[Grammar] work + preposition

[Jack8rkin]

Hello!
I have a question on the use of prepositions with the verb "to work". If we speak about the places where people work, "at" is usually used, e.g.:
He works at a factory.
What should I use in case with a trawler or submarine or any other type of ship?

My Dad works on/at a trawler as an electrician / electrical officer.

Is it suitable at all to use the verb "to work" in such cases, or the verb "serves" (or another verb) is a better option?
Thanks in advance.

 

[sarat_106]

Hello!
I have a question on the use of prepositions with the verb "to work". If we speak about the places where people work, "at" is usually used, e.g.:
He works at a factory.
What should I use in case with a trawler or submarine or any other type of ship?

My Dad works on/at a trawler as an elelctrician / electrical officer.

Is it suitable at all to use the verb "to work" in such cases, or the verb "serves" (or another verb) is a better option?
Thanks in advance.

Yes, you can use 'to work' and in such cases use 'in'.
I work in a factory as an electrician.
He works is a bank as a cashier.
My dad works in a ship as its captain.

 

[billmcd]

Sometimes there's a fine line between the use of "in" and "at" in AmE. Most often in AmE you will hear "He works in a factory". But when you include the location of the factory, hospital etc. you will probably hear "He works at a factory in Chicago", and thus one example of the distinction between "in" and "at". Also, when we speak about some vessel or vehicle we would say "He works on a trawler/ship/tug boat etc." or "She is a flight attendant on a plane".

 

[Jack8rkin]

Thanks a lot! It's very informative and clears all the matter!