The correct preposition

The correct preposition

Sometimes there is a situation where only one preposition is 'correct'.
For example:

We arrived at 8 o'clock.

Very often, more than one preposition is possible depending on the meaning. All the following correct examples have subtly different meanings:

I'll meet you at the station.
I'll meet you in the station.
I'll meet you by the station.
I'll meet you in front of the station.
I'll meet you beside the station.
I'll meet you behind the station.
I'll meet you inside the station.
I'll meet you around the station.

Expressions with prepositions

Most prepositions have a literal meaning which we are all familiar with: on, in, at, through, etc. When prepositions are part of an expression, it is important to learn the whole expression. There is usually no point in trying to explain why a particular preposition is used.

For example:

a cheque for £200
a good memory for faces
go on strike
pay in advance

The best advice is to teach expressions like these as 'wholes'.