word choice - "On/at/for/over the weekend" in American English


Some sources say that "at the weekend" is wrong, while other ones say it's correct. Which form is acceptable in American English?




  • On Saturdays her sister Ann usually comes to stay with Mary on/at/for/over the weekend/s.

  • What are you going to do at/on/for/over the weekend/s?

  • We are going to Paris on/at/for/over the weekend/s.

  • Are you going to stay here for/at/on/over the weekend/s?



Which preposition do American English speakers use — at, on, for, over?



Answer



I have to admit I haven't consulted any sources, but here is what I'd say is "correct":



  • On Saturdays, her sister Ann usually comes to stay with Mary for the weekend.


and



  • What are you going to do for the weekend?

  • What are you going to do over the weekend?


and



  • We are going to Paris for the weekend.

  • We are going to Paris over the weekend.


"Weekend" would not normally be pluralized when preceeded by the word "the". For example:



  • Are you going to stay here on weekends?


And finally, to address "at the weekend": this is often seen in British publications, but I've never seen the phrase "at the weekend" in American English.


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