Which is correct:
"on an afternoon" or "in an afternoon"?

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on an afternoon

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a specific day or time in the afternoon.

Use 'on an afternoon' when specifying a particular day or time in the afternoon, such as 'on an afternoon in July' or 'on an afternoon last week.'

Examples:

  • We met on an afternoon in spring.
  • The event is scheduled for on an afternoon in August.
  • I remember the conversation we had on an afternoon in September.

Alternatives:

  • on a sunny afternoon
  • on a rainy afternoon
  • on a quiet afternoon
  • on a summer afternoon
  • on a winter afternoon

in an afternoon

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to the duration of time during one afternoon.

Use 'in an afternoon' when talking about the time it takes to do something during one afternoon, such as 'We completed the project in an afternoon.'

Examples:

  • She read the entire book in an afternoon.
  • They painted the house in an afternoon.
  • I learned to bake a cake in an afternoon.

Alternatives:

  • within an afternoon
  • during an afternoon
  • over an afternoon
  • across an afternoon
  • throughout an afternoon
The phrases 'on an afternoon' and 'in an afternoon' are not directly comparable as they are used in different contexts. 'On an afternoon' is correct when referring to a specific day or time in the afternoon, while 'in an afternoon' is correct when talking about the duration of time during one afternoon.

Last updated: March 27, 2024

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