1️⃣ Prepositions of Place (Where?
These indicate the position of something.
Preposition Usage Examples
In Inside an enclosed space She is in the room.
On On a surface The book is on the table.
At A specific point or location Meet me at the bus stop.
Lower than or covered by
Under The keys are under the pillow.
something
Beneath Directly under The bunker is beneath the house.
Below At a lower level (not directly under) The temperature is below freezing.
Over Above without touching The plane flew over the city.
Above Higher than something else The painting is above the sofa.
The shop is between the bank and the
Between In the middle of two things
café.
Among In a group of many He was among friends.
Next to Beside, very close She sat next to me.
Near Close to The school is near my house.
2️⃣ Prepositions of Time (When?)
These indicate time relationships.
Preposition Usage Examples
In Longer periods (months, years, centuries) We met in December.
On Specific days and dates She was born on Monday.
At Specific times Meet me at 5 PM.
By Before a specific time Finish this by Friday.
Before Earlier than a point in time I arrived before lunch.
Preposition Usage Examples
After Later than a point in time We went out after dinner.
Since From a specific time until now I have lived here since 2010.
For Duration of time We stayed there for a week.
During Within a time period He slept during the movie.
Until/Till Up to a certain point Wait here until I return.
3️⃣ Prepositions of Direction or Movement (Where to?)
These show motion or direction.
Preposition Usage Examples
To Movement toward a destination She went to the store.
Into Entering a space He walked into the room.
Onto Moving to a surface She jumped onto the bed.
Out of Exiting a space He ran out of the building.
From Starting point of movement He came from New York.
Toward Moving in the direction of She walked toward the door.
Past Going beyond He drove past the school.
4️⃣ Prepositions of Manner (How?)
These describe the way something happens.
Preposition Usage Examples
By Method of action She traveled by car.
With Using a tool or method He wrote with a pen.
Like Similarity She runs like a cheetah.
As In the role of She worked as a teacher.
5️⃣ Prepositions of Cause, Reason, and Purpose (Why?)
These explain the reason behind something.
Preposition Usage Examples
Because of Due to The flight was delayed because of the storm.
Due to Formal way to say "because of" The accident was due to bad weather.
For Purpose This gift is for you.
From Source of reason She suffers from anxiety.
6️⃣ Prepositions of Possession (Who Owns It?)
These show who something belongs to.
Preposition Usage Examples
Of Belonging to someone or something The pages of the book are torn.
With A characteristic The man with blue eyes is my brother.
To Belonging to someone This pen belongs to me.
7️⃣ Prepositions of Comparison or Contrast
These show differences or similarities between things.
Preposition Usage Examples
Like Similarity She sings like a professional.
Unlike Contrast Unlike his brother, he is quiet.
As Function or role She works as a manager.
8️⃣ Prepositions of Exception and Inclusion
These show inclusion or exclusion.
Preposition Usage Examples
Except for Exclusion Everyone came except for John.
Besides In addition to Besides English, she speaks Spanish.
Apart from Excluding Apart from the ending, the movie was great.
9️⃣ Prepositional Phrases
These are common phrases that use prepositions.
Phrase Meaning Example
In charge of Responsible for She is in charge of the project.
In favor of Supporting I am in favor of the new law.
On behalf of Representing He spoke on behalf of the team.
In case of If something happens Call 911 in case of emergency.
With regard to About I’m writing with regard to your request.
Final Tip: When in Doubt, Think About the Relationship!
• Place? → Use in, on, at, under, between, next to, etc.
• Time? → Use in, on, at, before, after, etc.
• Direction? → Use to, into, onto, from, toward, etc.
• Cause? → Use because of, due to, from, etc.
