student asking question

Is "at 25" can be replaced with "in 25"? I don't know how to use preposition. Should I just memorize it?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

No, unfortunately "in 25" cannot be replaced with "at 25." It does not make sense in English. You have to use "at 25" because the word "at" in this video means to express a certain age or a position in time. Unfortunately, it may be a little difficult to memorize the usage of these particular prepositions because there are so many different ways to use them. There are also many exceptions in English when using "at" or "in" but I will list a few of the more common ones. To use the preposition "in" when talking about time, it usually refers to a long period of time, such as months or years. For example: "I went to Chicago in 2005. I started university in September. To use the preposition "at" when discussing time usually refers to hours, minutes, or a specified time or age. Ex: I met George at 5 p.m. She starts school at 9. To use "in" when discussing an address or location, you would use "in" to say a city, state or country. Ex: I was born in Japan. She lives in Florida. Using "at" when discussing an address or location, you would give a specific location; a literal address or a building. Ex: She lives at 772 Village Court. He is at the store. These are a few of the main usages for the words "at" and "in." My advice to you would be to look at each individual case every time the prepositions "at" and "in" pops up. You will start to grasp how and why it is used. Don't give up! I know it can be a little overwhelming but take it each sentence at a time!

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