Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[worksmart]

Which of the three following sentences is correct?
1) I would like to work at a bank?
2) I would like to work in a bank?
3) I would like to work for a bank?

I have a hard time understanding prepositions, esp. in, at, for, with. Can some one teach me how to use them properly? Any general rules? Is there any source I could go get information?

Thanks!

[mescalero]

worksmart:

All 3 of your sentences are correct, but each has a slightly different meaning:

1) I would like to work at a bank? This means that you would like to work at a location that is a bank building and implies that you want to work for the bank, itself.

2) I would like to work in a bank? This means that you would like to work at location that is a bank building and implies that you work for the bank, itself, but it could also mean that you work for a company other than the bank.

3) I would like to work for a bank? This means that you would like to work for bank company, but it does not necessarily imply that you work in the bank building, itself. For example, you could work at the corporate headquarters of a bank company.

Overall, each sentence is nearly the same and pratically interchangeable. Therefore, you should probably add a sentence to clarify if you have a specific meaning.

Good Luck!!!!
_________________
- Mike

Open English World
http://www.openenglishworld.com