How to use the English prepositions: in, on, at, since, for

[Darius]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #96 "prepositions of time: for, ago, since, on, at", question 1

I graduated from college ......... 2002.

(a) since
(b) on
(c) in
(d) at

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #96 "prepositions of time: for, ago, since, on, at", answer 1

I graduated from college in 2002.

Correct answer: (c) in

Your answer was: correct
_________________________

What are the rules in using the prepositions in, on, at, since, for?

Darius

[Alan]

Could I suggest you read material I have written for the site, which may help you with the use of prepositions.

Grammar Lesson: Spot the preposition
http://www.english-test.net/lessons/48/index.html
Grammar Lesson: Prepositions or "How I got that Job"
http://www.english-test.net/lessons/4/index.html

A
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Raperonzolo]

Dear Alan,

I'd like to knoe why we say "to graduate FROM the college or University"

Is the preposition AT wrong here?

[Alan]

Hi Raperonzolo,

I think that the use of 'at' suggests in the sentence that you are still there 'at' the college/university. The point is that the speaker has now left the college/university and that's why we would use 'from' in the sense of having gone from the college with the degree/qualification.

I hope that makes sense.

Alan
_________________
English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Progressive Forms

[Jdmostrales]

hi alan,

I'am a novice here and i dont know if i'am on(i dont know if i'm right using ON or i rather say IN..please correct me if i'm wrong) the right thread..well i just want to ask when will i be using on,in or at in a sentence? thanks in advance

[Famf]

I need elementary questions with the prepositions in, on, under, beside, behind, over, of, from, between, among. Can anyone help me now?

[Famf]

Where could I find questions about those prepositions?

[Torsten]

http://www.english-test.net/esl/learn/english/grammar/ai627/esl-test.php
http://www.english-test.net/esl/learn/english/grammar/ai628/esl-test.php
http://www.english-test.net/esl/learn/english/grammar/ai629/esl-test.php
http://www.english-test.net/esl/learn/english/grammar/ai630/esl-test.php

TOEIC listening, question-response: You couldn't finish the report by tomorrow, could you?

[Yda]

Dear Alan,

I read your essay and found some confusing prepositions;

At the end of Sunday I had decided it was going to be the car.
In the end I had convinced myself that this was the best choice because after all the job was to do with cars.

What's the difference between the two? "At the end of sunday" and "In the end".

Thanks.