Which is Correct: On the Weekend or At the Weekend?

Hey there! This is a great question, and one that trips up a lot of people. Understanding the correct preposition to use when referring to the weekend can be confusing, but it's all about regional differences in language use. In this article, we'll explore the correct usage in both American English and British English.

Regional Differences in Preposition Usage

The correct phrase to use depends on whether you are using American English or British English. In American English, you would typically say on the weekend, while in British English, at the weekend is more common. This difference is one of those fun quirks in the language that can vary based on your regional context.

Usage in American English

In American English, the phrase on the weekend is used for several purposes:

To refer to specific events or activities that took place during the weekend, such as I went hiking on the weekend. To express a general idea of what someone usually does or likes to do during the weekend, such as I usually go to the movies on the weekend. To refer to a future upcoming weekend, such as I'm planning to go camping on the weekend.

Here are some examples of how you might use on the weekend in a sentence:

I went hiking on the weekend. We had a party on the weekend. I usually go to the movies on the weekend. They often visit their grandparents on the weekend. I'm planning to go camping on the weekend.

Usage in British English

In British English, at the weekend is the preposition you would use. Although the overall meaning remains the same, it's important to note that the article the is included. Here are some examples of how you might use at the weekend in a sentence:

I went hiking at the weekend. We had a party at the weekend. I usually go to the movies at the weekend. We often visit our grandparents at the weekend. I'm planning to go camping at the weekend.

Further Reading and Resources

If you're interested in learning more about the differences in preposition usage, here are some useful resources:

Which is Correct: In the Weekend or On the Weekend? At the Weekend, On the Weekend, or In the Weekend? semana

Conclusion

Both on the weekend and at the weekend are correct depending on the regional usage of English. Whether you go with on the weekend or at the weekend, people will generally understand what you mean. It's a matter of going with what feels natural or matching the style of English you are using. So, next time you're chatting, writing, or even just thinking about how to describe your weekend plans, remember: both options are correct, just like the quirks of language itself!