"on an island" vs "at an island"

Question

"on an island" vs "at an island"

Both "on an island" and "at an island" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "On an island" is used to indicate being physically located on the surface of the island, while "at an island" is used to indicate being near or in the vicinity of the island.

Last Updated: March 30, 2024

Use "on an island" when you want to describe someone or something being physically located on the surface of an island.

Examples:

They built a house on an island in the Pacific Ocean.
The shipwreck survivors were stranded on an island for weeks.
There is a beautiful resort on an island in the Caribbean.
The lighthouse stands on an island at the entrance to the harbor.
The pirates buried their treasure on an island in the Caribbean Sea.

Alternatives:

on the island
on a deserted island
on a tropical island
on a small island
on a remote island

Use "at an island" when you want to describe someone or something being near or in the vicinity of an island, rather than physically on the island itself.

Examples:

The cruise ship docked at an island in the Mediterranean.
They are staying at a resort at an island in the Indian Ocean.
The fishermen are fishing at an island off the coast.
There is a lighthouse at an island in the distance.
The plane flew over the island and landed at an airport nearby.

Alternatives:

near an island
by an island
close to an island
around an island
adjacent to an island

Answer 1

on an island

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate being physically located on the surface of an island.

Answer 2

at an island

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate being near or in the vicinity of an island.

"on an island" vs "at an island"

on an island

at an island

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