On vs. At — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 16, 2024
"On" indicates a surface or specific day, while "at" specifies a particular point or location in time or space.
Difference Between On and At
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"On" is used to describe a position on a surface or a specific day. For instance, "The book is on the table" or "The meeting is on Monday." "At" is used for precise locations or points in time, such as "I am at the office" or "The train arrives at 5 PM."
"On" often implies being in contact with a surface, such as "on the floor," while "at" suggests a specific place or moment without indicating contact, like "at the entrance." "On" is also used for dates and days, whereas "at" is used for exact times.
"On" can describe the use of devices or platforms, like "on the phone" or "on the internet," while "at" can describe specific locations within larger areas, like "at the park" or "at home."
"On" conveys a broader scope, indicating general areas or periods, whereas "at" is more specific, pinpointing exact locations or times.
Comparison Chart
Position
On a surface (e.g., on the table)
Specific point or location (e.g., at the door)
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Time
Specific days/dates (e.g., on Monday)
Exact times (e.g., at 5 PM)
Usage
Surfaces, platforms, days
Precise locations, points in time
Example (Place)
The book is on the desk
She is at the bus stop
Example (Time)
The party is on Friday
The meeting is at noon
Compare with Definitions
On
During a specific day or date.
We have a holiday on the 4th of July.
At
Occurring at a precise time.
The concert starts at 7 PM.
On
Concerning or about.
The book is on ancient history.
At
In a particular position or state.
She is at the top of her class.
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.
At
Indicating an event or activity.
There was a lot of excitement at the game.
On
Used to indicate contact with or extent over (a surface) regardless of position
A picture on the wall.
A rash on my back.
At
Expressing location or arrival in a particular place or position
They live at Conway House
They stopped at a small trattoria
On
Used to indicate location at or along
The pasture on the south side of the river.
A house on the highway.
At
Expressing the time when an event takes place
The children go to bed at nine o'clock
His death came at a time when the movement was split
On
Used to indicate proximity
A town on the border.
At
Denoting a particular point or level on a scale
Driving at 50 mph
Prices start at £18,500
On
Used to indicate attachment to or suspension from
Beads on a string.
At
Expressing a particular state or condition
His ready smile put her at ease
They were at a disadvantage
On
Used to indicate figurative or abstract position
On the young side, but experienced.
On her third beer.
Stopped on chapter two.
At
Expressing the object of a look, thought, action, or plan
I looked at my watch
Policies aimed at reducing taxation
Leslie pointed at him
On
Used to indicate actual motion toward, against, or onto
Jumped on the table.
The march on Washington.
At
Expressing the means by which something is done
Her pride had taken a beating at his hands
Holding a prison officer at knifepoint
On
Used to indicate figurative or abstract motion toward, against, or onto
Going on six o'clock.
Came on the answer by accident.
At
A monetary unit of Laos, equal to one hundredth of a kip.
On
Used to indicate occurrence at a given time
On July third.
Every hour on the hour.
At
In or near the area occupied by; in or near the location of
At the market.
At our destination.
On
Used to indicate the particular occasion or circumstance
On entering the room, she saw him.
At
In or near the position of
Always at my side.
At the center of the page.
On
Used to indicate the object affected by actual, perceptible action
The spotlight fell on the actress. He knocked on the door.
At
To or toward the direction or location of, especially for a specific purpose
Questions came at us from all sides.
On
Used to indicate the object affected by a figurative action
Have pity on them.
At
Present during; attending
At the dance.
On
Used to indicate the object of an action directed, tending, or moving against it
An attack on the fortress.
At
Within the interval or span of
At the dinner hour.
At a glance.
On
Used to indicate the object of perception or thought
Gazed on the vista.
Meditated on his actions.
At
In the state or condition of
At peace with one's conscience.
On
Used to indicate the agent or agency of a specified action
Cut his foot on the broken glass.
Talked on the telephone.
At
In the activity or field of
Skilled at playing chess.
Good at math.
On
Used to indicate a medicine or other corrective taken or undertaken routinely
Went on a strict diet.
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.
On
Used to indicate a substance that is the cause of an addiction, a habit, or an altered state of consciousness
High on dope.
At
On, near, or by the time or age of
At three o'clock.
At 72 years of age.
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).
At
On account of; because of
Rejoice at a victory.
On
Used to indicate a source of power or energy
The car runs on methane.
At
By way of; through
Exited at the rear gate.
On
Used to indicate the state or process of
On leave.
On fire.
On the way.
At
In accord with; following
At my request.
On
Used to indicate the purpose of
Travel on business.
At
Dependent upon
At the mercy of the court.
On
Used to indicate a means of conveyance
Ride on a train.
At
Occupied with
At work.
On
Used to indicate availability by means of
Beer on tap.
A physician on call.
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
On
Used to indicate belonging to
A nurse on the hospital staff.
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
On
Used to indicate addition or repetition
Heaped error on error.
At
In the direction of (often in an unfocused or uncaring manner).
He threw the ball at me.
He shouted at her.
On
Concerning; about
A book on astronomy.
At
Denotes a price.
3 apples at 2¢ (each)
The offer was at $30,000 before negotiations.
On
Concerning and to the disadvantage of
We have some evidence on him.
At
Occupied in (activity).
Men at work
On
(Informal) In one's possession; with
I haven't a cent on me.
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.
On
At the expense of; compliments of
Drinks on the house.
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.
On
In or into a position or condition of being supported by or in contact with something
Put the coffee on.
At
Because of.
To laugh at a joke
Mad at their comments
On
In or into a position of being attached to or covering something
Put your clothes on.
At
Indicates a means, method, or manner.
On
In the direction of something
He looked on while the ship docked.
At
Holding a given speed or rate.
It is growing at the rate of 3% a year.
Cruising along at fifty miles per hour.
On
Toward or at a point lying ahead in space or time; forward
The play moved on to the next city.
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.
On
At or to a more distant point in time or space
I'll do it later on.
At
Bothering, irritating, causing discomfort to
On
Toward or to a different state or condition
Let's move on to another subject.
At
On a particular date.
On
In a continuous course
He worked on quietly.
At
The at sign (@).
On
In or into performance or operation
Turn on the radio.
At
Rare form of @
On
In progress or action; in a state of activity
The show must go on.
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.
On
In or at the present position or condition
Stay on.
Hang on.
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.
On
In a condition of being scheduled for or decided upon
There is a party on tonight.
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.
On
Being in operation
The television is on.
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.
On
Engaged in a given function or activity, such as a vocal or dramatic role
You're on in five minutes!.
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.
On
Under or behaving as if under observation
A minister is always on.
At
The relations of time, age, or order; as, at ten o'clock; at twenty-one; at once; at first.
On
(Informal) Functioning or performing at a high degree of competence or energy
The goalie is really on.
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.
On
Planned; intended
We have nothing much on for this weekend.
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.
On
Happening; taking place
The parade is on.
At
A highly unstable radioactive element (the heaviest of the halogen series); a decay product of uranium and thorium
On
(Baseball) Having reached base safely; on base
Two runners are on.
At
100 at equal 1 kip
On
In the state of being active, functioning or operating.
All the lights are on, so they must be home.
At
Located at a specific place.
We will meet at the cafe.
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.
At
With reference to a particular point in space or time.
He stopped at the crossroads.
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!
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
On
Acceptable, appropriate.
You can't do that; it's just not on.
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.
On
Having reached a base as a runner and being positioned there, awaiting further action from a subsequent batter.
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.
On
Acting in character.
On
(euphemistic) Menstruating.
On
To an operating state.
Turn the television on
On
So as to cover or be fitted.
The lid wasn't screwed on properly.
Put on your hat and gloves.
On
Along, forwards (continuing an action).
Drive on, rock on
On
In continuation, at length.
And so on
He rambled on and on.
On
(obsolete in the US) Later.
Ten years on, nothing had changed in the village.
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.
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.
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.
On
Expressing figurative placement or attachment.
All of the responsibility is on him.
I put a bet on the winning horse.
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
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.
On
Near; adjacent to; alongside.
The fleet is on the American coast.
Croton-on-Hudson, Rostov-on-Don, Southend-on-Sea
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.
On
So as to impart force to.
Tug on the rope; push hard on the door
On
So as to impact; against.
I stubbed my toe on an old tree stump.
On
Covering.
He wore old shoes on his feet.
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
On
At the date of.
Born on the 4th of July.
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?
On
At a given time after the start of something; at.
Smith scored again on twelve minutes, doubling Mudchester Rovers' lead.
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.
On
(informal) In the possession of.
I haven't got any money on me.
On
Because of, or due to.
To arrest someone on suspicion of bribery
To contact someone on a hunch
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.
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.
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.
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?
On
Toward; for; indicating the object of an emotion.
Have pity or compassion on him.
On
Indicating the person experiencing an emotion, cold, thirst, hunger, etc.
On
Indicating a means of subsistence.
They lived on ten dollars a week.
The dog survived three weeks on rainwater.
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
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.
On
Under the influence of (a drug).
He's acting crazy because he's on crack right now.
On
(mathematics) Having identical domain and codomain.
A function on
On
(mathematics) Having as domain and V as codomain, for some set V and integer n.
An operator on
On
(mathematics) Generated by.
The free group on four letters
On
In addition to; besides; indicating multiplication or succession in a series.
Heaps on heaps of food
Mischief on mischief; loss on loss
On
Of
On
Indicating dependence or reliance.
I depended on them for assistance.
He will promise on certain conditions.
On
(obsolete) At the peril of, or for the safety of.
On
Serving as a member of.
He is on the jury; I am on the committee.
On
By virtue of; with the pledge of.
He affirmed or promised on his word, or on his honour.
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.
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.
On
Without.
On
To switch on.
Can you on the light?
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".
On
The general signification of on is situation, motion, or condition with respect to contact or support beneath
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On
At or in the time of; during; as, on Sunday we abstain from labor. See At (synonym).
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.
On
Toward; for; - indicating the object of some passion; as, have pity or compassion on him.
On
At the peril of, or for the safety of.
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.
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.
On
In reference or relation to; as, on our part expect punctuality; a satire on society.
On
Of.
Or have we eaten on the insane rootThat takes the reason prisoner?
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.
On
In the service of; connected with; a member of; as, he is on a newspaper; on a committee.
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.
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.
On
Forward, in succession; as, from father to son, from the son to the grandson, and so on.
On
In continuance; without interruption or ceasing; as, sleep on, take your ease; say on; sing on.
On
Adhering; not off; as in the phrase, "He is neither on nor off," that is, he is not steady, he is irresolute.
On
Attached to the body, as clothing or ornament, or for use.
He put on righteousness as a breastplate.
On
In progress; proceeding; ongoing; as, a game is on.
On
In operation or operational;
Left the oven on
The switch is in the on position
On
(of events) planned or scheduled;
The picnic is on, rain or shine
We have nothing on for Friday night
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.
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
On
Indicates continuity or persistence or concentration;
His spirit lives on
Shall I read on?
On
In a state required for something to function or be effective;
Turn the lights on
Get a load on
On
Positioned atop a surface.
The cat is sitting on the roof.
On
Using a device or platform.
She spends a lot of time on her phone.
On
In contact with something.
The painting is hanging on the wall.
Common Curiosities
When should I use "at"?
Use "at" for precise locations and specific times (e.g., at the office, at 3 PM).
Is "on" used for devices?
Yes, "on" is used for platforms and devices (e.g., on the internet, on TV).
Can "at" be used for time?
Yes, "at" is used for exact times (e.g., at noon, at 10:30 AM).
When should I use "on"?
Use "on" for surfaces, specific days, dates, and platforms (e.g., on the table, on Monday, on the phone).
Can "on" be used for time?
Yes, "on" is used for specific days and dates (e.g., on Friday, on January 1st).
Is "at" used for addresses?
Yes, use "at" for specific addresses (e.g., at 123 Elm Street).
Can "on" describe a location?
Yes, but it generally describes being on a surface (e.g., on the floor).
Is "on" used for addresses?
Use "on" for street names without specific numbers (e.g., on Elm Street).
Is "at" used for locations within buildings?
Yes, use "at" for specific locations within buildings (e.g., at the front desk).
Is "at" used for places?
Yes, "at" is used for specific places (e.g., at the station, at the entrance).
Can "at" be used for events?
Yes, "at" can describe being present at events (e.g., at the concert).
Can "at" describe a broader area?
No, "at" is more precise and specific (e.g., at the park entrance, not at the park in general).
Can "on" be used for public transport?
Yes, "on" is used for public transport (e.g., on the bus, on the train).
Is "on" used for online activities?
Yes, "on" is used for online activities (e.g., on social media, on the website).
Is "on" appropriate for maps and directions?
Yes, use "on" for streets and highways (e.g., on Main Street, on Highway 50).
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
