Prepositions of Direction

Prepositions of direction show movement from one place to another. They answer the question Where does someone or something move? Common direction prepositions are to, into, out of, onto, off, up, and down.

Use to for movement toward a destination. It shows that a person or thing moves in the direction of a place. It is common with verbs of travel and movement.

Use into for movement from outside to inside. Use out of for movement from inside to outside. These prepositions show a change between the outside and the inside of a place.

Use onto for movement to a higher surface. Use off for movement away from a surface. These prepositions show movement with a surface, not movement inside a place.

Use up for movement to a higher place or position. Use down for movement to a lower place or position. These words often describe movement on stairs, roads, hills, or levels.

Some verbs often use specific prepositions of direction. The preposition shows the path of movement after the verb. The verb and the preposition work together to give a clear meaning.

Direction prepositions show movement. Place prepositions show position with no movement. For example, to and into show movement, but at and in show location.

You can now understand common prepositions of direction and use them to describe movement. You can choose words like to, into, out of, onto, off, up, and down. You can also see the difference between movement words and place words.