Learn English – What the difference between on/at a hill

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It seems to me that on a hill has subtle difference in connotation from at a hill. In my opinion, I would think on a hill implies on the surface and at a hill express a specific location. I am not sure if is a right understanding, but I am confused when I need to distinguish these two usage or it is basically the same.

For example: There is a flame on the hill and There is a flame at the hill. Is there any different meaning or connotation in them?

Best Answer

Note that there may be regional differences here. For example, New Yorkers famously wait on line, while most of the rest of the US waits in line. Link.

As a US-English speaker from California, I would say that "on a hill" indicates a physical location on an elevated area. For example from the lyrics of a great early Rock song, "I found my thrill, on Blueberry Hill". "On a hill" or "On the hill" are commonly used phrases. Especially if you live near a hill. :)

The phrase "at a hill" is one that I do not recall hearing. If I were to hear it, I would imagine it as the abbreviation of "at the foot of a hill." That is, standing in a place at the bottom of the hill. Another possibility is that the hill was a target. Example: "I aimed my missle at the hill."

Perhaps some context for where you saw or heard "at a hill?"

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