A ‣ By, on or in + noun

I took his pen by mistake [I thought it was my pen].

These shoes are made by hand [not using a machine].

I met them by chance [it wasn’t planned; it was luck].

My boss is on the phone at the moment. [using the phone]

The workers are on strike [they refuse to work because of a problem over pay, hours, etc.].

The books were on display in the window. [in the window for people to look at]

Part of the building was on fire [burning].

Most of the passengers are no won board [on the train, boat, plane, etc.].

Why are they always in a hurry [needing to do something or go somewhere very quickly]?

I explained everything in detail [including all the important information].

She won’t make that mistake again in future.

The poor little girl was in tears [crying].

B ‣ Phrases easily confused

Sometimes two prepositions can be used with the same noun, but the meaning is different.

Lessons begin at 8.30 and the students are usually here on time [at 8.30].

If we hurry, we’ll be there in time [before the time we need to be there].

We were tired of waiting, so in the end we went home. [finally, after a lot of time or thought]

At the end of the book they get married. [in the last part]

To be successful in business it’s important to get on well with people. [working as business people]

They’re both in Germany on business [they are there for work, not a holiday].

I’m afraid this book’s a bit out-of-date [old and not useful, or not correct in its information].

I try to keep up-to-date with all the changes. [knowing all the most recent ideas and information]

I’ll see you in a moment [not now, but very soon; syn in a minute].

I can’t speak to you at the moment [now; syn right now].