I wrote "Many college students work at the weekends." My colleague changed 'at' to 'during' = Many college students work during the weekends. Do you feel there is a difference, however subtle?
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Did you look up the prepositions? what did you find?– anongoodnurseApr 25, 2014 at 2:03
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'At' is British, while Americans are more likely to use 'on'. See discussion here: english.stackexchange.com/questions/75466/at-on-the-weekends– neubauApr 25, 2014 at 3:33
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One can also work over the weekend and through the weekend. Also see “On/at/for/over the weekend” in American English.– chosterApr 27, 2014 at 3:43
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1 Answer
Yes, there is a significant difference.
Works at is usually used for a place (He works at the telephone company) or solving a particular problem (He's working away at it now).
Working on (3.a.) is used for times (he works on Mondays through Fridays; he also works on weekends sometimes) and problems (He's working on it now).
During is acceptable, as is They work weekends.
answered Apr 25, 2014 at 2:03
