Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and another word in
the sentence. They can indicate direction, place, time, manner, or cause. Below is a list of common
English prepositions, their meanings, and example sentences:
1. About
Meaning: Concerning, regarding.
Example: She talked about her plans for the weekend.
2. Above
Meaning: Higher than something.
Example: The picture is hanging above the sofa.
3. Across
Meaning: From one side to the other.
Example: She walked across the street.
4. After
Meaning: Following in time or order.
Example: I will call you after the meeting.
5. Against
Meaning: In opposition to.
Example: She is against the proposal.
6. Along
Meaning: Moving in a line next to something.
Example: We walked along the beach.
7. Among
Meaning: In the middle of a group.
Example: He was sitting among his friends.
8. Around
Meaning: Surrounding or encircling.
Example: The kids ran around the playground.
9. Before
Meaning: Earlier than or in front of.
Example: He arrived before me.
10. Behind
Meaning: At the back of.
Example: The cat is hiding behind the curtain.
11. Below
Meaning: Lower than something.
Example: The ball rolled below the table.
12. Beneath
Meaning: Under or lower than.
Example: The treasure was buried beneath the old tree.
13. Beside
Meaning: Next to.
Example: She sat beside me during the lecture.
14. Between
Meaning: In the middle of two things.
Example: The dog is sitting between two chairs.
15. Beyond
Meaning: On the other side of; further than.
Example: The mountains are beyond the valley.
16. By
Meaning: Near, next to, or through the action of.
Example: The book was written by J.K. Rowling.
17. Despite
Meaning: In spite of.
Example: Despite the rain, we went for a walk.
18. Down
Meaning: Moving to a lower position.
Example: She slid down the hill.
19. During
Meaning: In the course of, throughout.
Example: The phone rang during the movie.
20. Except
Meaning: Not including.
Example: Everyone except John is coming to the party.
21. For
Meaning: Indicating purpose, duration, or destination.
Example: This gift is for you.
22. From
Meaning: Indicating the starting point or origin.
Example: She came from France.
23. In
Meaning: Inside or within.
Example: I live in New York.
24. Inside
Meaning: Within something.
Example: The keys are inside the drawer.
25. Into
Meaning: Moving inside.
Example: He walked into the room.
26. Near
Meaning: Close to.
Example: The store is near my house.
27. Of
Meaning: Indicating possession, origin, or composition.
Example: She is a friend of mine.
28. Off
Meaning: Away from a surface or position.
Example: Please take your shoes off.
29. On
Meaning: Atop or touching a surface.
Example: The book is on the table.
30. Onto
Meaning: Moving to a surface or position.
Example: She jumped onto the roof.
31. Out
Meaning: Away from the inside.
Example: She went out for a walk.
32. Outside
Meaning: In or to the external part.
Example: The children are playing outside.
33. Over
Meaning: Above or higher than.
Example: The plane flew over the mountains.
34. Past
Meaning: Beyond a certain point in time or space.
Example: I walked past the park.
35. Since
Meaning: From a specific time until now.
Example: I have known her since childhood.
36. Through
Meaning: Moving in one side and out the other.
Example: He walked through the door.
37. Throughout
Meaning: In every part of.
Example: The movie was excellent throughout.
38. Till
Meaning: Until.
Example: I will wait till you arrive.
39. To
Meaning: Indicates direction, destination, or relationship.
Example: She is going to the store.
40. Toward
Meaning: In the direction of.
Example: He walked toward me.
41. Under
Meaning: Below or beneath something.
Example: The cat is under the table.
42. Underneath
Meaning: Directly beneath.
Example: The wallet was hidden underneath the jacket.
43. Until
Meaning: Up to a certain time.
Example: I will wait until you finish your work.
44. Up
Meaning: In a higher position.
Example: He climbed up the tree.
45. Upon
Meaning: On, or immediately after.
Example: She placed the book upon the shelf.
46. With
Meaning: Accompanied by.
Example: She came with her friend.
47. Within
Meaning: Inside or enclosed by.
Example: The answer is within reach.
48. Without
Meaning: In the absence of.
Example: He left without saying goodbye.
49. Worth
Meaning: Equivalent in value to.
Example: The painting is worth a lot of money.
50. Upon
Meaning: On or immediately after.
Example: Upon hearing the news, he was excited.
These are some of the most common prepositions in English, but the language includes many more.
Prepositions are often used in combination with other words, forming prepositional phrases (e.g., in
front of, next to, due to), which help provide more context and meaning.
