Preposition: Understanding Prepositions in English Grammar

Prepositions are words that show relationships between other words in a sentence. They help us understand where, when, and how something happens. For example, in the sentence "The cat is under the table," the word "under" is a preposition that tells us the location of the cat. Common prepositions include "in," "on," "at," "by," and "with." By learning how to use prepositions correctly, you can make your sentences clearer and more precise.

What is Preposition?

Definition: A Preposition is a word placed before a noun or a pronoun to show the relationship between the person or the thing denoted by it and something else:

Example:

1. We saw a dog on the road.

2. I am fond of chocolates.

3. The boy jumped off the table.

In the first example, the preposition word ‘on’ joins a noun to another noun.

In the second example, the preposition word ‘of’ joins a noun to an adjective.

In the third example, the preposition word ‘off’ joins a noun to a verb.

A preposition is used with its object, which is either a noun or a pronoun. In a sentence, a preposition can have more than one object. Prepositions alludes to direction, time, place, location, spatial relationships, or to introduce an object when placed before a noun or pronoun. In addition to "in," "at," "on," and "of," prepositions also include "at" and "to."

There are a lot of idiomatic expressions in English prepositions. Most prepositions are used based on fixed expressions, though there are some rules for usage. Instead of memorizing a single preposition, your best bet is to memorize the phrase.

Prepositions are often thought of as the tools that bind sentences together. In order to achieve this, they convey place and movement, possession, time, and how an action is completed.

As a matter of fact, many of the most commonly used words in the English language are prepositions, including of, to, for, with, on, and at. Even though it may seem complex to explain prepositions, they are commonly used parts of language and we generally use them without even noticing.

Prepositions are regarded as a subset of English words that do not belong to any other group. It follows that, unlike verbs and nouns, this category does not develop new words over time. Their role as the functional backbone of the sentence is reflected here. Language relies on them for its meaning, even though they are subtle and unassuming.

Preposition Examples

Example: The children ran across the hill and the plain.

Note: The word, ‘preposition’ is placed before its object; but sometimes it is placed after its object.

Example:

1. Please give me the phone that I asked for.

2. What are you looking at?

3. That is the student (whom) I was speaking of.

In the first example, a preposition word is placed at the end when the object is the relative pronoun that.

In the second example, when its object is interrogative, then the preposition word is placed at the end of the sentence.

In the third example, the preposition word is placed at the end of the sentence because its object is a relative pronoun.

Note: Sometimes, when a preposition word needs to be emphasized, then the object is placed at the beginning of the sentence.

Example: Sachin Tendulkar is known all the world over.

That he insists on.

To learn the correct usage of prepositions in a sentence, you must do ample reading, listening, speaking and writing. However, there are certain rules, which are worth knowing.

Here are some more examples of prepositions used in various contexts to illustrate their functions:

Preposition Examples Sentences

Here are some sentences using different prepositions:

1. Location: The keys are on the kitchen counter.

2. Time: She will arrive at 6 PM.

3. Direction: They walked towards the beach.

4. Means: He sent the package by express mail.

5. Manner: She danced with grace and elegance.

6. Place: The cat hid under the bed.

7. Purpose: This gift is for you.

8. Comparison: Her dress is different from mine.

9. Agency: The novel was written by the author.

10. Possession: This is the house of my grandparents.

Types of Prepositions

Based on the different uses and functions of prepositions, they can be divided into four main types. They are as follows:

1. Prepositions of Place:

• These prepositions indicate the location or position of a noun or pronoun in relation to other objects.

• Examples:

• "The cat is on the sofa."

• "She lives in the city."

2. Prepositions of Time:

• These prepositions show when something happens or the relationship of time between events.

• Examples:

• "He will arrive at 5 PM."

• "She was born in January."

3. Prepositions of Direction:

• These prepositions indicate the direction in which something moves.

• Examples:

• "They walked towards the beach."

• "She drove through the tunnel."

4. Prepositions of Agent or Instrument:

• These prepositions show the agent or means by which something is done.

• Examples:

• "The letter was written by him."

• "She was hit with a stick."

These four types of prepositions help in understanding the different ways prepositions can function in a sentence, making communication more precise and clear.

Preposition Chart

Here's a detailed breakdown of the various types of prepositions, including their functions and examples:

Summary

• Prepositions of Place help to describe the location or position of an object.

• Prepositions of Time are used to discuss when something happens.

• Prepositions of Direction describe the movement towards or through something.

• Prepositions of Means indicate the method or instrument used.

• Prepositions of Manner explain how something is done.

• Prepositions of Place/Location indicate the specific place where something occurs.

• Prepositions of Purpose express the reason or goal behind an action.

• Prepositions of Comparison are used for comparing or showing differences.

• Prepositions of Agency specify the person or thing performing an action.

• Prepositions of Possession show ownership or relationships.

Understanding these types of prepositions helps in constructing clear and accurate sentences.

Prepositions List

Here’s a table listing common prepositions categorised by their type:

This table organises the prepositions by their usage, making it easier to understand how each type functions in sentences.

Kinds of Preposition

i) Simple Preposition: The preposition words that are used along with its object is called simple preposition. Ex: at, by, for, in, of, off, on, out, through, till, to, up, with, etc.

Example:

1. I saw a man at the corner of the street.

2. My parents live in the countryside.

3. The train moved through the dark tunnel.

ii) Compound Preposition: These are usually formed by prefixing a preposition (a or be) to a noun, adjective or adverb. Ex: above, across, along, around, before, beyond, inside, within, without, etc.

Example:

1. The children were hiding behind the tree.

2. The dog went around the bush.

3. I reached the mall before my friend.

iii) Phrasal/ Group Preposition: Joining two or more words forms this preposition. Ex: according to, in addition to, away from, by means of, in order to, instead of, with regard to, etc.

Example:

1. I live 5kms away from my mother’s house.

2. According to the latest news, the elections will be postponed.

3. I watched the news instead of a movie.

iv) Participle Preposition: When present participles are used without any noun or pronoun attached to them, these are called participle prepositions. Ex: barring, concerning, passing, considering, during, pending, regarding, touching, etc.

Example:

1. Notwithstanding his ill health, he took the final examination.

2. Considering the quality, the price is not high.

3. Concerning his involvement in the incident, locals differ.

Classes of Preposition

To make a distinction, simple prepositions can be divided into three classes:

I. Prepositions of Time and Date: These include at, on, in by, to, till, until, during, for, since, from, within, before, after, afterwards, then, etc.

Example:

1. We have been living in this apartment for ten years.

2. Our relatives arrived in the morning.

3. Bring the file to the office by nine o’clock.

II. Prepositions of Place: These include at, in, on, to, behind, etc.

Example:

1. My parents live in Kolkata.

2. We are going to Shimla for a vacation.

3. The teacher is standing behind the desk.

III. Prepositions of Travel and Movement: These include from, to, by, on, into, at, out, out of, off, etc.

Example:

1. We are travelling by bus.

2. Give me the book from the shelf.

3. We are going from Bangalore to Delhi.

Commonly Confused Prepositions

This table provides clear distinctions between commonly confused prepositions, along with examples to help clarify their proper usage. Understanding these differences can significantly improve both writing and speaking accuracy.

Preposition Exercises

Q1. Apply for, since, at, in, on, by where required in the following sentences.

1. She drinks a lot of tea _______________ the evenings.

2. It is usually much warmer ___________________ two o’ clock in the afternoon than __________ the morning.

3. The new session starts ___________ June.

4. They have lived in this city __________ 2015.

5. I have been waiting for you ____________ 6 o’clock.

6. We will finish our exams ____________ two days’ time.

7. They have lived in Bangalore ___________ six months.

8. Hari went home ______________ sunset.

9. We have been waiting ___________ over an hour.

Solution:

1. She drinks a lot of tea in the evening.

2. It is usually much warmer by two o’clock in the afternoon than in the morning.

3. The new session starts in June.

4. They have lived in this city since 2015.

5. I have been waiting for you since 6 o’clock.

6. We will finish our exams in two days’ time.

7. They have lived in Bangalore for six months.

8. Hari went home at sunset.

9. We have been waiting for over an hour.

Q2. Correct the following sentences.

1. She met me in last evening.

2. Rita is not home.

3. We drove to home early this morning.

4. The man faced the danger by courage.

5. I reached at the mall a little late.

6. The shopkeeper deals with rice.

7. The river flows through the bridge.

8. The police will investigate into the matter.

9. We met with each other in Diwali evening.

Solution:

1. She met me last evening. (delete ‘in’ before last)

2. Rita is not at home. (place ‘at’ before home)

3. We drove home early this morning (delete ‘to’ before home)

4. The man faced the danger with courage. (replace ‘by’ with ‘with’)

5. I reached the mall a little late. (delete ‘at’ after reached)

6. The shopkeeper deals in rice. (deals in)

7. The river flows under the bridge. (under the bridge)

8. The police will investigate the matter (delete ‘into’)

9. We met with each other on Diwali evening. (replace ‘in’ with ‘on’)

Q3. Use the appropriate prepositions in the following sentences.

1. Does the headmaster live _______ the school campus? (on / in / at/ between)

2. The ground is wet. It must have rained ___________ the night. (during / at / for / through)

3. There is no cure _____________ cancer. ( of / with / for / about)

4. Students should concentrate _____________ studies (to / at / on / with)

5. The hotel is adjacent _________ the police station. ( into / to / at / by )

Solution:

1. Does the headmaster live on the school campus?

2. The ground is wet. It must have rained during the night.

3. There is no cure for cancer.

4. Students should concentrate on studies.

5. The hotel is adjacent to the police station.

Check your Understanding of Prepositions

Fill in the Blanks

1. She is going ___ the store. (to/for)

2. The meeting is ___ 3 PM. (at/in)

3. The cat is hiding ___ the bed. (under/below)

4. He has been living here ___ 2015. (since/for)

5. The book is lying ___ the table. (on/in)

6. The painting was done ___ Picasso. (by/with)

7. The keys are ___ the drawer. (in/on)

8. They walked ___ the park. (to/into)

9. This gift is ___ you. (to/for)

10. The letter was sent ___ email. (by/with)

Find out if you got them all right from the answers below.

Answers:

1. to

2. at

3. under

4. since

5. on

6. by

7. in

8. to

9. for

10. by

Takeaway from this Page

• Understanding Prepositions: Prepositions are crucial for indicating relationships between different elements in a sentence, such as time, place, direction, and manner.

• Types of Prepositions: Familiarise yourself with various types of prepositions, including those that indicate place, time, direction, means, manner, purpose, and more.

• Commonly Confused Prepositions: Pay attention to commonly confused prepositions like "in" vs. "on" or "to" vs. "for" to ensure accurate usage in your writing and speaking.

• Practical Application: Practice identifying and using the correct prepositions through exercises to reinforce your understanding and improve your grammar skills.

• Improving Clarity: Correct use of prepositions enhances the clarity and precision of your sentences, making your communication more effective.