (airport vs city).

Quiz

Complete: The meeting starts _____ 2 PM.

Hint: Think about how we express exact clock times in English.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Focus on verbs of movement and the preposition that indicates destination.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

to

preposition CEFR A1 //tuː//

indicates movement toward a place or a limit between two points in time

We are traveling to Berlin next week.

GrammarPoint

in

preposition CEFR A1 //ɪn//

indicates location inside an area or a period of time (months, years, seasons)

She lives in New York.

GrammarPoint

at

preposition CEFR A1 //æt//

indicates a specific point in space or time

The presentation starts at 9:00 AM.

Vocabulary

arrive

verb CEFR B1 //əˈraɪv//

to reach a place, especially at the end of a journey

The team will arrive at the hotel late tonight.

Vocabulary

meeting

noun CEFR A2 //ˈmiːtɪŋ//

a planned event where people come together to discuss things

The marketing meeting is in the conference room.

Vocabulary

office

noun CEFR A1 //ˈɒfɪs//

a place where people work, especially in a building with desks and equipment

Please come to the office for the interview.