A. By, on or in + noun

• I took his pen by mistake [I thought it was my pen].
• These shoes are made by hand [not using a machine].
• I met them by chance [it wasn’t planned; it was luck].

• My boss is on the phone at the moment. [using the phone]
• The workers are on strike [they refuse to work because of a problem over pay, hours, etc.].
• The books were on display in the window. [in the window for people to look at]
• Part of the building was on fire [burning].
• Most of the passengers are now on board [on the train, boat, plane, etc.].
• Why are they always in a hurry [needing to do something or go somewhere very quickly]?
• I explained everything in detail [including all the important information].
• She won’t make that mistake again in future.
• The poor little girl was in tears [crying].

B. Phrases easily confused

• Lessons begin at 8.30 and the students are usually here on time [at 8.30].
• If we hurry, we’ll be there in time [before the time we need to be there].

• We were tired of waiting, so in the end we went home. [finally, after a lot of time or thought]
• At the end of the book they get married. [in the last part]

• To be successful in business it’s important to get on well with people. [working as businesspeople]
• They’re both in Germany on business [they are there for work, not a holiday].

• I’m afraid this book’s a bit out-of-date [old and not useful, or not correct in its information].
• I try to keep up-to-date with all the changes. [knowing all the most recent ideas and information]

• I’ll see you in a moment [not now, but very soon; syn in a minute].
• I can’t speak to you at the moment [now; syn right now].