1. What is a Preposition?
A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word in the sentence. It often tells us about time, place, or direction.
Examples: in, on, at, under, over, between, to, from, after, before
Tip: A preposition is usually followed by a noun or pronoun (this combination is called a prepositional phrase).
2. Common Prepositions by Category
A. Prepositions of Time
These prepositions describe when something happens.
| Preposition | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| at | specific time | I wake up at 6:30 a.m. |
| on | specific day or date | The meeting is on Monday. |
| in | months, years, centuries, long periods | She was born in July. |
| before/after | relative to another time | We met before the movie. |
B. Prepositions of Place
These describe where something is.
| Preposition | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| in | inside something | The keys are in the drawer. |
| on | on a surface | The book is on the table. |
| under | lower than | The cat is under the bed. |
| between | in the middle of two things | The park is between the school and the hospital. |
| next to / beside | close to | He sat next to me. |
C. Prepositions of Direction or Movement
These show movement from one place to another.
| Preposition | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| to | movement toward | I’m going to the market. |
| into | movement inside | She went into the room. |
| onto | movement on a surface | He jumped onto the bed. |
| out of | movement from inside to outside | She got out of the car. |
3. Introduction to Prepositional Phrases
A prepositional phrase is made up of a preposition + object (usually a noun or pronoun).
Examples:
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in the house
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on the wall
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after the party
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to my friend
These phrases can describe time, place, or direction, and often function as adjectives or adverbs.
 Sentence Examples:
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We walked through the park.
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She arrived after the movie.
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The keys are under the couch.
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Summary
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Prepositions show relationships of time, place, and direction.
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A prepositional phrase includes a preposition + object.
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Using prepositions correctly adds clarity and detail to both written and spoken communication.
