Preposition – “In”
In
Preposition in with the meaning inside:
The preposition in is commonly used to indicate a location or position inside a place.
Here are some examples:
The cat is in the box.
I left my keys in the car.
She found her wallet in her purse.
Let’s meet in the park.
The book is in the library.
The food is in the refrigerator.
He’s waiting in the office.
They live in a house by the beach.
There’s a surprise in the gift.
The treasure is buried in the backyard.
In all of these examples, in is used to indicate that something is located or positioned inside a particular place or object.
Note: the preposition “at” before the location names:
When referring to big cities and countries, at is often used before their names to indicate a specific location.
Here are some examples:
Big Cities:
I’m staying at a hotel in Paris.
She lives at an apartment building in New York.
They met at a restaurant in Tokyo.
We had a conference at a convention centre in London.
Countries:
I’ll be vacationing at a resort in Italy.
He was born at a small town in Canada.
They are travelling at a remote village in Brazil.
She studied abroad at a university in Australia.
In these examples, at is used before the names of big cities and countries to specify the location or place where an action or event is taking place.
Preposition in indicates a period of time:
The preposition in can be used to indicate a period of time, especially when you want to convey that something happened during part or all of that time period.
Here are some examples:
I’ll meet you in the morning.
She goes for a run in the evening.
They have a staff meeting in the afternoon.
We’ll be on vacation in August.
The concert is in the summer.
He was born in the 1990s.
The store is open in the evening.
We have an appointment in an hour.
In these examples, in is used to specify the time period during which an action or event occurs.
Preposition in indicates the specific time frame:
The preposition in can also be used to indicate that something was completed within a specific time frame, using no more than that amount of time.
Here are some examples:
I can finish this report in an hour.
She prepared dinner in 30 minutes.
They completed the project in a week.
He solved the puzzle in five minutes.
We’ll reach the destination in two hours.
She painted the room in a day.
He learned the basics of coding in a month.
In these examples, in is used to show that the action or task was accomplished within or using no more than the specified period of time.
Preposition in is used to indicate a period of time during which an action or event occurred:
The preposition in can also be used to indicate an action or event that occurred during a particular period of time.
Here are some examples:
I read a book in the evening.
They went for a walk in the rain.
We’ll have a meeting in the afternoon.
The fireworks display is in the night sky.
She plays the piano in the morning.
They met in the summer of 2010.
The movie will be shown in the winter.
He proposed to her in the middle of the party.
In these examples, in is used to indicate the time period during which an action or event took place.
Preposition in can indicate the state or condition of something:
She is in a good mood today.
The house is in disrepair.
He is in love with her.
Preposition in can show the means or method by which something is done:
I paid for the ticket in cash.
They communicated in writing.
She expressed her opinion in a polite manner.
Preposition in can denote something that is currently fashionable or trendy:
Those shoes are in style this season.
Neon colours are in right now.
The retro look is back in.
Preposition in can indicate someone’s belief or opinion about something:
I believe in you.
He has confidence in his team.
She has faith in her abilities.
Preposition in can denote the result or consequence of an action:
The investment resulted in a profit.
Hard work often ends in success.
Preposition in can specify the duration or limit of an action or event:
They can finish the project in two weeks.
The store is open in the evenings.
The movie will be released in December.
Preposition in can indicate being part of a group or category:
She is in the top 10% of her class.
They are in the same category.
This book is in the fiction section.
In as an adverb:
When in is used as an adverb with verbs of motion, it typically expresses the action of moving towards or inside something.
Here are examples:
She walked in through the open door.
He jumped in the pool to cool off.
They climbed in the car and drove away.
The cat darted in the house when it started raining.
We hiked in the forest for hours.
The children ran in from the rain.
She dived in the ocean to explore the coral reef.
They entered in the cave with flashlights.
The bird flew in the window and then back out.
In these examples, in is used to indicate the direction or destination of the motion, emphasizing movement towards or inside something.
Note: preposition “into” with the meaning inside of something:
The preposition into is used to indicate motion going inside something or a specific destination.
Here are examples of into used with verbs of motion:
She walked into the room with a smile on her face.
He dove into the swimming pool to cool off on a hot day.
They climbed into the car and drove away.
The children ran into the house from the rain.
She dived into the ocean to explore the coral reef.
They entered into the cave with flashlights.
In these examples, into emphasizes the motion of going inside something or reaching a specific destination.
Here are examples of verbs, adjectives, and participles that often require the preposition in:
Verbs:
Believe in something: I believe in the power of education.
Engage in something: She engages in community service.
Invest in something: They decided to invest in real estate.
Specialise in something: He specialises in computer programming.
Succeed in something: She succeeded in her career.
Adjectives:
Interested in something: They are interested in art.
Experienced in something: He is highly experienced in marketing.
Skilled in something: She is skilled in playing the piano.
Proficient in something: They are proficient in a foreign language.
Engaged in something: He’s engaged in scientific research.
Participles:
Interested in something: She is always interested in new ideas.
Engaged in something: They were engaged in a lively discussion.
Involved in something: He was deeply involved in the project.
Specialised in something: The company is known for its specialised in software.
Experienced in something: She is highly experienced in management.
In these examples, in is used to specify the object or subject of the action or attribute, and it is often required to convey the meaning correctly.
Here are some expressions and phrases that include the preposition in along with examples:
In the meantime: Meanwhile or while waiting for something else to happen.
I’ll be working on this project. In the meantime, you can start preparing the presentation.
In the long run: Refers to a period of time far into the future.
Exercising regularly is beneficial for your health in the long run.
In the nick of time: Just in time, right before it’s too late.
They arrived at the airport in the nick of time to catch their flight.
In the dark: To be uninformed or unaware of something.
She kept us in the dark about her plans until the last minute.
In the red: Refers to financial losses or debt.
The company has been operating in the red for the past year.
In the black: Refers to financial profitability or being financially stable.
Thanks to cost-cutting measures, the business is now back in the black.
In the middle of: Indicates a specific point within a period or location.
We met in the middle of the park.
In the know: To be informed or knowledgeable about something.
Only a few people are truly in the know about the upcoming changes.
In the same boat: To be in a similar situation or facing similar challenges.
We’re all in the same boat when it comes to dealing with this project.
In the heat of the moment: Refers to impulsive actions or decisions made under emotional pressure.
I said some things I didn’t mean in the heat of the moment.
In the affirmative: When expressing agreement or confirmation.
He answered in the affirmative when asked if he would attend the meeting.
In bulk: Refers to purchasing or storing large quantities of something.
They bought the supplies in bulk to save money.
In any case: Regardless of the circumstances.
I’ll be there tomorrow, and in any case, I can always reschedule if needed.
In the circumstances: Taking into account the specific situation.
We made the decision in the circumstances we were facing.
In demand: When something is wanted or desired by many.
The new product is in demand among consumers.
In the east: Refers to the eastern direction or location.
The sun rises in the east.
In the course: During the process or duration of something.
We learned a lot in the course of our research.
In full: Completely or entirely.
She explained the situation in full detail.
In full swing: When something is at its peak or most active state.
The party is in full swing with dancing and music.
In general: Generally speaking, or as a rule.
In general, people prefer sunny weather.
In somebody’s interest: For someone’s benefit or advantage.
Reducing energy consumption is in everyone’s interest.
In the long run: Refers to a period of time far into the future.
Exercising regularly is beneficial for your health in the long run.
In a loud voice: Speaking or making noise at a high volume.
He spoke in a loud voice to be heard over the crowd.
In the market: Refers to the availability or presence of a product.
This new phone is now in the market.
In the meantime: Meanwhile or while waiting for something else to happen.
I’ll be working on this project. In the meantime, you can start preparing the presentation.
In the morning: During the early hours of the day.
I like to go for a run in the morning.
In the open air: Outdoors or outside.
They had a picnic in the open air.”
In one’s opinion: According to what someone thinks or believes.
In my opinion, this movie is the best of the year.
In pencil: Written or drawn with a pencil.
She made a sketch in pencil.
In order: Arranged or organized correctly.
Please put the files in order.
In part: Partially or to some extent.
His success can be attributed in part to his dedication.
In conclusion: To summarize or bring a discussion to an end.
In conclusion, I believe we should move forward with the project.
In the country: In a rural or non-urban area.
They have a cottage in the country.”
In the direction of: Towards a particular location or destination.
They walked in the direction of the mountains.
In question: Under consideration or being discussed.
The topic in question is the impact of climate change.
In return: As a response or exchange for something.
He helped me, and in return, I offered my assistance.
In English: Using the English language.
They communicate in English at work.
In sight: Within view or easily seen.
The finish line is in sight.
In so far as: To the extent or degree that.
He agreed with the plan in so far as it aligned with his goals.
In the spring: During the season of spring.
Flowers bloom in the spring.
In stock: When a product or item is available for purchase.
Is this item in stock?
In store: Refers to something that is physically present in a retail store.
The new arrivals are in store now.
In the street: Refers to something happening outdoors or in public.
There was a parade in the street.
In the sun: Exposed to direct sunlight.
She sat in the sun to get a tan.
In time: With sufficient time to do something.
They arrived in time for the concert.
In vain: Without success or achieving the desired outcome.
Their efforts were in vain.
In the zone: Refers to a state of deep focus or high performance.
When he’s on the field, he’s in the zone and unstoppable.
In the blink of an eye: Extremely quickly or suddenly.
The accident happened in the blink of an eye.
In a nutshell: A concise or summarised explanation.
Can you explain the main points in a nutshell?
In due time: At the appropriate or expected time.
Your hard work will be rewarded in due time.
In the doghouse: To be in trouble or disfavored.
After forgetting her anniversary, he’s definitely in the doghouse.
In a bind: In a difficult or challenging situation.
I’m in a bind because my car broke down.
In harm’s way: At risk or in danger.
The soldiers knowingly put themselves in harm’s way.
In high spirits: To be cheerful and enthusiastic.
After the victory, the team was in high spirits.
In one fell swoop: All at once or in a single action.
He managed to solve all the problems in one fell swoop.
In the clear: To be free from blame or suspicion.
After the investigation, she was found in the clear.
In the middle of nowhere: In a remote or isolated location.
Their car broke down in the middle of nowhere.
These additional expressions and phrases provide even more examples of how in is used in English to convey specific meanings or situations.