A preposition is one of the essential parts of speech in the English language. It helps establish relationships between words connecting nouns pronouns or phrases to other words in a sentence. Prepositions are crucial for clarity and meaning in communication.
This topic explains the definition of prepositions their types functions common examples and how to use them correctly.
1. Definition of Preposition
Basic Meaning
A preposition is a word that links a noun pronoun or phrase to another part of the sentence. It often shows direction place time cause manner or possession.
Dictionary Definitions
- Merriam-Webster: “A word or group of words used before a noun or pronoun to show place direction time etc.”
- Oxford Dictionary: “A word governing and usually preceding a noun or pronoun expressing a relation to another word.
- Cambridge Dictionary: “A word used before a noun pronoun or gerund to link it to another word.”
Key Characteristics of Prepositions
✔ Connects words in a sentence
✔ Indicates relationships (place time direction etc.)
✔ Usually followed by a noun or pronoun
2. Types of Prepositions
Prepositions are categorized based on their function in a sentence.
1. Prepositions of Place (Location)
These prepositions describe where something is.
| Preposition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| On | “The book is on the table.” |
| In | “She lives in New York.” |
| At | “He is at the door.” |
| Under | “The shoes are under the bed.” |
| Between | “The park is between two buildings.” |
2. Prepositions of Time
These prepositions show when something happens.
| Preposition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| On | “Her birthday is on Monday.” |
| In | “We met in July.” |
| At | “The train arrives at 5 PM.” |
| Since | “She has lived here since 2010.” |
| Before | “Finish your homework before dinner.” |
3. Prepositions of Direction or Movement
These prepositions describe movement from one place to another.
| Preposition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| To | “He went to the store.” |
| Into | “She walked into the room.” |
| Onto | “The cat jumped onto the table.” |
| Out of | “He ran out of the house.” |
| From | “I came from Canada.” |
4. Prepositions of Manner Cause or Reason
These prepositions explain how or why something happens.
| Preposition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| By | “She traveled by car.” |
| With | “He wrote the letter with a pen.” |
| Because of | “The flight was delayed because of bad weather.” |
| Due to | “The accident happened due to careless driving.” |
5. Prepositions of Possession
These prepositions indicate ownership or relationship.
| Preposition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Of | “The pages of the book are torn.” |
| With | “The girl with blue eyes is my friend.” |
| To | “That car belongs to my father.” |
3. Common Mistakes in Using Prepositions
1. Incorrect Preposition Choice
❌ “She is married with him.”
✅ “She is married to him.”
❌ “The train arrives in 5 PM.”
✅ “The train arrives at 5 PM.”
2. Unnecessary Prepositions
❌ “Where are you at?” (Incorrect)
✅ “Where are you?” (Correct)
3. Using the Wrong Preposition After a Verb
Some verbs require specific prepositions.
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| “Listen at music.” | “Listen to music.” |
| “Depend in my parents.” | “Depend on my parents.” |
4. How to Identify Prepositions in a Sentence
Follow these steps to identify a preposition in a sentence:
-
Look for a word that links a noun/pronoun to another word
- Example: “The keys are on the table.” (“On” links “keys” and “table”)
-
Check if it shows place time direction or manner
- Example: “She arrived at 6 PM.” (“At” shows time)
-
See if it is followed by a noun or pronoun
- Example: “They walked into the park.” (“Into” is followed by “the park”)
5. Examples of Prepositions in Sentences
Basic Examples
- “She sat on the chair.”
- “We will meet at noon.”
- “They traveled by car.”
Advanced Examples
- “The house in front of the school is for sale.”
- “She hid the gift underneath the bed.”
- “He succeeded because of his hard work.”
6. How to Improve Your Use of Prepositions
✔ Read English books and topics to see how prepositions are used naturally.
✔ Practice with exercises by filling in the blanks with the correct preposition.
✔ Memorize common prepositional phrases such as:
- In charge of (Example: “She is in charge of the project.”)
- Interested in (Example: “He is interested in photography.”)
- Good at (Example: “She is good at math.”)
A preposition is a small but powerful word that connects nouns pronouns and phrases to other parts of a sentence. It helps express relationships of place time direction manner cause and possession.
By understanding the different types of prepositions their uses and common mistakes you can improve your English grammar and communication skills. Keep practicing and soon using prepositions correctly will become second nature!
