Prepositions with Fun: Diagnostic Quiz & Complete Guide

1. Introduction to the F.U.N. Method

Prepositions are among the most challenging parts of English grammar. They often do not translate directly from other languages, and even advanced learners make mistakes.

This lesson uses the F.U.N. Method:

Letter	Meaning	Explanation
F	Find out what’s wrong	Identify the errors you are making.
U	Understand how to correct it	Learn the rules behind correct usage.
N	Nail it or master it	Practice until you can use it correctly every time.

This is a diagnostic lesson. It helps you discover which prepositions you already know and which ones need more work.

The Eight Diagnostic Points

#	Topic	Common Confusion
1	Arrive in / at / on	Which preposition after “arrive”?
2	No preposition	When NOT to use a preposition
3	At / on / in for time	Which preposition for days, times, months?
4	At / on for addresses	Street vs. number vs. city
5	For / since	Period of time vs. point in time
6	During / while	Noun vs. clause
7	In / on for media	Paper vs. electronic
8	To / at	Movement vs. location

---

2. Arrive In vs. Arrive At vs. Arrive On

The Rule

Preposition	Usage	Examples
Arrive in	Cities, countries, large areas	arrive in London, arrive in France
Arrive at	Specific places, buildings	arrive at the hotel, arrive at the airport
Arrive on	Expressions with time	arrive on time, arrive on schedule

8 Examples with Explanations

#	Example	Explanation
1	When did you arrive in London?	London is a city.
2	They arrived in France last week.	France is a country.
3	We arrived in Dhaka at noon.	Dhaka is a city.
4	She arrived at the Hilton Hotel.	Specific named place.
5	He arrived at Heathrow Airport.	Specific named airport.
6	The train arrived at the station.	Specific location.
7	The flight arrived on time.	Expression with “on.”
8	The package arrived on schedule.	Expression with “on.”
9	They arrived at the office early.	Specific building.
10	We arrived in Japan in the morning.	Country.

Word Meaning Section

Word / Phrase	English Meaning	Bengali Meaning
Arrive	to reach a destination	পৌঁছানো
City	a large town	শহর
Country	a nation	দেশ
Specific	precise; particular	নির্দিষ্ট
Schedule	a planned timetable	সময়সূচি

---

3. No Preposition: Next, Last, Every, Each

The Rule

Do not use a preposition before time expressions that begin with next, last, every, or each.

Time Expression	Example
next week	I’ll call her next week.
next month	They will visit next month.
last year	She graduated last year.
every day	He exercises every day.
each week	We meet each week.

8 Examples with Explanations

#	Example	Explanation
1	I’ll call her next week.	No preposition before “next week.”
2	They are moving next month.	No preposition before “next month.”
3	She started her job last Monday.	No preposition before “last Monday.”
4	He travels every week.	No preposition before “every week.”
5	We have a meeting each Friday.	No preposition before “each Friday.”
6	I will see you next Sunday.	No preposition before “next Sunday.”
7	They visited last summer.	No preposition before “last summer.”
8	She calls every morning.	No preposition before “every morning.”
9	He checks his email each hour.	No preposition before “each hour.”
10	We will return next year.	No preposition before “next year.”

Word Meaning Section

Word	English Meaning	Bengali Meaning
Next	coming immediately after	পরবর্তী
Last	most recent	সর্বশেষ
Every	each one; all	প্রত্যেক
Each	every single one	প্রতিটি

Common Mistake

Incorrect	Correct
I’ll call her in next week.	I’ll call her next week.
She started on last Monday.	She started last Monday.
He travels on every week.	He travels every week.

---

4. At vs. On vs. In for Time

The Rule

Preposition	Usage	Examples
At	Specific times	at 7 o’clock, at noon, at midnight
On	Days and dates	on Monday, on January 1st
In	Months, years, seasons	in October, in 1975, in the summer

8 Examples with Explanations

#	Example	Explanation
1	My exam is on Monday.	Day of the week.
2	The meeting is at 3 p.m.	Specific time.
3	Her birthday is in October.	Month.
4	He was born in 1990.	Year.
5	We go to the beach in the summer.	Season.
6	The store opens at noon.	Specific time.
7	The party is on New Year’s Day.	Specific date/holiday.
8	She has a class at 9:30.	Specific time.
9	The conference is in March.	Month.
10	They arrived on Friday.	Day of the week.

Word Meaning Section

Word	English Meaning	Bengali Meaning
Specific	exact; precise	নির্দিষ্ট
Date	a specific day	তারিখ
Month	one of twelve divisions of a year	মাস
Season	a period of the year	ঋতু

---

5. At vs. On for Addresses

The Rule

Preposition	Usage	Examples
At + number + street	Specific address	at 14 Main Street
On + street name	Street without number	on Main Street
In + city/country	Large area	in Chicago, in America

8 Examples with Explanations

#	Example	Explanation
1	They live on Main Street.	Street name without number.
2	I live at 14 Main Street.	Specific address with number.
3	She works on Park Avenue.	Street name.
4	He lives in Dhaka.	City.
5	They live in Bangladesh.	Country.
6	The office is on King Road.	Road name.
7	She lives at 25 Green Boulevard.	Specific address.
8	We live on Sunset Boulevard.	Boulevard name.
9	The store is on Market Street.	Street name.
10	He works at 100 First Avenue.	Specific address.

Word Meaning Section

Word	English Meaning	Bengali Meaning
Address	the location of a building	ঠিকানা
Street	a public road	রাস্তা
Avenue	a wide street	প্রশস্ত রাস্তা
Boulevard	a wide city street	বুলেভার্ড

---

6. For vs. Since

The Rule

Preposition	Usage	Examples
For	Period of time (length)	for three years, for two months
Since	Point in time (start)	since 2012, since November

8 Examples with Explanations

#	Example	Explanation
1	I’ve worked here for three years.	Period of time.
2	She has lived here since 2012.	Point in time.
3	They have been married for ten years.	Length of time.
4	He has studied English since January.	Starting point.
5	We have waited for two hours.	Duration.
6	She has known him since childhood.	Starting point.
7	I have had this job for six months.	Length of time.
8	They have lived here since last summer.	Starting point.
9	He has worked there for a long time.	Duration.
10	She has been here since 8 a.m.	Starting point.

Word Meaning Section

Word	English Meaning	Bengali Meaning
For	indicating a length of time	সময়কালের জন্য
Since	from a point in time until now	থেকে; হতে
Period	a length of time	সময়কাল
Point	a specific moment	বিন্দু; মুহূর্ত

Common Mistake

Incorrect	Correct
I’ve worked here since three years.	I’ve worked here for three years.
She has lived here for 2012.	She has lived here since 2012.

---

7. During vs. While

The Rule

Word	Usage	Examples
During + noun	Followed by a noun	during the concert
While + clause	Followed by a subject + verb	while the concert was going on

8 Examples with Explanations

#	Example	Explanation
1	During the concert, it started raining.	“Concert” is a noun.
2	While the concert was going on, it started raining.	“The concert was going on” is a clause.
3	She slept during the movie.	Noun after during.
4	She slept while the movie was playing.	Clause after while.
5	He took notes during the lecture.	Noun after during.
6	He took notes while the professor spoke.	Clause after while.
7	They talked during the class.	Noun after during.
8	They talked while the teacher was writing.	Clause after while.
9	I read during the flight.	Noun after during.
10	I read while the plane was flying.	Clause after while.

Word Meaning Section

Word	English Meaning	Bengali Meaning
During	throughout a period	সময়কালে
While	at the same time as	যখন; সেই সময়ে
Noun	a naming word	বিশেষ্য
Clause	a group of words with subject and verb	খণ্ডবাক্য

---

8. In vs. On for Media

The Rule

Preposition	Usage	Examples
In + paper media	Printed materials	in the newspaper, in a book
On + electronic media	Electronic devices	on the internet, on my laptop

8 Examples with Explanations

#	Example	Explanation
1	I read it on the internet.	Electronic source.
2	I read it in the newspaper.	Paper source.
3	She saw it in a magazine.	Paper source.
4	He read it in a book.	Paper source.
5	We found it in a report.	Paper document.
6	I saw it on my laptop.	Electronic device.
7	She read it on her cell phone.	Electronic device.
8	He found it on the computer.	Electronic device.
9	They read about it in the journal.	Paper academic source.
10	I watched it on my tablet.	Electronic device.

Word Meaning Section

Word	English Meaning	Bengali Meaning
Internet	global computer network	ইন্টারনেট
Newspaper	printed news publication	সংবাদপত্র
Magazine	periodical publication	ম্যাগাজিন
Device	a machine or tool	যন্ত্র; ডিভাইস

---

9. To vs. At for Movement and Location

The Rule

Preposition	Usage	Examples
To	Movement or direction	drive to the airport
At	Location or position	meet at the airport

8 Examples with Explanations

#	Example	Explanation
1	We met at the airport.	Location.
2	We drove to the airport.	Movement.
3	She is at the office.	Location.
4	She went to the office.	Movement.
5	They are at the mall.	Location.
6	They walked to the mall.	Movement.
7	He is at home.	Location.
8	He returned to home.	Movement (though “returned home” is also correct).
9	We arrived at the station.	Location.
10	We traveled to the station.	Movement.

Word Meaning Section

Word	English Meaning	Bengali Meaning
To	indicating direction	দিকে; প্রতি
At	indicating position	এ; তে
Movement	change of position	গতিশীলতা
Location	a place or position	অবস্থান

---

10. Grammar Focus: Prepositional Phrases

What Is a Prepositional Phrase?

A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun.

Preposition + noun/pronoun

Examples

Preposition	Noun	Prepositional Phrase
in	London	in London
on	Monday	on Monday
for	three years	for three years
since	2012	since 2012
during	the concert	during the concert
at	the airport	at the airport

Sentence Patterns

Pattern	Example
Subject + verb + prepositional phrase	She lives in Dhaka.
Prepositional phrase + subject + verb	In Dhaka, many people speak Bengali.
Subject + verb + prepositional phrase + time	We met at the airport in the morning.

Affirmative, Negative, and Interrogative Forms

Form	Example
Affirmative	She arrived in London.
Negative	She did not arrive in London.
Interrogative	Did she arrive in London?
WH Question	When did she arrive in London?

5 WH-Question Examples with Answers

#	WH Question	Possible Answer
1	When did you arrive in London?	I arrived in London last week.
2	Where do you live?	I live on Main Street.
3	How long have you worked here?	I have worked here for three years.
4	When did it start raining?	It started raining during the concert.
5	Where did you read that?	I read it on the internet.

---

11. Special Tips for Learners

Tip 1: Use the F.U.N. Method

• Find out what’s wrong
• Understand how to correct it
• Nail it with practice

Tip 2: Learn Preposition Rules in Chunks

Do not memorize prepositions randomly. Learn them in categories:

Category	Prepositions
Time	at, on, in, for, since, during
Place	at, on, in, to
Media	in, on

Tip 3: Remember the Arrive Rule

• Arrive in = cities, countries
• Arrive at = specific places
• Arrive on = time expressions

Tip 4: No Preposition with Next, Last, Every, Each

Do not use a preposition before:

• next week
• last month
• every day
• each year

Tip 5: Use “For” with Duration

I have lived here for five years.

Use “Since” with a starting point:

I have lived here since 2019.

Tip 6: During + Noun, While + Clause

During the movie, I fell asleep.

While the movie was playing, I fell asleep.

Tip 7: In for Paper, On for Electronic

I read it in the newspaper.

I read it on my phone.

Tip 8: To for Movement, At for Location

We drove to the station.

We met at the station.

Tip 9: Practice with Real Sentences

Create sentences about your own life:

• I arrived in Dhaka in 2015.
• I have lived here for five years.
• I will visit my family next month.
• I read the news on my phone.

Tip 10: Use a Diagnostic Approach Regularly

Test yourself regularly to find your weak areas. Then focus your study on those points.

---

12. Tips for Competitive Exams: IELTS, TOEFL, GRE

IELTS

Skill	How It Is Tested	Strategy
Writing Task 1	Describing data and time periods.	Use “for” with durations and “since” with start points.
Writing Task 2	Discussing issues with time references.	Use “in” for months/years, “on” for days.
Speaking Part 1	Questions about your life and routines.	Use “in” for cities, “on” for streets.
Listening	Understanding addresses, times, and locations.	Note preposition use in recordings.
Reading	Recognizing prepositional phrases.	Identify time and place markers.

TOEFL

Skill	How It Is Tested	Strategy
Listening	Lectures and conversations with time and place references.	Note “arrive in/at,” “during,” “while.”
Speaking	Describing locations and schedules.	Use correct prepositions for time and place.
Writing	Integrated writing with time references.	Use “for/since” correctly.

GRE

Skill	How It Is Tested	Strategy
Analytical Writing	Precise preposition use in formal essays.	Use correct prepositions in arguments.
Text Completion	Preposition choice affects meaning.	Understand subtle differences.
Sentence Equivalence	Correct preposition collocations.	Recognize common phrases.

Exam Rules

• Use “in” for months, years, seasons, cities, countries.
• Use “on” for days, dates, streets.
• Use “at” for specific times and addresses.
• Use “for” with duration; “since” with start points.
• No preposition before next, last, every, each.
• During + noun; while + clause.

---

13. Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Choose the correct preposition to complete each sentence.

1. When did you arrive ______ London? (in / on / at)
2. I’ll call her ______ next week. (in / no preposition)
3. My exam is ______ Monday. (at / on)
4. They live ______ Main Street. (at / on)
5. I’ve worked here ______ three years. (for / since)
6. ______ the concert, it started raining. (During / While)
7. I read it ______ the internet. (in / on)
8. We met ______ the airport. (to / at)
9. She arrived ______ the hotel at noon. (in / at)
10. He has lived here ______ 2015. (for / since)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice Questions

Choose the correct preposition.

1. Which preposition is correct for cities?
   a) arrive on
   b) arrive at
   c) arrive in
   d) arrive to
2. Which word does NOT need a preposition?
   a) next week
   b) Monday
   c) 7 o’clock
   d) October
3. Which preposition is correct for days?
   a) at
   b) on
   c) in
   d) to
4. Which preposition is correct for a street name without number?
   a) at
   b) in
   c) on
   d) to
5. Which preposition is correct with a period of time?
   a) since
   b) for
   c) during
   d) while
6. Which preposition is correct with a point in time?
   a) for
   b) since
   c) during
   d) while
7. Which word is followed by a noun?
   a) during
   b) while
   c) both
   d) neither
8. Which preposition is correct for electronic media?
   a) in
   b) on
   c) at
   d) to
9. Which preposition indicates movement?
   a) at
   b) in
   c) to
   d) on
10. Which preposition indicates location?
    a) to
    b) at
    c) for
    d) during

Exercise 3: Sentence Transformation / Error Correction

Rewrite each sentence correctly.

1. When did you arrive on London?
2. I’ll call her in next week.
3. My exam is at Monday.
4. They live at Main Street.
5. I’ve worked here since three years.
6. While the concert, it started raining.
7. I read it in the internet.
8. We met to the airport.
9. She arrived on the hotel.
10. He has lived here for 2015.

---

14. Answer Key with Explanations

Exercise 1 Answers

1. in
   Explanation: Cities use “arrive in.”
2. no preposition
   Explanation: “Next week” needs no preposition.
3. on
   Explanation: Days use “on.”
4. on
   Explanation: Street names without numbers use “on.”
5. for
   Explanation: Period of time uses “for.”
6. During
   Explanation: “Concert” is a noun; use “during.”
7. on
   Explanation: Electronic media use “on.”
8. at
   Explanation: Location uses “at.”
9. at
   Explanation: Specific place uses “arrive at.”
10. since
    Explanation: “2015” is a point in time; use “since.”

Exercise 2 Answers

1. c) arrive in
   Explanation: Cities use “arrive in.”
2. a) next week
   Explanation: No preposition before “next.”
3. b) on
   Explanation: Days use “on.”
4. c) on
   Explanation: Street names use “on.”
5. b) for
   Explanation: Period of time uses “for.”
6. b) since
   Explanation: Point in time uses “since.”
7. a) during
   Explanation: “During” is followed by a noun.
8. b) on
   Explanation: Electronic media use “on.”
9. c) to
   Explanation: “To” indicates movement.
10. b) at
    Explanation: “At” indicates location.

Exercise 3 Answers

1. When did you arrive in London?
   Explanation: Cities use “arrive in.”
2. I’ll call her next week.
   Explanation: No preposition before “next week.”
3. My exam is on Monday.
   Explanation: Days use “on.”
4. They live on Main Street.
   Explanation: Street names use “on.”
5. I’ve worked here for three years.
   Explanation: Period of time uses “for.”
6. During the concert, it started raining.
   Explanation: Noun after “during.”
7. I read it on the internet.
   Explanation: Electronic media use “on.”
8. We met at the airport.
   Explanation: Location uses “at.”
9. She arrived at the hotel.
   Explanation: Specific place uses “arrive at.”
10. He has lived here since 2015.
    Explanation: Point in time uses “since.”

---

15. Conclusion

Prepositions are essential for clear and accurate English communication. This diagnostic lesson has helped you identify areas of strength and weakness.

Key points to remember:

• Arrive in cities/countries; arrive at specific places
• No preposition before next, last, every, each
• At for specific times; on for days/dates; in for months/years
• On for street names; at for specific addresses
• For with duration; since with starting points
• During + noun; while + clause
• In for paper media; on for electronic media
• To for movement; at for location

Use the F.U.N. Method to continue improving: Find out what’s wrong, Understand how to correct it, and Nail it with practice.

---

Call to Action: Take the diagnostic quiz again after one week. Write five sentences about your own life using correct prepositions for time and place. Practice saying them aloud and review your work with a teacher or study partner.