Tricky Prepositions
Prepositions are short words that show relationships between things. This guide covers some especially tricky prepositions and how to use them.
in / on / at
Use in for enclosed spaces or longer periods, on for surfaces and specific days, and at for precise times and locations. These small distinctions help listeners picture the scene.
Examples
Examples
Examples
| English Example | English Translation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 📧 I found the email in my inbox. | The email is inside the inbox folder. | Digital 'inside' |
| 🖨️ The document is on the printer. | The document is on top of the printer. | Physical surface |
| 🚪 She is waiting at the office door. | She is standing by the entrance. | Specific location |
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to / for
Use to to indicate direction or recipient, and for to show purpose, benefit, or duration. Think about whether you're transferring something (to) or expressing reason or advantage (for).
Examples
Examples
Examples
| English Example | English Translation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 🗣️ Present the budget to the board. | Show the budget report to the board members. | Reporting |
| 🍎 I packed lunch for myself. | I prepared lunch intended for me. | Reflexive benefit |
| 🔧 The IT team fixed the issue for everyone. | The IT team resolved the problem on behalf of all. | Group beneficiary |
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by / with
Use by to indicate a means, agent, or deadline, and with to show an instrument or accompaniment. By often appears with passive actions, while with highlights the tool or partner.
Examples
Examples
Examples
| English Example | English Translation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 🗺️ She navigated by the building landmarks. | She used the buildings as reference points. | Reference method |
| 🍴 We ate lunch with colleagues. | We had lunch together with colleagues. | Accompaniment |
| 🔒 The door was secured with a keypad lock. | The door was locked using a keypad. | Instrument |
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of / about
Use of to show possession, part, or origin, and about to indicate a topic or concern. Of connects things more closely, while about introduces subject matter.
Examples
Examples
Examples
| English Example | English Translation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 🔍 The details of the contract need review. | The contract's details require examination. | Specifics |
| 📧 I wrote an email about the schedule change. | I composed a message regarding the change in schedule. | Notice |
| 📞 She called about the conference room booking. | She phoned concerning the reservation. | Subject of call |
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in / into
Use in for location within something and into for movement toward the inside. Into emphasizes the change of place, while in describes where something already is.
Examples
Examples
Examples
| English Example | English Translation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 🏢 The new employee was brought into the team. | The new employee joined the team. | Inclusion |
| 🔧 He stepped into the role of project manager. | He assumed the position of project manager. | Figurative movement |
| 🚪 Please knock before going into the office. | Please knock before entering the office. | Entry |
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Summary
Prepositions are small but powerful. Pay attention to whether the sentence calls for location, direction, time, purpose, instrument, or topic, and choose the preposition that matches that relationship.
Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025