Preposition
A preposition is a very important part of English grammar. Prepositions show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word in a sentence. They mainly express place, time, direction, movement, cause, and manner. Without prepositions, sentences would sound incomplete and confusing.
This article explains prepositions in depth, including definitions, types, rules, examples, common mistakes, and practice exercises, in simple and clear English.
What is Preposition?
A preposition is a word placed before a noun or pronoun to show its relationship with another word in the sentence. It shows relations such as place, time, direction, purpose, possession, method, etc.
Prepositions
| Type | Usage | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Preposition of Place | Shows position or location | The book is on the table. |
| Preposition of Time | Shows time or duration | We will meet at 5 p.m. |
| Preposition of Direction / Movement | Shows movement from one place to another | He went to the park. |
| Preposition of Cause / Reason | Shows reason or cause | She was punished for being late. |
| Preposition of Agent / Instrument | Shows by whom or by what action is done | The song was sung by her. |
| Preposition of Measure / Quantity | Shows amount, number, or proportion | A box of chocolates, a group of students. |
Prepositions of Time
Definition:
Show when something happens.
Common words:
at, in, on, before, after, during, since, for, till, until, by
Examples:
1. The class starts at 9 AM.
2. She will come in the evening.
3. I was born on Monday.
4. We met before the exam.
5. He left after lunch.
6. It rained during the night.
7. I have lived here since 2010.
8. They stayed for two hours.
9. The shop is open till 10 PM.
10. Finish the work by tomorrow.
Prepositions of Place
Definition:
Show where something is located.
Common words:
in, on, at, under, over, behind, beside, between, among, near
Examples:
1. He lives in Chennai.
2. The cat is on the roof.
3. We met at the bus stop.
4. The keys are under the pillow.
5. The plane flew over the city.
6. She stood behind me.
7. The lamp is beside the bed.
8. The ball is between the chairs.
9. The birds are among the trees.
10. The shop is near my house.
Prepositions of Direction / Movement
Definition:
Show movement toward a place.
Common words:
to, into, onto, towards, across, along, through, from
Examples:
1. She went to the market.
2. The child jumped into the pool.
3. He climbed onto the roof.
4. They walked towards the beach.
5. She swam across the river.
6. We walked along the road.
7. Water flowed through the pipe.
8. He came from Delhi.
Prepositions of Manner
Definition:
Show how something is done.
Common words:
with, without, by, like, in
Examples:
1. She wrote the letter with care.
2. He spoke with confidence.
3. He solved the problem without help.
4. She completed the work without mistakes.
5. She travels by car.
6. He paid the bill by cash.
7. He fights like a warrior.
8. He acted like a hero.
9. We moved in silence.
10. She greeted me in a friendly way.
Prepositions of Agent / Instrument
Definition:
Show who performs an action or what tool is used.
Agent: by
Instrument: with, by, using
Examples:
1. The door was opened by the guard.
2. The message was sent by email.
3. The speech was delivered by the president.
4. The window was broken by the wind.
5. He cleaned the floor with a mop.
6. She dug the soil with a shovel.
7. He connected the wires using pliers.
8. She solved the problem using a calculator.
Prepositions of Reason / Purpose
Definition:
Show why something happens.
Common words:
for, because of, due to, from
Examples:
1. He did it for fun.
2. They left early for safety.
3. She stayed home because of the rain.
4. She cried because of the pain.
5. The match was cancelled due to bad weather.
6. The city flooded due to heavy rain.
7. The plant died from lack of water.
8. He shivered from cold.
Prepositions of Possession
Definition:
Show ownership.
Common words:
of, with, without
Examples:
1. The legs of the table are broken.
2. The pages of the book are torn.
3. The owner of the car is abroad.
4. A girl with curly hair.
5. A man with a beard.
6. A woman with a loud voice.
7. A room without windows.
8. A cup without a handle.
9. A dress without sleeves.
Prepositions of Comparison
Definition:
Used to compare two things.
Common words:
like, as, than
Examples:
1. She sings like an angel.
2. He runs like a cheetah.
3. He looks like his father.
4. He is strong as a lion.
5. She is as brave as a soldier.
6. He is as quick as lightning.
7. My phone is faster than yours.
8. This room is larger than mine.
9. This task is harder than I expected.
Prepositions of Condition
Definition:
Show conditions.
Common words:
on, upon, in, without
Examples:
1. On confirmation, we will book the ticket.
2. On payment, the item will be delivered.
3. Upon success, we will celebrate.
4. The deal will continue upon agreement.
5. In case of fire, use the stairs.
6. In case of doubt, ask me.
7. You cannot enter without permission.
8. Without ID, you cannot write the exam.
Prepositions of Concession
Definition:
Express contrast or unexpected result.
Common words:
despite, in spite of
Examples:
1. Despite the rain, they played cricket.
2. Despite being tired, he worked late.
3. Despite the delay, we reached safely.
4. In spite of his injury, he won the race.
5. In spite of poverty, he studied hard.
6. In spite of his anger, he helped.
Common Mistakes
1. In / On / At confusion
❌ He was born in Monday
✅ He was born on Monday
Use on for days.
2. Since vs For
❌ I have lived here since five years
✅ I have lived here for five years
Since → point of time, For → period of time.
3. Between vs Among
❌ Divide the money between five people
✅ Divide the money among five people
4. Into vs In
❌ He jumped in the river
✅ He jumped into the river
Into shows movement.
5. On vs Upon
❌ The cat jumped on the table suddenly
✅ The cat jumped upon the table suddenly
6. By vs With
❌ He wrote the letter by a pen
✅ He wrote the letter with a pen
By → agent, With → instrument.
7. To vs For
❌ This gift is to you
✅ This gift is for you
8. At vs In (Place)
❌ He is in the bus stop
✅ He is at the bus stop
9. Afraid of / Afraid from
❌ She is afraid from dogs
✅ She is afraid of dogs
10. Depend of / Depend on
❌ It depends of the situation
✅ It depends on the situation
Preposition Quiz — Pick the Preposition
10 questions. Choose the correct Preposition.