Ch 32 · Lesson 20English · Chapter 32 · Lesson 20 · Grammar primer
At the weekend or on the weekend
At the weekend and in hospital are British; on the weekend and in the hospital are American. Different from is correct everywhere.
The short version
At the weekend in Britain, on the weekend in America
.
Why?Hide
Some prepositions are pure habit. British English says at the weekend, in hospital (as a patient) and Monday to Friday. American English says on the weekend, in the hospital and Monday through Friday (Monday to Friday too). Different from is correct everywhere; different to is more British, different than more American.
At the weekend or on the weekend
Prepositions have no logic here, only habit:
British- American
British, as a patient
| Meaning | British | American |
|---|---|---|
| . . | | |
. | . | |
. | . | |
| |
Monday through Friday says clearly that Friday is in. American English also says Monday to Friday. Both varieties say at school, at home and at work. More on these in prepositions.
Different from, to or than
Three prepositions can follow different. All three are standard:
- different tocommon in Britain
- different fromcorrect everywhere: the safe one
- different thancommon in America
.- more British..- everywhere..- more American.
Not sure? Say different from. Nobody in either country will mark it wrong.
Going further: Have got or have and the rest of the guide, when you want them. This lesson does not need them.
Practice
Practise this lesson
8-question session
One question at a time, mixed across the exercises in this lesson. Miss one and it comes back round before the end.
English · Free printables
Worksheets for this lesson
Worksheets with answer keys built in. Open any one to view, print or save.
Free for members
The printable worksheets, infographics and PDFs are free with an account. Start a free week and download as many as you like.
Start your free weekLesson 20 of 29 in this chapter