Prepositions
Prepositions are words that show the relationship of a noun or pronoun with another word in a sentence. They usually indicate place, time, direction, cause, manner, instrument, or possession. Prepositions are always followed by a noun or pronoun (called the object of the preposition).
Types of Prepositions
| Type | Function | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Prepositions of Place/Position | Show location or position. | in, on, under, between, at → The book is on the table. |
| Prepositions of Time | Indicate specific time or duration. | at, on, in, since, for, during → He arrived at 5 pm. |
| Prepositions of Direction/Movement | Show motion from one place to another. | to, into, onto, toward → She went into the room. |
| Prepositions of Cause/Reason/Purpose | Indicate why something happened. | because of, due to, for, from → He failed because of laziness. |
| Prepositions of Manner/Instrument/Agent | Indicate how something is done or by whom. | by, with, like → The letter was written by John with a pen. |
| Prepositions of Comparison/Concession | Express contrast or similarity. | like, as, contrary to → He runs like a cheetah. |
| Compound Prepositions | Formed by combining two or more words. | because of, in front of, according to → According to the teacher, he is brilliant. |
Rules for Using Prepositions
- Always followed by a noun/pronoun: She sat on the chair.
- Never followed by a verb in base form: Instead, use gerund (-ing). He is good at swimming (not at swim).
- Fixed expressions matter: Certain words require specific prepositions (interested in, angry with).
- One preposition, different meanings: In the morning (time) vs in the box (place).
- Don’t add unnecessary prepositions: Where are you? (not Where are you at?).
Conceptual Tips and Common Mistakes
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Prepositions are idiomatic: Often no logical reason why one is used—memorize common collocations.
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‘In’ vs ‘On’ vs ‘At’:
- In = enclosed space/time period (in the room, in July).
- On = surface/day (on the table, on Monday).
- At = specific point (at the door, at 5 pm).
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Avoid literal translation from native language: English prepositions may not match.
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Check tense with time prepositions: Since (point in time) vs for (duration).
Examples
Example 1 — Place
The cat is under the bed.
Example 2 — Time
We met on Monday.
Example 3 — Direction
She walked into the room.
Example 4 — Cause
The match was cancelled because of rain.