In/at school

[Linguist__]

I believe this is one of those situations where you cannot stick to your rules of prepositions and what they mean or how they differ form one another.

Saying, "he's at school" certainly doesn't mean he is outside the building; it means the same as "he's in school" or even less ambiguous - "he's attending school".

The same can be said of many prepositions - rules for differentiating aren't rules, merely guidelines. Why, for example, are you in a car, but on a bus?

[bhaisahab]

Why, for example, are you in a car, but on a bus?

Because buses were originally single or double decker, open topped forms of trasport.

[Linguist__]

Because buses were originally single or double decker, open topped forms of trasport.

And we just overgeneralised this to all modes of public transport? That is, "on a bus/train/plane".

[RonBee]

The word "at" can be used to indicate the inside of a building (or other structure) or the the outside (near) a building (or other structure).
.

Q: Where were you?
A: I was at the library. (Inside)

A: Where are you?
A: I'm at the library. (Outside)

[sitifan]

And we just overgeneralised this to all modes of public transport? That is, "on a bus/train/plane".

'On' for commercial airliners.
'In' for private planes/light aircraft.
'Be up in a plane' = fixed expression
ESL Forums • View topic - on the plane or in the plane

[Linguist__]

'On' for commercial airliners.
'In' for private planes/light aircraft.
'Be up in a plane' = fixed expression
ESL Forums • View topic - on the plane or in the plane

Wow, I was kind of saying 'in' for private transport (car, taxi, private plane) and 'on' for public as a joke. It seems to be somewhat valid!

There are occasion where it is very clear - on a bed vs. in a bed.

However, even after 18 years of speaking English, there are still times I don't know which to use - in a hammock, on a hammock, is one example.

[bhaisahab]

Why are you in a boat, but on a ship?

When we are in a boat, we are in a hollow space formed by the hull of the boat. When we are on a ship, we are on a deck. That's my take on it ayway.

[sitifan]

Hi,
We can say in a small boat. But is it possible to say on a small boat?As I said, either is possible and much depends on the context, but stick with 'on' as a general rule.
What's the difference between in a ship and on a ship? Sailors use 'in a ship'. Non-sailors say 'on a ship'.
Best wishes, Clive
What boat are you __ now, may I ask?

[RonBee]

I've been on a boat. And I've been on a train. However, I have never flown on a plane.

[sitifan]

I've been on a boat. And I've been on a train. However, I have never flown on a plane.

You can fly on/in a plane.
Either preposition is possible.
I have never flown ___ a plane.