This is a list of a few expressions which often cause problems. For other preposition + noun combinations, see a good dictionary.
at the cinema; at the theatre; at a party; at university What’s on at the cinema this week?
a book (written) by Joyce; a concerto (composed) by Mozart; a film (directed) by Orson Welles (NOT of OR from)
I’ve never read anything by Dickens. by car/bike/bus/train/boat/plane/land/sea/air; on foot (but in the car, on a bus etc)
Let’s take our time and go by boat.
for … reason My sister decided to go to America for several reasons.
from … point of view (NOT according to OR after)
Try to see it from my point of view.
in … opinion (NOT according-to OR after)
In my opinion, she should have resigned earlier. in the end (= finally, after a long time)
In the end, I got a visa for Russia.
at the end (= at the point where something stops)
I think the film’s a bit weak at the end. in pen, pencil, ink, etc Please fill in the form in ink. in a picture, photo, etc (NOT on)
She looks much younger in this photo. in the rain, snow, etc I like walking in the rain, in a suit, raincoat, shirt, skirt, hat, etc
Who’s the man in the funny hat over there? in a … voice
Stop talking to me in that stupid voice.
on page 20 etc (NOT in/at)
There’s a mistake on page 120. on the radio; on TV; on the phone Is there anything good on TV tonight?
It’s Mrs. Ellis on the phone: she says it’s urgent.
on time (= at the planned time, neither late nor early)
Peter wants the meeting to start exactly on time. in time (= with enough time to spare, before the last moment)
He would have died if they hadn’t got him to the hospital in time.
For more information consult a good dictionary like Langman, Oxford, Merriam Webster, or Collins.
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