Mastering Prepositions: 6 Essential Types, Powerful Examples, and Practice Exercises

What is a Preposition?
A preposition is a part of speech that connects a noun, pronoun, or phrase to other words in a sentence. It helps show relationships like direction, place, time, reason, or how something happens. For example:

• The book is on the table. (on shows place.)
• She arrived before noon. (before shows time.)

ere’s a simplified version of the list of common prepositions to help you understand their usage:

1. Prepositions of Place/Location

These show where something is located.

• Examples: above, across, behind, below, in, on, near, outside, under

2. Prepositions of Time

These show when something happens.

• Examples: at, before, during, in, on, since, until, by

3. Prepositions of Direction/Movement

These show movement or direction.

• Examples: to, into, onto, toward, across, through

4. Prepositions of Cause/Reason/Purpose

These show why something happens.

• Examples: because of, due to, for, owing to, thanks to

5. Prepositions of Manner/Agent/Instrument

These describe how something happens or the tool used.

• Examples: by, with, through, like, as

6. Compound Prepositions

These are combinations of prepositions that express more specific meanings.

• Examples: according to, in front of, on account of, in addition to

7. Miscellaneous Prepositions

These prepositions are less common but still important.

• Examples: across, amid, beyond, despite, without, regarding

Types of Prepositions

1. Prepositions of Place/Location
These prepositions show the position or location of something.

• Examples: on, in, at, under, over, between, among, behind, beside
• Usage:
  • The book is on the table.
  • She lives in New York.

2. Prepositions of Time
These prepositions indicate when something happens.

• Examples: at, on, in, by, before, after, since, for, during
• Usage:
  • We met on Monday.
  • The project was completed in 2022.

3. Prepositions of Direction/Movement
These prepositions describe movement or direction toward something.

• Examples: to, into, onto, towards, through, across
• Usage:
  • He went to the park.
  • She ran through the forest.

4. Prepositions of Cause/Reason/Purpose
These prepositions explain why something happens or the cause behind it.

• Examples: because of, due to, for, of
• Usage:
  • The flight was delayed due to bad weather.
  • He was admired for his courage.

5. Prepositions of Manner/Instrument/Agent
These prepositions explain how something happens, the means used, or the doer of an action.

• Examples: with, by, like, as
• Usage:
  • She painted the picture with a brush.
  • The book was written by a famous author.

6. Compound Prepositions
These are phrases formed by combining prepositions, often indicating more complex relationships.

• Examples: ahead of, because of, on behalf of, in front of
• Usage:
  • He stood in front of the class.
  • The meeting was canceled because of the rain.

Common Prepositional Phrases

Prepositions often form phrases that add meaning to sentences. These phrases can act like adjectives or adverbs, giving more details about a noun or verb.

1. Adjective Phrases
These prepositional phrases describe or modify a noun.

• Example:
  • The book on the table is mine. (The phrase “on the table” describes the book.)

2. Adverb Phrases
These prepositional phrases describe or modify a verb, explaining how, where, or when an action happens.

• Example:
  • He ran through the park. (The phrase “through the park” tells us where he ran.)

Rules and Guidelines for Using Prepositions

1. Avoid Ending Sentences with Prepositions (Formal Rule)
While conversational English often ends sentences with prepositions, formal writing discourages it.

• Incorrect: Where are you at?
• Correct: Where are you?

2. Prepositions Must Have Objects
A preposition is always followed by a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that serves as its object.

• Incorrect: She is fond of.
• Correct: She is fond of music.

3. Choose the Right Preposition for Context
Using the wrong preposition can change the meaning of a sentence or make it unclear.

• Incorrect: He is good in math.
• Correct: He is good at math.

4. Avoid Unnecessary Prepositions
Some phrases include extra prepositions that are not needed.

• Incorrect: She discussed about the issue.
• Correct: She discussed the issue.

Prepositions in Idiomatic Expressions

Prepositions are often part of idiomatic expressions—phrases where the meaning isn’t literal but understood through common usage. Here are some examples:

1. In Time vs. On Time

• In time: Means “early enough” or “before it’s too late.”
  • Example: We reached the station in time to catch the train.
• On time: Means “punctual” or “at the scheduled time.”
  • Example: The meeting started on time at 10 AM.

2. Common Idiomatic Expressions

• At a loss: Confused or unsure.
  • Example: I’m at a loss for words after hearing the news.
• In charge: Responsible for something.
  • Example: She is in charge of the event.
• On purpose: Intentionally.
  • Example: He spilled the drink on purpose to annoy her.
• By accident: Unintentionally.
  • Example: I deleted the file by accident.

Practice Exercises

Here are some more practice exercises to help you master prepositions:

1. Fill in the blanks with the correct prepositions:

1. The keys are ____ the table.
2. He was born ____ 1990.
3. She sat ____ the chair, waiting for her turn.
4. We arrived ____ the airport early.
5. The children are playing ____ the playground.

2. Identify the prepositional phrases in the following sentences:

1. The cat jumped over the fence.
2. She traveled to Paris for vacation.
3. He hid under the bed during the storm.
4. I have been working since morning.
5. The book is on the shelf next to the window.