The first member is standing up at the first spot.
The first member is standing up on the first spot.
Which preposition is appropriate?
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1Welcome to ELL! "At" and "on" are not articles but prepositions.– CowperKettleFeb 22, 2016 at 14:24
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Do you mean which preposition?– thein lwinFeb 22, 2016 at 14:26
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I don't understand what you mean by first spot. In the context of a "multi-artist" entertainment show, for example, it's The support band are in/on [for] the first spot (or first slot). Also, who is the "member", and why is he "first"? (is he only first because he's on the first spot, or is he something like First Minister of Wales?– FumbleFingersFeb 22, 2016 at 14:27
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As far as I know, the phrase "at the spot" means "a particular space or area". I would use "at the first spot".– thein lwinFeb 22, 2016 at 15:25
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1 Answer
At is used with places. If the "spot" can be considered a place, at can be used.
X on Y is used if
Y is a flat surface or object and
The feet or bottom part of X makes contact with the surface, or top surface of that object.
If the "spot" fulfills that criteria, on can be used.
It's possible both on or at will work and in that case it doesn't matter which you use.
