English Standard 4 Unit 3:1: Expressing Location

Introduction

We express location using prepositions. A preposition is a word used to connect nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words within a sentence. They act as “directional signals” that describe the relationship between people, objects, and locations.

Prepositions usually tell us three specific things about a sentence:

1. Direction: “He walked to the store.”
2. Time: “We will meet at 5:00 PM.”
3. Location: “The book is on the table.”

Under this unit we will focus on;

1. Expressing Location using on, in, at
2. Expressing Location using under, over, near
3. Expressing Location using inside, in front of, beside, behind

Unit 3:1: Expressing Location Using ON, IN & AT

i. Using “IN

We use in when an object or person is inside a space, a container, or a building.

• The Rule: Subject is inside something.
• Examples:
• The chalk is in the box.
• The pupils are in the classroom.
• I have a pen in my pocket.

ii. Using “ON”

We use on when an object is touching the top surface of something.

• The Rule: Subject is on top of a surface.
• Examples:
• The book is on the desk.
• The teacher is writing on the chalkboard.
• Put your hands on your head.

iii. Using “AT”

We use at to point to a specific place or position.

• The Rule: Subject is at a specific point.
• Examples:
• The headteacher is at the office.
• The bus is at the terminal.
• We are waiting at the hospital gate.

Teacher’s Classroom Exercise

To help students remember these, use objects in your Home or School environment:

• Ask: “Where is the book?” (It is on the table).
• Ask: “Where is the water?” (It is in the bottle).
• Ask: “Where is the student?” (He is at the door).