[English Q&A]: Over/During the Weekend vs. On/At/In the Weekend

What is the difference between "over the weekend" and "during the weekend"? Over the weekend and during the weekend means the same thing as during the weekend. They both refer to either the entire duration of the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) or something that happens at a single point but at some time within the duration of the weekend. It is not necessarily both days. You should use “over the weekend” when something happens over the course of a weekend (specifically spanning the two days). You should use “during the weekend” for the same reason, but it’s much less common.

When to use On, At, and In the weekend?

at the weekend is used in British English

• Eg. I play football at the weekend.

on the weekend is used in American English

• Eg. I play football on the weekend.

Both prepositions can be used in this sentence. It depends on where you are speaking or using English.

*Many native speakers will recognize both forms. American English speakers won’t mind if you use “at the weekend,” and British English speakers won’t mind if you use “on the weekend.”

Just because one is more common than the other doesn’t mean they’re not both used.

Note: We do NOT say in the weekend. Check out other English Q&A posts on our blog page to learn more about interesting and useful English tips!