A preposition is a word that is placed before a noun or pronoun to show its relation with another word in the sentence.
A preposition is like a linking word that connects a noun or pronoun with the rest of the sentence, showing relationships of place, time, direction, cause, manner, possession, etc.
Example:
The book is on the table.
(on shows the relation between book and table)
She is fond of music.
(of shows the relation between fond and music)
Explanation of Preposition
A preposition is a word that comes before a noun or pronoun and shows its relationship with other words in the sentence.
It answers questions like:
Where? (place/position)
When? (time)
Which way? (direction/movement)
Why/How? (cause, reason, manner, etc.)
Examples and Explanation
1. Prepositions of Place (Where?)
Show the location of something.
Examples:
The cat is under the table.
The book is on the shelf.
She lives in Delhi.
✔ Here, under, on, in tell us the position of objects.
2. Prepositions of Time (When?)
Tell the time of an action.
Examples:
He was born on Monday.
We met at 6 p.m.
She has been waiting since morning.
✔ on, at, since show the relation of the action with time.
3. Prepositions of Direction/Movement (Which way?)
Indicate movement from one place to another.
Examples:
She is going to school.
The boy jumped into the river.
They walked towards the park.
✔ to, into, towards show the direction of movement.
4. Prepositions of Cause/Reason/Purpose (Why?)
Examples:
He died of fever.
The match was cancelled because of rain.
She succeeded through hard work.
✔ of, because of, through give the reason behind the action.
5. Prepositions of Manner/Instrument/Agency (How?)
Examples:
The letter was written with a pen.
She came by bus.
The song was sung by Lata Mangeshkar.
✔ with, by show the manner or instrument used.
6. Prepositions of Possession (Whose?)
Examples:
This is a friend of mine.
The house of my uncle is big.
✔ shows possession or belonging.
7. Prepositions of Contrast/Concession
Examples:
He worked hard despite illness.
In spite of his efforts, he failed.
✔ despite, in spite of show contrast.
8. Compound Prepositions (More than one word)
Examples:
He stood in front of the class.
We completed the work because of your help.
She sat along with her friends.
Importance of Prepositions
A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and another word in a sentence. Prepositions are important because they help give clarity, meaning, and structure to sentences. Without prepositions, sentences may sound incomplete or confusing.
Example:
Wrong (without preposition): The cat is the roof. ❌
Correct (with preposition): The cat is on the roof. ✅
Types of Prepositions
1. Prepositions of Place/Position
These prepositions tell us where something is located.
Examples: on, in, under, above, between, behind, next to, near
Sentences:
The cat is on the roof.
The keys are in the drawer.
The shop is next to the bank.
Explanation: They describe the position or location of a person or object.
2. Prepositions of Direction/Movement
These show movement from one place to another.
Examples: to, into, onto, towards, out of, across
Sentences:
She went to the market.
The boy ran towards the playground.
He jumped into the river.
Explanation: They indicate direction or path of movement.
3. Prepositions of Time
These prepositions tell when something happens.
Examples: at, on, in, since, for, during, by
Sentences:
The train arrives at 6 PM.
I was born in August.
We met her on Monday.
Explanation: They specify exact time, day, month, or period.
4. Prepositions of Cause, Reason, or Purpose
These show why something happens.
Examples: because of, due to, owing to, for
Sentences:
The match was canceled because of rain.
He is respected for his honesty.
Explanation: They indicate reason or cause.
5. Prepositions of Manner, Instrument, or Agent
These describe how something is done, by whom, or using what.
Examples: by, with, like, as
Sentences:
The letter was written by her.
He cut the paper with scissors.
She sings like a professional.
Explanation: They tell methods, tools, or comparisons.
6. Prepositions of Measure, Quantity, or Standard
These are used to express amount, value, or limit.
Examples: of, per, out of
Sentences:
A glass of water.
He earns 500 rupees per day.
Two students out of ten passed.
Explanation: They indicate quantity, ratio, or standard.
7. Prepositions of Relation
These show a relationship between two things in terms of possession, association, or comparison.
Examples: of, about, for, with, like
Sentences:
He is worried about his exams.
She is good at painting.
Explanation: They explain relationships, feelings, or abilities.
A – Z List of Common Prepositions
A – about, above, across, after, against, along, among, around, at
B – before, behind, below, beneath, beside, between, beyond, by
C – concerning
D – despite, down, during
E – except
F – for, from
I – in, inside, into
O – of, off, on, onto, out, outside, over
P – past, per, plus
R – regarding, round
S – since, through, throughout, till, to, toward(s)
U – under, underneath, unlike, until, up, upon
W – with, within, without
Tips to Remember
Many prepositions are short words (like in, on, at) but very important.
Some prepositions can have more than one use, e.g., on the table (place) vs. on Monday (time).
Rules for Using Prepositions
1. Prepositions are Always Followed by a Noun or Pronoun
A preposition must be followed by an object (noun, pronoun, or noun phrase).
Examples:
She is sitting on the chair. (chair = noun)
This gift is for him. (him = pronoun)
Explanation: Prepositions cannot stand alone; they need an object.
2. Prepositions Should Not End a Sentence (Traditionally)
Traditionally, a sentence should not end with a preposition.
Examples:
❌ Where are you going to?
✅ To where are you going?
Note: In modern English, ending with a preposition is often accepted in informal usage:
Where are you going to? ✅ (casual English)
3. Use the Correct Preposition with Verbs
Certain verbs are followed by specific prepositions.
Examples:
Listen to the music.
Depend on your friends.
Believe in yourself.
Tip: These are usually learned by practice, as they don’t always follow a strict rule.
4. Use the Correct Preposition with Adjectives
Some adjectives are always paired with certain prepositions.
Examples:
She is afraid of spiders.
He is good at painting.
They are interested in music.
Tip: This helps make your sentences sound natural.
5. Prepositions of Time
Use at for specific time: at 5 PM, at sunrise.
Use on for days/dates: on Monday, on 25th December.
Use in for months, years, centuries, or long periods: in July, in 2025, in the 21st century.
6. Prepositions of Place/Position
Use in for enclosed spaces: in a room, in a box.
Use on for surfaces: on the table, on the wall.
Use at for a point or location: at the bus stop, at the door.
7. Avoid Double Prepositions
Do not use two prepositions together unnecessarily.
Incorrect: He is good in at math.
Correct: He is good at math.
8. Use Prepositions in Fixed Expressions
Some expressions always require a specific preposition.
Examples:
In love, on time, at first, by chance, for example, with respect
Tip: These need to be memorized as they are standard expressions.
✅ Quick Summary
1. Preposition + noun/pronoun.
2. Traditionally, don’t end a sentence with a preposition.
3. Use the correct preposition with verbs, adjectives, and nouns.
4. Time, place, and direction have specific prepositions.
5. Avoid unnecessary double prepositions.
6. Learn fixed expressions.
Common Errors in the Use of Prepositions
1. Wrong Preposition with Verbs
Some verbs require specific prepositions. Using the wrong one is a common mistake.
Examples:
❌ She listens music.
✅ She listens to music.
❌ He depends of his friends.
✅ He depends on his friends.
Tip: Learn the correct prepositions with common verbs like: listen to, depend on, believe in, look after.
2. Wrong Preposition with Adjectives
Adjectives are often used with fixed prepositions. Using the wrong one changes the meaning or is incorrect.
Examples:
❌ She is afraid from spiders.
✅ She is afraid of spiders.
❌ He is good in painting.
✅ He is good at painting.
Tip: Common adjective-preposition pairs: interested in, afraid of, proud of, good at.
3. Wrong Preposition with Time
Students often confuse at, in, on when talking about time.
Examples:
❌ I was born at July.
✅ I was born in July.
❌ The meeting is in Monday.
✅ The meeting is on Monday.
❌ The train arrives in 5 PM.
✅ The train arrives at 5 PM.
4. Wrong Preposition with Place
Confusing in, on, at is a common mistake when describing location.
Examples:
❌ She is on the room.
✅ She is in the room.
❌ He is in the bus stop.
✅ He is at the bus stop.
❌ The book is in the table.
✅ The book is on the table.
5. Double Prepositions
Using two prepositions together unnecessarily is incorrect.
Examples:
❌ He is good in at math.
✅ He is good at math.
❌ She entered into in the room.
✅ She entered into the room.
6. Using Prepositions at the End of the Sentence (Formal English)
Ending a sentence with a preposition is considered informal or incorrect in formal writing.
Examples:
❌ Who are you talking to? (informal)
✅ To whom are you talking? (formal)
❌ This is the book I was looking for. (informal)
✅ This is the book for which I was looking. (formal)
Note: Ending with a preposition is acceptable in casual conversation.
7. Redundant Prepositions
Some prepositions are unnecessary and create mistakes.
Examples:
❌ He returned back home.
✅ He returned home.
❌ She went into inside the room.
✅ She went inside the room.
8. Preposition Confusion in Idiomatic Expressions
Some expressions always use specific prepositions; using the wrong one is incorrect.
Examples:
❌ She is good in sports.
✅ She is good at sports.
❌ He is married with a teacher.
✅ He is married to a teacher.
❌ He is angry from me.
✅ He is angry with me.
Examples of Prepositions in Sentences
1. Place/Position:
The cat is sleeping on the sofa.
2. Direction/Movement:
She walked to the market.
3. Time:
The meeting will start at 10 AM.
4. Cause/Reason:
The match was canceled because of rain.
5. Manner/Instrument:
He wrote the letter with a pen.
6. Relation/Association:
She is worried about her exams.
7. Quantity/Measure:
A glass of water is on the table.
8. Comparison:
He is tall for his age.
9. Position in Sequence/Order:
The book is placed between the two shelves.
10. Agent (by someone):
The song was sung by the children.
Common Prepositions with Examples
1. At – Used for a specific time or place.
Time: The train arrives at 5 PM.
Place: She is waiting at the bus stop.
2. In – Used for months, years, long periods, or enclosed spaces.
Time: He was born in July.
Place: The keys are in the drawer.
3. On – Used for days, dates, or surfaces.
Time: We met her on Monday.
Place: The book is on the table.
4. To – Shows direction or movement.
She is going to school.
5. From – Shows the starting point.
He traveled from Delhi to Mumbai.
6. By – Shows the agent or means.
The letter was written by her.
He traveled by bus.
7. With – Indicates instrument, company, or possession.
He cut the paper with scissors.
She came with her friend.
8. For – Shows purpose, reason, or duration.
This gift is for you.
He has been waiting for two hours.
9. Of – Shows possession, part, or relation.
The cover of the book is red.
She is a friend of mine.
10. About – Indicates subject or topic.
We talked about the movie.
11. Between – Refers to two things or people.
The shop is between the bank and the post office.
12. Among – Refers to more than two things or people.
She is popular among her classmates.
13. During – Refers to a period of time.
I stayed home during the storm.
14. After – Refers to following something in time or place.
We went for dinner after the movie.
15. Before – Refers to something happening earlier.
Finish your homework before going out.
16. Over – Indicates above or more than.
The lamp hangs over the table.
His score is over 90%.
17. Under – Indicates below or beneath.
The shoes are under the bed.
18. Through – Shows movement from one side to another.
We walked through the park.
19. Against – Shows opposition or contact.
He leaned against the wall.
They are fighting against injustice.
20. Into – Indicates movement toward the inside.
She walked into the room.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct preposition to complete each sentence.
1. The book is ___ the table. (on/in/at)
2. She arrived ___ the airport at 7 PM. (on/in/at)
3. He is afraid ___ dogs. (of/for/at)
4. We will meet ___ Monday. (in/on/at)
5. The train is going ___ Delhi. (to/into/onto)
6. The children are playing ___ the garden. (in/on/at)
7. She is good ___ painting. (at/in/on)
8. I was born ___ July. (in/on/at)
9. The gift is ___ you. (for/to/of)
10. The movie was directed ___ a famous filmmaker. (by/with/at)
Exercise 2: Identify the Prepositions
Underline the preposition(s) in each sentence.
1. The cat is sleeping on the sofa.
2. He walked towards the park.
3. I will meet you at 5 PM.
4. The keys are in the drawer.
5. She was punished because of her mistake.
6. He cut the paper with scissors.
7. The shop is located between the bank and the post office.
8. We stayed during the storm.
9. The letter was written by her.
10. She is interested in music.
Exercise 3: Correct the Errors
Find and correct the preposition mistakes in the following sentences.
1. He is good in football.
2. She arrived on the airport.
3. I am looking forward to meet you.
4. The keys are on my pocket.
5. He is afraid from snakes.
6. The book I was searching for it is here.
7. We will discuss this matter at Monday.
8. He depends of his parents.
9. She is married with a doctor.
10. The train will arrive in 6 PM.
Answers:
1. at → He is good at football.
2. on → She arrived at the airport.
3. to meet → I am looking forward to meeting you.
4. on → The keys are in my pocket.
5. from → He is afraid of snakes.
6. Remove it → The book I was searching for is here.
7. at → We will discuss this matter on Monday.
8. of → He depends on his parents.
9. with → She is married to a doctor.
10. in → The train will arrive at 6 PM.
Comments
Post a Comment