Preposition
A preposition is a word used to link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words within a sentence. Prepositions are usually short words, and they are normally placed directly in front of nouns. In some cases, you’ll find prepositions in front of gerund verbs.
There are two very important rules to remember when using prepositions. Because they are somewhat vague, learning about prepositions and using them correctly in sentences takes practice. Because 1:1 translation is often impossible when dealing with propositions, even the most advanced English students have some difficulty at first.
The first rule is that certain propositions must be used to make the relationships between words in a sentence clear. Most prepositions are interchangeable but only to a certain extent.
The second rule for using prepositions is that these words must be followed by nouns.
There are more than 100 prepositions in the English language. In addition, there are endless possibilities for creating prepositional phrases. In the following sections, you will find examples of prepositions, types of prepositions, a comprehensive list of prepositions, and some helpful preposition exercises.
As you read the examples and study the list, remember that prepositions usually convey concepts such as comparison, direction, place, purpose, source possession, and time.
Some Common Prepositions
Prepositions of time: after, around, at, before, between, during, from, on, until, at, in, from, since, for, during, within
Prepositions of place: above, across, against, along, among, around, at, behind, below, beneath, beside, between, beyond, by, down, in, inside, into, near, off, on, opposite, out, over, past, through, to, toward, under, underneath
Prepositions of direction/movement: at, for, on, to, in, into, onto, between
Prepositions of manner: by, on, in, like, with
Other types of prepositions: by, with , of, for, by, like, as
Examples of Prepositions
In the following sentences, examples of prepositions have been italicized. As you read, consider how using different prepositions or even different types of prepositions in place of the examples might change the relationship between the rest of the words in the sentence.
I prefer to read in the library.
He climbed up the ladder to get into the attic.
Please sign your name on the dotted line after you read the contract.
Go down the stairs and through the door.
He swam across the pool.
Take your brother with you.
Types of Prepositions
There are three types of prepositions, including time prepositions, place prepositions, and direction prepositions.
Time prepositions are those such as before, after, during, and until; place prepositions are those indicating position, such as around, between, and against; and direction prepositions are those indicative of direction, such as across, up, and down. Each type of preposition is important.
Preposition Exercises
The following exercises will help you gain greater understanding about how prepositions work. Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.
The bone was _______ the dog.
About
For
After
Considering
Answer: B. The bone was for the dog.
We are going on vacation _______ August.
On
At
In
Since
Answer: C. We are going on vacation in August.
Please put the vase ________ the table.
In
On
For
Over
Answer: B. Please put the vase on the table.
I received a present ________ Janet.
From
Of
By
About
Answer: A. I received a present from Janet.
School begins ________ Monday.
In
On
From
Since
Answer: B. School begins on Monday.
List of Prepositions
While there are only about 150 prepositions in the English language, these words are among the most important. Without them, the sentences we speak, read, and write would be difficult to understand. The following list of prepositions is not a complete one, however it is among the most comprehensive lists of prepositions available anywhere.
Aboard
About
Above
Absent
Across
After
Against
Along
Alongside
Amid
Among
Amongst
Anti
Around
As
At
Before
Behind
Below
Beneath
Beside
Besides
Between
Beyond
But
By
Circa
Concerning
Considering
Despite
Down
During
Except
Excepting
Excluding
Failing
Following
For
From
Given
In
Inside
Into
Like
Minus
Near
Of
Off
On
Onto
Opposite
Outside
Over
Past
Per
Plus
Regarding
Round
Save
Since
Than
Through
To
Toward
Towards
Under
Underneath
Unlike
Until
Up
Upon
Versus
Via
With
Within
Without
Worth
