On vs. At: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"On" typically indicates a position atop or in contact with a surface, while "At" denotes a specific location or point in time.
Key Differences
On is used to indicate contact with a surface or a part of a day, as in "The book is on the table" or "I work on Mondays." At denotes a specific location or point in time, like "Meet me at the corner" or "She arrived at noon." Both are prepositions used to describe location or time, but with different nuances.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
In expressions of place, On is used for more general locations, particularly those with a clear, defined surface, such as "on the road." At, however, is used for more specific points, like "at the door" or "at the station."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
Regarding time, On refers to days and dates, exemplified in "The meeting is on Friday." At is used for precise times, as in "Let's meet at 5 PM." This distinction helps to clarify the specificity or generality of the time being referred.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
When talking about devices or machines, On indicates being in operation or in a state of activation, like "The TV is on." Conversely, At does not typically apply in this context, being more specific to locations and precise points in time.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
On can also suggest engagement or participation, such as "on a team," whereas At can indicate attendance, like "at a concert." Both prepositions help to locate something or someone spatially or temporally, but their applications vary.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
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On and At Definitions
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At
In or near the area occupied by; in or near the location of
At the market.
At our destination.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Used to indicate position above and supported by or in contact with
The vase is on the table. We rested on our hands and knees.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Used to indicate contact with or extent over (a surface) regardless of position
A picture on the wall.
A rash on my back.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
At
To or toward the direction or location of, especially for a specific purpose
Questions came at us from all sides.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Used to indicate location at or along
The pasture on the south side of the river.
A house on the highway.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Used to indicate figurative or abstract position
On the young side, but experienced.
On her third beer.
Stopped on chapter two.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Used to indicate actual motion toward, against, or onto
Jumped on the table.
The march on Washington.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
At
To or using the rate, extent, or amount of; to the point of
At 30 cents a pound.
At high speed.
At 20 paces.
At 350°F.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Used to indicate figurative or abstract motion toward, against, or onto
Going on six o'clock.
Came on the answer by accident.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Used to indicate occurrence at a given time
On July third.
Every hour on the hour.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Used to indicate the particular occasion or circumstance
On entering the room, she saw him.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Used to indicate the object affected by actual, perceptible action
The spotlight fell on the actress. He knocked on the door.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Used to indicate the object affected by a figurative action
Have pity on them.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Used to indicate the object of an action directed, tending, or moving against it
An attack on the fortress.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Used to indicate the object of perception or thought
Gazed on the vista.
Meditated on his actions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
At
In, near, or in the general vicinity of a particular place.
Caesar was at Rome
At the corner of Fourth Street and Vine
At Jim’s house
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Used to indicate the agent or agency of a specified action
Cut his foot on the broken glass.
Talked on the telephone.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
At
Indicating occurrence in an instant of time or a period of time relatively short in context or from the speaker's perspective.
At six o’clock
At closing time
At night
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Used to indicate a medicine or other corrective taken or undertaken routinely
Went on a strict diet.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
At
In the direction of (often in an unfocused or uncaring manner).
He threw the ball at me.
He shouted at her.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Used to indicate a substance that is the cause of an addiction, a habit, or an altered state of consciousness
High on dope.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
At
Denotes a price.
3 apples at 2¢ (each)
The offer was at $30,000 before negotiations.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Used to indicate a source or basis
"We will reach our judgments not on intentions or on promises but on deeds and on results" (Margaret Thatcher).
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
At
In a state of.
She is at sixes and sevens with him.
They are at loggerheads over how best to tackle the fiscal cliff.
The city was at the mercy of the occupying forces.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
At
Indicates a position on a scale or in a series.
Sell at 90.
Tiger finished the round at tenth, seven strokes behind the leaders.
I'm offering it—just to select customers—at cost.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Used to indicate availability by means of
Beer on tap.
A physician on call.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
At
Holding a given speed or rate.
It is growing at the rate of 3% a year.
Cruising along at fifty miles per hour.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
At
(used for skills (including in activities) or areas of knowledge) On the subject of; regarding.
The twins were both bad at chemistry.
He slipped at marksmanship over his extended vacation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
At
Primarily, this word expresses the relations of presence, nearness in place or time, or direction toward; as, at the ninth hour; at the house; to aim at a mark. It is less definite than in or on; at the house may be in or near the house. From this original import are derived all the various uses of at.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
In or into a position or condition of being supported by or in contact with something
Put the coffee on.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
At
A relation of proximity to, or of presence in or on, something; as, at the door; at your shop; at home; at school; at hand; at sea and on land.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
In or into a position of being attached to or covering something
Put your clothes on.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
At
The relation of some state or condition; as, at war; at peace; at ease; at your service; at fault; at liberty; at risk; at disadvantage.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
At
The relation of some employment or action; occupied with; as, at engraving; at husbandry; at play; at work; at meat (eating); except at puns.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Toward or at a point lying ahead in space or time; forward
The play moved on to the next city.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
At
The relation of a point or position in a series, or of degree, rate, or value; as, with the thermometer at 80°; goods sold at a cheap price; a country estimated at 10,000 square miles; life is short at the longest.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
At
The relations of time, age, or order; as, at ten o'clock; at twenty-one; at once; at first.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Toward or to a different state or condition
Let's move on to another subject.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
At
The relations of source, occasion, reason, consequence, or effect; as, at the sight; at this news; merry at anything; at this declaration; at his command; to demand, require, receive, deserve, endure at your hands.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
At
Relation of direction toward an object or end; as, look at it; to point at one; to aim at a mark; to throw, strike, shoot, wink, mock, laugh at any one.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
At
A highly unstable radioactive element (the heaviest of the halogen series); a decay product of uranium and thorium
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
In a condition of being scheduled for or decided upon
There is a party on tonight.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Engaged in a given function or activity, such as a vocal or dramatic role
You're on in five minutes!.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
(Informal) Functioning or performing at a high degree of competence or energy
The goalie is really on.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
In the state of being active, functioning or operating.
All the lights are on, so they must be home.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Performing according to schedule; taking place.
Are we still on for tonight?
Is the show still on?
We had to ration our food because there was a war on.
That TV programme that you wanted to watch is on now.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Fitted; covering; being worn.
Your feet will soon warm up once your socks are on.
I was trying to drink out of the bottle while the top was still on!
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
(postpositive) Of a stated part of something, oriented towards the viewer or other specified direction.
The photograph shows the UFO side on.
Edge on, side on, end on, face on
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
(informal) Destined, normally in the context of a challenge being accepted; involved, doomed.
"Five bucks says the Cavs win tonight." ―"You're on!"
Mike just threw coffee onto Paul's lap. It's on now.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Having reached a base as a runner and being positioned there, awaiting further action from a subsequent batter.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
(cricket) Within the half of the field on the same side as the batsman's legs; the left side for a right-handed batsman.
The captain moved two fielders to the on side.
Ponsonby-Smythe hit a thumping on drive.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
So as to cover or be fitted.
The lid wasn't screwed on properly.
Put on your hat and gloves.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
(obsolete in the US) Later.
Ten years on, nothing had changed in the village.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Of betting odds, denoting a better-than-even chance. See also odds-on.
That horse is twenty-to-one on, so you need to stake twenty pounds just to win one pound.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Positioned at the upper surface of, touching from above.
A vase of flowers stood on the table.
Please lie down on the couch.
The parrot was sitting on Jim's shoulder.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Positioned at or resting against the outer surface of; attached to.
He had a scar on the side of his face.
There is a dirty smudge on this window.
The painting hangs on the wall.
The fruit ripened on the trees.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Expressing figurative placement or attachment.
All of the responsibility is on him.
I put a bet on the winning horse.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Denoting performance or action by contact with the surface, upper part, or outside of anything; hence, by means of; with.
To play on a violin or piano
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
At or in (a certain region or location).
The lighthouse that you can see is on the mainland.
The suspect is thought to still be on the campus.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Near; adjacent to; alongside.
The fleet is on the American coast.
Croton-on-Hudson, Rostov-on-Don, Southend-on-Sea
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Supported by (the specified part of itself).
A table can't stand on two legs.
After resting on his elbows, he stood on his toes, then walked on his heels.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
(with certain modes of transport, especially public transport) Inside (a vehicle) for the purpose of travelling.
On a bus, on a train, on a plane
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Some time during the day of.
On Sunday I'm busy. I'll see you on Monday.
Can I see you on a different day?
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
At a given time after the start of something; at.
Smith scored again on twelve minutes, doubling Mudchester Rovers' lead.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Dealing with the subject of; about; concerning.
I was reading a book on history.
The city hosted the World Summit on the Information Society
I have no opinion on this subject.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Because of, or due to.
To arrest someone on suspicion of bribery
To contact someone on a hunch
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Upon; at the time of (and often because of).
On Jack's entry, William got up to leave.
On the addition of ammonia, a chemical reaction begins.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Paid for by.
The drinks are on me tonight, boys.
The meal is on the house.
I paid for the airfare and meals for my family, but the hotel room was on the company.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Indicating a means or medium.
I saw it on television.
Can't you see I'm on the phone?
My favorite shows are on BBC America.
The Beatles' appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show is on YouTube.
The film was released on DVD.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Indicating the target of, or thing affected by, an event or action.
They planned an attack on London.
The soldiers mutinied and turned their guns on their officers.
Her words made a lasting impression on my mind.
What will be the effect on morale?
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Toward; for; indicating the object of an emotion.
Have pity or compassion on him.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Indicating the person experiencing an emotion, cold, thirst, hunger, etc.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Indicating a means of subsistence.
They lived on ten dollars a week.
The dog survived three weeks on rainwater.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Engaged in or occupied with (an action or activity).
He's on his lunch break.
I'm on nights all this week.
On vacation; on holiday; on the job; on the fiddle
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Regularly taking (a drug).
You've been on these antidepressants far too long.
He's acting so strangely, I think he must be on something.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Under the influence of (a drug).
He's acting crazy because he's on crack right now.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
(mathematics) Having as domain and V as codomain, for some set V and integer n.
An operator on
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
In addition to; besides; indicating multiplication or succession in a series.
Heaps on heaps of food
Mischief on mischief; loss on loss
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Indicating dependence or reliance.
I depended on them for assistance.
He will promise on certain conditions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
By virtue of; with the pledge of.
He affirmed or promised on his word, or on his honour.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
To the account or detriment of; denoting imprecation or invocation, or coming to, falling, or resting upon.
On us be all the blame.
A curse on him!
Please don't tell on her and get her in trouble.
He turned on her and has been her enemy ever since.
He went all honest on me, making me listen to his confession.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
(especially when numbers of combatants or competitors are specified) Against; in opposition to.
The fight was three on one, and he never stood a chance.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
In the Japanese language, a pronunciation, or reading, of a kanji character that was originally based on the character's pronunciation in Chinese, contrasted with kun.
Most kanji have two kinds of reading, called "on" and "kun".
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
The general signification of on is situation, motion, or condition with respect to contact or support beneath
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
At, or in contact with, the surface or upper part of a thing, and supported by it; placed or lying in contact with the surface; as, the book lies on the table, which stands on the floor of a house on an island.
I stood on the bridge at midnight.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
To or against the surface of; - used to indicate the motion of a thing as coming or falling to the surface of another; as, rain falls on the earth.
Whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Denoting performance or action by contact with the surface, upper part, or outside of anything; hence, by means of; with; as, to play on a violin or piano. Hence, figuratively, to work on one's feelings; to make an impression on the mind.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
At or near; adjacent to; - indicating situation, place, or position; as, on the one hand, on the other hand; the fleet is on the American coast.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
In addition to; besides; - indicating multiplication or succession in a series; as, heaps on heaps; mischief on mischief; loss on loss; thought on thought.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Indicating dependence or reliance; with confidence in; as, to depend on a person for assistance; to rely on; hence, indicating the ground or support of anything; as, he will promise on certain conditions; to bet on a horse; based on certain assumptions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
At or in the time of; during; as, on Sunday we abstain from labor. See At (synonym).
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
At the time of; - often conveying some notion of cause or motive; as, on public occasions, the officers appear in full dress or uniform; the shop is closed on Sundays.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Toward; for; - indicating the object of some passion; as, have pity or compassion on him.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
By virtue of; with the pledge of; - denoting a pledge or engagement, and put before the thing pledged; as, he affirmed or promised on his word, or on his honor.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
To the account of; - denoting imprecation or invocation, or coming to, falling, or resting upon; as, on us be all the blame; a curse on him.
His blood be on us and on our children.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
In reference or relation to; as, on our part expect punctuality; a satire on society.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Occupied with; in the performance of; as, only three officers are on duty; on a journey; on the job; on an assignment; on a case; on the alert.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
In the service of; connected with; a member of; as, he is on a newspaper; on a committee.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
In reference to; about; concerning; as, to think on it; to meditate on it.
They have added the -en plural form on to an elder plural.
We see the strength of the new movement in the new class of ecclesiastics whom it forced on to the stage.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Forward, in progression; onward; - usually with a verb of motion; as, move on; go on; the beat goes on.
The path is smooth that leadeth on to danger.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Forward, in succession; as, from father to son, from the son to the grandson, and so on.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
In continuance; without interruption or ceasing; as, sleep on, take your ease; say on; sing on.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Adhering; not off; as in the phrase, "He is neither on nor off," that is, he is not steady, he is irresolute.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Attached to the body, as clothing or ornament, or for use.
He put on righteousness as a breastplate.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
In operation or operational;
Left the oven on
The switch is in the on position
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
(of events) planned or scheduled;
The picnic is on, rain or shine
We have nothing on for Friday night
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Performing or scheduled for duties;
I'm on from five to midnight
Naval personnel on duty in Alaska
Her on-duty hours were 11p.m. to 7 a.m.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
With a forward motion;
We drove along admiring the view
The horse trotted along at a steady pace
The circus traveled on to the next city
Move along
March on
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
Indicates continuity or persistence or concentration;
His spirit lives on
Shall I read on?
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
On
In a state required for something to function or be effective;
Turn the lights on
Get a load on
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does 'on' indicate? Contact with a surface or a specific day.
How is 'at' used? For specific locations or precise times.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
Can 'on' refer to days? Yes, like "on Monday."
Is 'at' used for hours? Yes, such as "at 3 PM."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
Can 'at' be directional? Yes, indicating focus, as in "laugh at."
Are 'on' and 'at' interchangeable? No, they have distinct uses.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
How do 'on' and 'at' differ in place? 'On' is for surfaces, 'at' for specific points.
Can 'on' indicate operation? Yes, like "The TV is on."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
Can you provide a summary of prepositions of time?
Sure, "on" is used for specific dates and days, while "at" is used for specific times and locations.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
How can I remember when to use "on" or "at"?
Practice is key, but generally, "on" is for days and dates, while "at" is for times and locations.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
Is 'at' used for events? Yes, for attendance, like "at a concert."
Does 'on' apply to participation? Yes, as in "on a team."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
How is 'on' used in media? For channels or platforms, like "on radio."
Can 'at' refer to activity sites? Yes, like "at the office."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
How about "on" or "at" for the weekend?
We often use "on" for weekends, like "on the weekend," but "at" can also be used in some contexts, e.g., "at the beach this weekend."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
Are there any idiomatic expressions with "on" and "at"?
Yes, for example, "on time" means punctual, and "at stake" means something at risk.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
What about using "on" or "at" with airports?
We typically use "at" with airports, such as "I'll meet you at the airport."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
Can you provide an example of "at" for time?
Certainly, "Let's meet at 3 PM."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
Is there any rule for using "on" or "at" with cities?
We use "in" with cities, e.g., "I live in New York."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
Can "at" be used with events or gatherings?
Absolutely, like, "I'll see you at the party."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
Is there a difference between "on purpose" and "at purpose"?
No, "on purpose" is the correct phrase, and "at purpose" is not used in English.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
Is "at" used with specific addresses?
Yes, for instance, "She lives at 123 Main Street."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
What's an example of "at" for location?
"I am waiting for you at the bus stop."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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