On the corner vs. in the corner

[Rodriges]

ESL/EFL Test "Common Prepositions", question 1

I live in the big house ......... the corner.

(a) on
(b) in
(c) of
(d) to

ESL/EFL Test "Common Prepositions", answer 1

I live in the big house on the corner.

Correct answer: (a) on

Your answer was: incorrect
I live in the big house in the corner.
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Why we had used here on the corner and not in the corner.

[Mister Micawber]

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We use on here, because the type of corner ( a street corner) does not have a significant 3rd dimension (height)-- it is merely two-dimensional, so that an object would be on it.

If we are speaking of a box, room, or other enclosed object with a relatively significant vertical dimension, then we use the preposition in: The broom is in the corner. This corner has a quality of enclosure.

There are occasions when either preposition will serve:

I was caught on the crosswalk by oncoming traffic.
I was caught in the crosswalk by oncoming traffic.

Such cases represent situations in which the speaker has an option of considering the dimensions: here, in the first sentence the speaker is considering his position on that section of the road surface, while in the second sentence the speaker is likely thinking about his position between the ends of the crosswalk.
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_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber