Weekends are special. They’re the time when most of us kick back, relax, or catch up on things we missed during the hectic weekdays. However, there’s a little debate that often pops up in conversations, especially among those learning English. It revolves around how to correctly refer to these cherished days.
In the grand scheme of things, it might seem like a small detail. Yet, for someone diving into the intricacies of English, choosing between “at,” “on,” or “in” the weekend can be a stumbling block. This choice might not only impact their fluency but also how well they’re understood in different parts of the English-speaking world. So, which is it? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
When talking about plans or activities during the weekend, people often wonder if they should say “at the weekend”, “on the weekend”, or “in the weekend”. The correct phrase depends on where you are in the world. In British English, “at the weekend” is commonly used. For example, “I’m going to visit my family at the weekend.” However, in American English, people prefer saying “on the weekend“. They might say, “I’m going to visit my family on the weekend.” The phrase “in the weekend” is less common and not widely accepted in either form of English. So, choose “at the weekend” for British contexts and “on the weekend” for American settings.
Understanding the Weekend in American English
Weekends in American culture hold significant cultural importance, representing leisure, family time, and relaxation. A simple phrase like “Finally, it’s the weekend!” captures the sentiment of countless Americans leaving work on a Friday, eagerly anticipating a break from the weekly routine. Special occasions such as “long weekends” arise from public holidays, extending the leisure period to three days.
The Cultural Significance of Weekends in the U.S.
Within the U.S., weekends serve as a definitive divide between the workweek and time for relaxation. Many people participate in various weekend activities, from sports and hobbies to spending time with family and friends. Expressions like “I play football every weekend” reflect an American’s lifestyle and the significance of weekends in maintaining a work-life balance.
American English: The Correct Usage of ‘On the Weekend’
In American English, “on the weekend” is the conventional expression indicating activities or usual habits associated with weekends. Examples include “What do you usually do on the weekend?” and “We used to always go to the beach on the weekend.” Usage of the preposition “on” also occurs when referring to singular days, such as “I’ve got to go to London on Friday.”
Why ‘At the Weekend’ is Less Prevalent in American Conversations
“At the weekend” is less common in American English because the preference is to use “on the weekend” to discuss weekend activities and plans. American English speakers may say things like “I read an entire book on the weekend” to denote their activities or experiences. It’s crucial to note that “on the weekend” is also more popular than “at the weekend” for public holidays and special days within American English contexts.
The British Influence: ‘At the Weekend’ Explained
While the expression “on the weekend” is closely associated with American English, ‘At the Weekend’ is an idiom characteristically exclusive to British English. This particular expression represents general weekend time or moments of relaxation and doesn’t usually specify individual activities. Phrases such as “I think I’ll visit my parents at the weekend” demonstrate its usage in British English. On the other hand, in America, the phrase would become “on the weekend.”
“At the weekend” is a distinctly British English expression that implies general relaxation or leisure activities during the weekend, making it an excellent choice for casual conversations with British speakers.
It’s essential to acknowledge the nuances between American vs British English when it comes to weekend prepositions. This distinction can be pivotal in understanding the differences and similarities in how people from the United States and the United Kingdom talk about their recreational time. The table below highlights some of the most notable differences in weekend expressions:
| American English | British English |
|---|---|
| On the weekend | At the weekend |
| I went to the beach on the weekend. | I went to the beach at the weekend. |
| What are you doing on the weekend? | What are you doing at the weekend? |
As illustrated, British English prepositions tend to focus more on general timeframes rather than specific activities. By becoming aware of these regional linguistic preferences, you can enhance your language skills and communicate more effectively with speakers of both American and British English.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Talking About the Weekend
While talking about weekends is quite common in daily conversations, it’s important to pay attention to the prepositions used in different expressions to avoid making common grammar mistakes. Let’s examine some of the issues related to weekend prepositions and regional language variations in the United States.
Why ‘In the Weekend’ is a Faux Pas
One of the most frequently encountered incorrect expressions is using “in the weekend” rather than the proper forms “on the weekend” (American English) or “at the weekend” (British English). For example, saying “He often exercises in the weekend” would be a mistake; the correct expression is “He often exercises on the weekend.”
Note:
Motivating yourself to exercise
on
the weekends can have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being.
Remember: Use “on the weekend” for American English and “at the weekend” for British English.
Regional Differences Within the US
Within the United States, regional language variations can sometimes lead to subtle differences in prepositions when talking about the weekend. Although “on the weekend” remains the dominant form in American English, you may occasionally come across variations in informal speech or localized expressions. It’s essential to be aware of these regional nuances to avoid potential misunderstandings.
| Region | Example Expression |
|---|---|
| Midwest | “I’m going fishing on the weekend.” |
| South | “Y’all want to come over for a cookout on the weekend?” |
| East Coast | “What are your plans for the weekend?” |
| West Coast | “We’re going to the beach on the weekend.” |
- Always double-check the prepositions you use when talking about the weekend.
- Pay attention to regional differences within the U.S. in terms of language usage.
- Practice using the correct prepositions with different weekend activities to develop fluency.
By understanding the appropriate prepositions to use when referring to weekends, as well as recognizing the regional language variations within the U.S., you can ensure that your conversations about weekends are clear, accurate, and grammatically correct. Happily, with practice, avoiding these common mistakes will become second nature.
Enhancing Your Weekend Vocabulary: Phrases and Alternatives
Expanding your weekend vocabulary not only helps you in expressing your thoughts more accurately but also contributes to your overall English language proficiency. Incorporating alternative expressions and phrases related to weekends can convey specific timing or general activities that occur during these leisurely days. This section will explore some common phrases and how to use them in different contexts.
Two flexible expressions you can use to talk about weekends are over the weekend and during the weekend. Both can be interchangeable and imply either the entire duration of the weekend or a particular point within it. For example:
- I’ll complete the project over the weekend.
- We usually go for walks during the weekend.
- She’s planning to visit her friends over the weekend.
- They have a family gathering during the weekend.
When talking about reoccurring weekend activities or habits, use the word “every” followed by the singular form “weekend:”
I play soccer every weekend.
We go to the park every weekend.
They attend a painting class every weekend.
It’s important to remember not to hyphenate “weekend” as it’s always written as a single word.
Besides, you can also experiment with different expressions, substitute “on the weekend” or “at the weekend” with several alternative phrases:
| Original Expression | Alternative Expression |
|---|---|
| On the weekend | Over the weekend |
| At the weekend | During the weekend |
| I go for runs on the weekend | I go for runs every weekend |
| We went shopping at the weekend | We went shopping over the weekend |
By incorporating these alternative expressions and phrases into your conversations and writing, you will not only enrich your weekend vocabulary but also improve your overall communication skills in English.
Last Weekend to Next Weekend: Omitting Prepositions
When it comes to discussing the immediate past or upcoming weekend, prepositions are often not necessary. Instead, utilize terms like “last weekend” and “next weekend” without prepositions to simplify your expression and maintain grammatical accuracy in American English. Mastering these weekend timeframes can improve your overall communication skills.
Expanding on ‘Over the Weekend’ and ‘During the Weekend’
Expand your weekend vocabulary by incorporating phrases such as “over the weekend” or “during the weekend.” These expressions are interchangeable and can convey either the entire duration of the weekend or a specific point within it. Mastering these grammar tips will provide you with greater flexibility when discussing weekend activities and events.
Special Cases: Holidays, ‘Long Weekends’, and More
When talking about special weekend occasions like holiday weekends and “long weekends,” remember that these extended breaks result from public holidays added to the regular weekend. To describe such events, use phrases like “My mother is coming to stay with us over the long weekend.” This terminology captures the essence of these extended breaks and provides clarity in your conversations. Additionally, the term “weekend” can be pluralized to “weekends” when referring to several non-consecutive weekends.
