Prepositions are words that link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words in a sentence, showing relationships such as direction, place, time, or manner. They are essential for providing context and clarity.
  • Prepositions show relationships between elements in a sentence.
  • Common types include prepositions of place, time, and direction.
  • A preposition is always followed by its object (a noun or pronoun), forming a prepositional phrase.
A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other parts of the sentence.
Common prepositions include: in, on, at, by, for, with, about, under, over, between, and through.
  • Most prepositions are short, simple words.
  • Some prepositions are single words; others are phrases (e.g., "according to").
'in', 'on', 'at', 'by', 'for', and 'with' are common prepositions.

Prepositional Phrases

A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and ends with its object, including any modifiers in between.
  • Prepositional phrases function as adjectives or adverbs.
  • They add detail and context to sentences.
Examples:
  • The book on the table is mine. (Describes which book)
  • She arrived after the meeting. (Describes when she arrived)
A prepositional phrase includes a preposition, its object, and any modifiers.

Common Prepositions

Common prepositions include at, in, on, by, with, about, under, over, between, through, and for.
PrepositionExampleUsage
inin the roomenclosed space
onon the tablesurface
atat the doorspecific point
byby the rivernear, means
withwith a penaccompaniment
abouttalk about moviesconcerning
underunder the bedbelow
overover the bridgeabove
betweenbetween two treesin the middle of
throughthrough the tunnelmoving in/out
forfor youpurpose, recipient
'under' is a common preposition.
Prepositions of Place show where something is located.
  • They describe spatial relationships.
  • Common examples: in, on, at, under, above, between, beside.
Examples:
  • The cat is under the table.
  • She lives in New York.
Prepositions of place include in, on, at, under, above, between, and beside.
Prepositions of place describe where something is located.
Prepositions of Time specify when something happens.
  • They connect actions to points or periods in time.
  • Common examples: at, on, in, before, after, during, until.
Examples:
  • The meeting is at 3 PM.
  • We vacation in July.
Prepositions of time include at, on, in, before, after, during, and until.
Prepositions of time indicate when something happens.
Prepositions of Direction/Movement show the path or direction of motion.
  • They indicate where someone/something is going.
  • Common examples: to, toward(s), into, onto, through, across.
Examples:
  • She walked to the park.
  • The car drove through the tunnel.
Prepositions of direction include to, toward, into, onto, through, and across.
Prepositions of direction describe the path or direction of movement.

Conclusion

Prepositions are small but powerful words that create important connections in sentences. Understanding different types of prepositions helps you see how ideas about place, time, and direction are expressed clearly.
  • Prepositions link nouns to other parts of a sentence, showing relationships.
  • Types include prepositions of place, time, direction, and more.
  • A prepositional phrase includes a preposition and its object, adding detail to sentences.
Prepositions show relationships between words in a sentence.
Common prepositions include 'in', 'on', and 'at'.
Prepositions of time include 'at', 'on', and 'in'.