At The Weekend or On The Weekend
The phrases "at the weekend" and "on the weekend" often confuse English learners. Knowing the right context can help you communicate effectively.
The choice between them depends on whether you are using British or American English.
Understanding the Basics: "At the Weekend" vs. "On the Weekend"
"At the weekend" and "on the weekend" both refer to the end of the week, but their usage depends on the region. In British English, "at the weekend" is standard, while in American English, "on the weekend" is preferred.
Examples:
"I will visit my grandparents at the weekend." (British English)
"We went hiking on the weekend." (American English)
British English: "At the Weekend"
In the UK and other countries that follow British English, "at the weekend" is commonly used. It indicates activities planned for Saturday and Sunday.
Examples:
"She usually relaxes at the weekend."
"At the weekend, they play football."
"I enjoy reading at the weekend."
There are few exceptions, but understanding this phrase helps in British contexts.
American English: "On the Weekend"
Americans use "on the weekend" to talk about activities or plans for Saturday and Sunday. This phrasing is consistent across the United States.
Examples:
"We have a barbecue on the weekend."
"On the weekend, I catch up on sleep."
"They visit friends on the weekend."
Regional variations within the US rarely affect this usage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mixing the phrases: Avoid using "on the weekend" in British English contexts and "at the weekend" in American English contexts.
Overgeneralizing: Remember that not all English-speaking countries follow the same rules as the UK or the US.
Examples of Mistakes:
Incorrect: "I went shopping on the weekend." (in the UK)
Correct: "I went shopping at the weekend." (in the UK)
Practical Tips for English Learners
Choosing the correct phrase depends on your audience. Use "at the weekend" when speaking with Brits, and "on the weekend" with Americans.
Practice Tips:
Speak with native speakers to get comfortable.
Use online resources and exercises.
Exercises:
Fill in the blank: "He goes to the gym ____ the weekend."
Answer: "at" (for British English) or "on" (for American English)
True or False: "At the weekend" is used in American English.
Answer: False
Rewrite the sentence in American English: "She visited her friend at the weekend."
Answer: "She visited her friend on the weekend."
Choose the correct phrase: "We are going to a concert ____ the weekend."
Answer: "at" (for British English) or "on" (for American English)