Preposition

Prepositions are the glue that holds our sentences together. They tell us how things are connected, showing relationships of place, time, direction, and more. Let’s explore the meaning, types, and usage of prepositions in a simple and engaging way, ideal for learners of all ages.

What Is a Preposition?

A preposition is a short word used in a sentence to show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another part of the sentence. It often describes location, direction, time, or method.

For example:

• • The book is on the table.
    The preposition “on” shows the relationship between “book” and “table.”

Definition of a Preposition

Different dictionaries provide slightly varied definitions:

• • Cambridge Dictionary: A word that connects a noun, noun phrase, or pronoun to another word, often describing place, time, or method.
  • Oxford Learner’s Dictionary: A word or group of words like in, from, to, on behalf of used before a noun or pronoun to show place, position, time, or method.
  • Collins Dictionary: A word such as by, into, or with which typically relates a noun or pronoun to other words in a sentence.

In simple terms, prepositions show how one part of a sentence is connected to another.

Uses of Prepositions

Prepositions perform key functions, such as:

1. Showing direction: He ran toward the park.

2. Indicating time: We met after the movie.

3. Describing place or location: The keys are under the couch.

4. Expressing method or means: The letter was sent by mail.

5. Connecting relationships: She is proud of her achievements.

Types of Prepositions

Prepositions are grouped based on their functions:

Prepositions of Time

Used to describe when something happens.
Examples: in, on, at, during, after, before, until

• • We will meet at 5 p.m.
  • He was born in December.

Prepositions of Place

Used to describe where something is.
Examples: on, in, under, above, behind, beside

• • The cat is on the roof.
  • He sat beside her.

Prepositions of Direction

Show movement or direction.
Examples: to, toward, into, onto, across

• • They moved toward the exit.
  • She jumped into the pool.

Prepositions of Location

Indicate the specific location of something.
Examples: at, in, on, near, among, between

• • He is at the park.
  • The book is in the bag.

Prepositions of Spatial Relationships

Describe movement away from or toward a source.
Examples: away from, around, across, opposite, beneath

• • The cyclist rode around the park.
  • She leaned against the wall.

Prepositional Phrases

A combination of a preposition and a noun or pronoun forms a meaningful phrase.
Examples: on time, out of stock, with care

• • She arrived on time.
  • The gift was wrapped with care.

Examples of Prepositions in Sentences

• • Prepositions of Time:

    • The show starts at 7 p.m.
    • She has been studying since morning.

  • Prepositions of Place:

    • The painting is above the fireplace.
    • The child hid behind the curtains.

  • Prepositions of Direction:

    • He went into the room.
    • They walked toward the beach.

  • Prepositions of Location:

    • The keys are on the table.
    • They stood between the trees.

Commonly Confused Prepositions

Some prepositions can be tricky. Let’s clarify them:

Prepositions in Everyday Use

Here is a quick list of commonly used prepositions:
On, at, in, over, under, between, among, with, by, from, to, into, out of, across, about, near, beside, above, below, behind.

Practice Exercise: Fill in the Blanks

1. The children are playing _______ the park. (in/at/on)

2. We have been waiting here _______ 3 p.m. (since/from/for)

3. He walked _______ the bridge to reach the other side. (across/into/over)

4. The gift was sent _______ post. (by/with/from)

5. She lives _______ the hill, not on it. (under/beneath/in)

Answers:

1. in

2. since

3. across

4. by

5. beneath

Frequently Asked Questions on Prepositions

Q1: What is a preposition?
A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence.

Q2: What are the main types of prepositions?
The types include Prepositions of Time, Place, Direction, Location, and Spatial Relationships.

Q3: Can a sentence have more than one preposition?
Yes! Example: She sat beside the tree and looked across the lake.

Q4: Give examples of prepositions used in daily life.

• • The keys are on the table.
  • He will return after lunch.