Thread: What's the correct version... "он был на пля́жем" OR "он был на пля́же"

What's correct?

он был на пля́жем
Or
он был на пля́же

I know that when you use был, you need to use instrumental. Yet, when you use на, you need to use prepositional. So, which one to use in this case?

Он был на пляже.

Instrumental is often used when describing a noun's temporary (descriptive) status.

I.e. (from Wade's grammar book): Во время войны я был офицером.

So, in this case you are focusing on where you were, not who you were - use the prepositional.

Я был врачом, я хочу стать врачом.
Я был в больнице.
Is almost how I try to remember it :P

He was AT the beach, he was not THE beach

Heh, good method Fester! Thank you. You both!