Prepositions: A Complete Guide with Examples and Exercises

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Prepositions are essential components of English grammar, acting as bridges that connect nouns, pronouns, and phrases to other words in a sentence. Mastering prepositions is crucial for constructing clear, accurate, and fluent sentences.

This comprehensive guide provides a detailed exploration of prepositions, covering their definition, types, usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced topics. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this article will enhance your understanding and effective use of prepositions.

This guide is designed to benefit English language learners of all levels, educators seeking comprehensive teaching materials, and anyone looking to refine their understanding and use of prepositions. By understanding the nuances of prepositions, you can significantly improve your writing and speaking skills.

Table of Contents

Definition of Prepositions

A preposition is a word that connects a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase to other words in a sentence. Prepositions typically indicate the spatial, temporal, or logical relationship of the object to the rest of the sentence.

They are called “pre-positions” because they usually come before the noun or pronoun they govern.

Prepositions play a crucial role in providing context and clarity to sentences. Without prepositions, it would be difficult to express relationships between objects, locations, times, and other elements. For example, consider the difference between “The book is the table” and “The book is on the table.” The preposition “on” clarifies the spatial relationship between the book and the table.

Prepositions can be classified based on their form and function. They can be simple words (at, in, on), compound words (into, onto, within), or phrases (according to, in spite of, on behalf of). Understanding these classifications is essential for mastering the use of prepositions.

Structural Breakdown

The basic structure involving a preposition is as follows: Preposition + Noun/Pronoun/Noun Phrase. This combination is called a prepositional phrase. The noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that follows the preposition is called the object of the preposition.

A prepositional phrase functions as an adjective or an adverb in a sentence. When it acts as an adjective, it modifies a noun or pronoun.

When it acts as an adverb, it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb.

Here are some examples illustrating the structure and function of prepositional phrases:

  • The cat on the mat is sleeping. (Prepositional phrase “on the mat” acts as an adjective modifying “cat.”)
  • She walked to the store. (Prepositional phrase “to the store” acts as an adverb modifying “walked.”)
  • He is good at playing the piano. (Prepositional phrase “at playing the piano” acts as an adjective modifying “good.”)

Types of Prepositions

Prepositions can be categorized into several types based on their form and complexity. The main categories are simple prepositions, compound prepositions, phrase prepositions, and participle prepositions.

Each type has its own characteristics and usage patterns.

Simple Prepositions

Simple prepositions are single-word prepositions. These are the most common and basic prepositions in the English language. Examples include: at, by, for, from, in, of, on, to, with.

Simple prepositions are versatile and can express a variety of relationships, including time, place, and manner. Their meaning often depends on the context in which they are used.

Examples of simple prepositions in sentences:

  • She arrived at 6 PM.
  • The book is on the table.
  • He went to the park.
  • She came with her friend.
  • The letter is from my mother.

Compound Prepositions

Compound prepositions are formed by combining two or more words, often with a simple preposition as one of the components. Examples include: above, across, along, among, around, before, behind, below, beneath, beside, between, beyond, inside, outside, throughout, underneath, within, without.

Compound prepositions often provide more specific or nuanced meanings compared to simple prepositions. They help to describe more complex relationships between elements in a sentence.

Examples of compound prepositions in sentences:

  • The bird flew above the clouds.
  • He walked across the street.
  • She stood beside her sister.
  • The treasure is hidden beneath the floor.
  • They live outside the city.

Phrase Prepositions

Phrase prepositions, also known as complex prepositions, consist of two or more words that function as a single preposition. Common examples include: according to, because of, by means of, in addition to, in front of, in spite of, on account of, on behalf of, with regard to.

Phrase prepositions often provide a more formal or specific way to express relationships compared to single-word prepositions. They are widely used in academic and professional writing.

Examples of phrase prepositions in sentences:

  • According to the report, the economy is improving.
  • She succeeded because of her hard work.
  • He traveled by means of a bicycle.
  • In addition to English, she speaks Spanish.
  • The car is parked in front of the house.

Participle Prepositions

Participle prepositions are words that originate from verbs but function as prepositions. These are typically present participles (ending in -ing) or past participles. Common examples include: considering, concerning, including, pending, regarding, respecting, assuming, granted.

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Participle prepositions often introduce a topic or condition in a sentence. They can add a level of formality or specificity to the expression.

Examples of participle prepositions in sentences:

  • Considering the circumstances, he did a good job.
  • The email was concerning the upcoming meeting.
  • The price is $10, including tax.
  • The decision is pending further review.
  • Regarding your inquiry, we will respond soon.

Examples of Prepositions

Prepositions can be categorized based on the type of relationship they express, such as time, place, movement, or other abstract relationships. Understanding these categories helps to use prepositions accurately and effectively.

Prepositions of Time

Prepositions of time indicate when something happens. Common prepositions of time include: at, on, in, before, after, during, since, until, from…to, by.

The choice of preposition depends on the specificity of the time being referred to (e.g., specific time, day, month, year).

The table below provides a list of examples of prepositions of time used in sentences:

Preposition Example Sentence
At The meeting starts at 9 AM.
On The concert is on Friday.
In She was born in 1990.
Before Please submit your application before July 1st.
After We will leave after the meeting.
During He slept during the movie.
Since I have lived here since 2010.
Until The library is open until 9 PM.
From…to The store is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
By The report is due by next week.
Around I woke up around 7 AM.
Past It happened past midnight.
Within The package will arrive within three days.
Throughout It rained throughout the day.
Over I will be there over the weekend.
For I have been studying English for five years.
Up to Up to now, everything is going well.
Towards The project should be completed towards the end of the year.
As of As of today, the new policy is in effect.
In/During The event will take place in/during the summer.
On (specific dates) The event is on January 1st.
By the time By the time I arrived, everyone had left.
Up until Up until last year, I lived in New York.
In the meantime I’ll prepare dinner in the meantime.

Prepositions of Place

Prepositions of place indicate where something is located. Common prepositions of place include: at, on, in, above, below, under, beside, between, behind, in front of, near, by, over, across.

The choice of preposition depends on the specific spatial relationship being described.

The table below provides a list of examples of prepositions of place used in sentences:

Preposition Example Sentence
At She is at the library.
On The book is on the shelf.
In He lives in New York.
Above The painting is above the fireplace.
Below The basement is below the ground floor.
Under The cat is under the table.
Beside She sat beside him.
Between The house is between the park and the school.
Behind The car is parked behind the building.
In front of The store is in front of the post office.
Near The bank is near the supermarket.
By She lives by the river.
Over The bridge is over the river.
Across He walked across the street.
Among She felt safe among her friends.
Around There are trees around the house.
Inside The keys are inside the drawer.
Outside The children are playing outside.
Throughout Flowers bloomed throughout the garden.
Upon The cat jumped upon the table.
Within The office is within the city limits.
Alongside The path runs alongside the river.
Opposite The bank is opposite the library.
Beyond The mountains lie beyond the forest.
Underneath The roots of the tree spread underneath the soil.

Prepositions of Movement

Prepositions of movement indicate how something moves from one place to another. Common prepositions of movement include: to, from, into, out of, through, across, along, around, up, down, toward, away from.

These prepositions describe the direction or path of movement.

The table below provides a list of examples of prepositions of movement used in sentences:

Preposition Example Sentence
To She went to the store.
From He came from Italy.
Into She walked into the room.
Out of He ran out of the house.
Through They drove through the tunnel.
Across The bridge stretches across the river.
Along They walked along the beach.
Around The children ran around the tree.
Up She climbed up the stairs.
Down He walked down the hill.
Toward They headed toward the city.
Away from She moved away from the noise.
Over The cat jumped over the fence.
Under The train went under the bridge.
Past They drove past the school.
Onto The cat jumped onto the table.
Off He fell off the ladder.
Through The light shone through the window.
By He walked by the house.
Against The boat sailed against the current.

Other Prepositions

Some prepositions do not fit neatly into the categories of time, place, or movement. These prepositions express relationships such as purpose, cause, or possession. Examples include: of, for, by, with, about, from, without.

These prepositions are essential for expressing a wide range of relationships in sentences.

The table below provides a list of examples of other prepositions used in sentences:

Preposition Example Sentence
Of The color of the sky is blue.
For This gift is for you.
By The book was written by John Smith.
With She cut the paper with scissors.
About The movie is about a young artist.
From He suffered from a cold.
Without She left without saying goodbye.
Despite Despite the rain, they went for a walk.
Because of The game was canceled because of the weather.
In spite of In spite of the difficulties, they succeeded.
Concerning The letter was concerning your application.
Regarding Regarding your question, I will answer it later.
As He works as a teacher.
Like She sings like an angel.
Unlike Unlike his brother, he enjoys sports.
Plus I need a pen plus some paper.
Except Everyone came except John.
Besides Besides English, she speaks French.
Towards His attitude towards work is positive.
According to According to the news, there will be rain tomorrow.
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Usage Rules for Prepositions

Using prepositions correctly involves understanding several rules and guidelines. Here are some key points to consider:

  • Prepositions usually precede their objects: As the name suggests, prepositions typically come before the noun, pronoun, or noun phrase they govern. For example, “She went to the store.”
  • Prepositions can have multiple meanings: Many prepositions have different meanings depending on the context. For example, “on” can indicate location (“The book is on the table”) or time (“The meeting is on Monday”).
  • Certain verbs and adjectives are followed by specific prepositions: Some verbs and adjectives have fixed prepositional phrases. For example, “depend on,” “interested in,” “afraid of.”
  • Avoid ending sentences with prepositions (stranded prepositions): While not always grammatically incorrect, ending a sentence with a preposition is often considered informal. However, it is acceptable in certain situations, such as when it sounds more natural or when rephrasing would be awkward. For example, “What are you looking at?”
  • Use the correct preposition in common expressions: Some expressions require specific prepositions. For example, “in general,” “on time,” “at least.”

Understanding these rules will help you use prepositions accurately and effectively in your writing and speaking.

Common Mistakes with Prepositions

Prepositions can be tricky, and even advanced learners often make mistakes. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them:

Incorrect Correct Explanation
I am good in English. I am good at English. The correct preposition to use with “good” in this context is “at.”
She is afraid from spiders. She is afraid of spiders. The correct preposition to use with “afraid” is “of.”
He depends of his parents. He depends on his parents. The correct preposition to use with “depend” is “on.”
I agree to you. I agree with you. The correct preposition to use with “agree” when referring to a person is “with.”
She arrived to the airport. She arrived at the airport. The correct preposition to use with “arrive” when referring to a specific place is “at.”
He is interested on history. He is interested in history. The correct preposition to use with “interested” is “in.”
Write me at email. Write me an email. This is an article issue. The correct article to use is “an”.
I live on 10 Main Street. I live at 10 Main Street. Use “at” for specific addresses. “On” is used for streets in general.
Meet me in Monday. Meet me on Monday. Use “on” for specific days.
The book is different than the movie. The book is different from the movie. “Different from” is generally preferred over “different than”.

By being aware of these common mistakes, you can improve your accuracy and avoid errors in your use of prepositions.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of prepositions with these practice exercises. Choose the correct preposition to complete each sentence.

Question Answer
1. She is interested ______ learning new languages. in
2. He depends ______ his parents for financial support. on
3. The book is ______ the table. on
4. She arrived ______ the airport early. at
5. They are talking ______ the upcoming conference. about
6. The cat is hiding ______ the bed. under
7. He walked ______ the street. across
8. The meeting will be held ______ 3 PM. at
9. She is going ______ the park. to
10. He came ______ Italy last year. from
11. The gift is ______ you. for
12. I will see you ______ Friday. on
13. The store is open ______ 9 AM to 5 PM. from
14. She is sitting ______ him. beside
15. They live ______ New York City. in
16. He is good ______ playing the guitar. at
17. The picture is ______ the wall. on
18. She ran ______ the house. out of
19. He walked ______ the forest. through
20. She is known ______ her kindness. for

Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions.

Question Answer
1. The key is ______ the door. on
2. She is standing ______ the two trees. between
3. The plane flew ______ the clouds. above
4. The dog is ______ the house. inside
5. The children are playing ______ the garden. in
6. I will meet you ______ the library. at
7. She is coming ______ the party. to
8. He is talking ______ his vacation. about
9. The cat jumped ______ the fence. over
10. He is walking ______ the river. along
11. The book is ______ my bag. in
12. She is waiting ______ the bus. for
13. The letter is ______ my friend. from
14. He is sitting ______ the chair. in
15. They live ______ the countryside. in
16. She is skilled ______ painting. at
17. The car is parked ______ the garage. in
18. He ran ______ the building. into
19. She walked ______ the park. through
20. He is known ______ his honesty. for
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Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, understanding the more complex aspects of prepositions can further enhance their language skills. These topics include the use of prepositions with verbs (phrasal verbs), prepositions with adjectives, and stranded prepositions.

Prepositions and Verbs (Phrasal Verbs)

Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and a preposition or adverb. These combinations often have meanings that are different from the individual words. Examples include: look up, give up, take off, get along.

Understanding phrasal verbs is crucial for fluent English communication, as they are commonly used in everyday speech and writing.

Examples of phrasal verbs in sentences:

  • I need to look up the meaning of this word.
  • Don’t give up on your dreams.
  • The plane will take off soon.
  • They get along very well.

Prepositions and Adjectives

Many adjectives are commonly followed by specific prepositions. These combinations create fixed expressions that are essential for accurate and natural language use. Examples include: afraid of, interested in, good at, dependent on, different from.

Knowing these combinations will help you avoid common errors and express yourself more precisely.

Examples of adjectives with prepositions in sentences:

  • She is afraid of spiders.
  • He is interested in history.
  • She is good at playing the piano.
  • He is dependent on his parents.
  • The book is different from the movie.

Stranded Prepositions

A stranded preposition is a preposition that appears at the end of a sentence or clause. While traditionally considered grammatically incorrect, stranded prepositions are now widely accepted in informal English, especially in questions and relative clauses. Examples include: “Who are you talking to?” “This is the book I was telling you about.”

While avoiding stranded prepositions can make your writing more formal, it is often more natural and acceptable to use them in everyday conversation.

Examples of sentences with stranded prepositions:

  • What are you looking at?
  • Who did you give the book to?
  • This is the house I grew up in.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions about prepositions:

  1. What is the difference between “in,” “on,” and “at” when referring to time?

    The choice between “in,” “on,” and “at” depends on the specificity of the time. Use “at” for specific times (e.g., “at 3 PM”), “on” for days and dates (e.g., “on Monday,” “on July 4th”), and “in” for months, years, seasons, and general periods of time (e.g., “in July,” “in 2023,” “in the summer,” “in the morning”).

  2. How do I know which preposition to use with a particular verb or adjective?

    Many verb-preposition and adjective-preposition combinations are fixed expressions that must be memorized. Consult a dictionary or grammar guide to learn the correct prepositions for specific words. Practice and exposure to the language will also help you internalize these patterns.

  3. Is it always wrong to end a sentence with a preposition?

    While traditionally discouraged, ending a sentence with a preposition (stranded preposition) is often acceptable in informal English, especially in questions and relative clauses. In formal writing, it’s best to avoid stranded prepositions if possible, but not at the expense of sounding unnatural.

  4. What is a prepositional phrase, and how does it function in a sentence?

    A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition and its object (a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase). Prepositional phrases function as adjectives or adverbs, modifying other words in the sentence. For example, “The book on the table is mine” (adjective); “He walked to the store” (adverb).

  5. Can a preposition have more than one meaning?

    Yes, many prepositions have multiple meanings depending on the context. For example, “on” can indicate location (“The book is on the table”) or time (“The meeting is on Monday”). Understanding the context is crucial for interpreting the correct meaning.

  6. What is the difference between “between” and “among”?

    “Between” is typically used when referring to two distinct items or groups, while “among” is used when referring to three or more items or groups that are not distinct. For example, “The agreement is between two companies,” “She felt safe among her friends.”

  7. Are there any exceptions to the rule that prepositions come before their objects?

    While prepositions usually precede their objects
    , there are some exceptions, particularly in questions and relative clauses with stranded prepositions. For example, “Who are you talking to?”

Conclusion

Mastering prepositions is essential for clear and effective communication in English. By understanding the different types of prepositions, their usage rules, and common mistakes to avoid, you can significantly improve your language skills.

This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of prepositions, covering everything from basic definitions to advanced topics. Continue to practice and refine your understanding of prepositions, and you will become a more confident and proficient English speaker and writer.