Should I use in, on or at for locations like this: "I am {on/at/in} the railway station"? [duplicate]

Question

Which prepositions are correct?

I am {on/at/in} the railway station.
I am {on/at/in} square.

What is "square"? A square like a courtyard or plaza?
– user3169
Oct 27, 2014 at 0:39 — user3169, Oct 27, 2014 at 0:39

user3169 · Accepted Answer · 2014-10-27 00:39:03Z

2

I am on the railway station.

means you are on top of the railway station (like on the ceiling). Not likely.

I am at the railway station.

means you are there, location wise.

I am in the railway station.

means you are inside (the perimeter) of the railway station.

answered Oct 27, 2014 at 0:39

user3169

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2

From the perspective of location, you've described what the three prepositions generally mean, although it's worth pointing out there are numerous idiosyncrasies, anomalies, idiomatic usages, and exceptions, particularly with on. "I am on the phone" probably doesn't mean you are on top of it, and "I am on the radio" doesn't usually mean you are on top of it either.
– J.R. ♦
Oct 27, 2014 at 9:00

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