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Prepositions
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A preposition is a word or group of words used before a noun or pronoun to show place, position, time,
or method.
Examples of prepositions include: in, from, to, out of, and on behalf of.
• Example: The cat is under the table.
(Here, ‘under’ is a preposition used before the noun ‘table’ and shows the relation between the
table and the cat.)
• Example: She arrived at the airport.
(Here, ‘at’ is a preposition used before the noun ‘airport’ and establishes a relation between the
airport and her arrival.)
The prepositions are divided into three basic kinds:
• Prepositions of Place or Position
• Prepositions of Direction
• Prepositions of Time

Classification of prepositions
Prepositions of place or position
• AT
○ The preposition ‘at’ is used before a point position or location.
 Example: John was standing at the bus stop when I saw him last.
○ ‘At’ is also used when referring to an activity at a company or workplace.
 Example: There are more than a thousand people currently working at Microsoft.
○ This preposition is used before nouns such as school, university, cinema, theatre, and home.
 Example: My brother will not be at school at the moment.

• IN
○ The preposition ‘in’ is used when referring to a place with a larger area.
 Example: My uncle lives in New York.
○ ‘In’ is also used when talking about a company or workplace only for its physical location.
 Example: John works in an office in Seattle.

• ON
○ The preposition ‘on’ is used when referring to a surface.
 Example: Sarah left her keys on the counter last night.
○ ‘On’ is also used when referring to a place or position along a road or river, or by a lake or
sea.
 Example: Chicago is a city on the shores of Lake Michigan in Illinois.
○ This preposition is used when referring to a floor in a building.
 Example: My new apartment is on the 3rd floor.
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 ○ ‘On’ is also used when talking about a person traveling on public transportation.
 Example: Tom was on the bus when the accident happened.

• ABOVE and BELOW

○ The prepositions ‘above’ and ‘below’ are used when talking about levels.
 Example: I am below twenty-five.
 Example: John’s expenses are above his income.

• UNDER and OVER

○ The prepositions ‘under’ and ‘over’ are used to talk about a vertical position.
 Example: I put a bag under your chair.
 Example: There is a fan over your head, so be careful.

• BETWEEN
○ The preposition ‘between’ is used for two things or persons.
 Example: I divided the pizza equally between my friend and me.
Note that the objective case is used after ‘between’, as in “Between you and him”.
○ Also note that ‘and’ is used after ‘between’, as in “Between Tom and Jerry”.

• AMONG or AMONGST
○ The prepositions ‘among’ and ‘amongst’ are used when talking about more than two things
or persons.
○ ‘Among’ is used before a consonant-sounding word.
 Example: Sarah distributed candies among her friends.
○ ‘Amongst’ is used before a vowel-sounding word.
 Example: Party favors were distributed amongst us.

• AMIDST
○ The preposition ‘amidst’ is used when talking about more than two things or persons.
 Example: John is feeling lonely, even amidst his family.
Note that ‘among’ is used in the sense of “being a member of something”, while ‘amidst’ is used
in the sense of “in the middle or surrounded by something”.

Prepositions of Direction
• TO
○ The preposition ‘to’ is used to indicate the destination.
 Example: I am going to the train station to pick up my dad.

• TOWARDS
○ The preposition ‘towards’ is used to indicate the direction.

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  Example: John is walking towards the park.
 Example: I ran towards the building when it started snowing.

• ALONG
○ The preposition ‘along’ is used to indicate the movement of something or someone in a
certain line in a particular direction.
 Example: Sarah was walking along a winding path.

• AGAINST
○ The preposition ‘against’ is used in the sense of the opposite of something.
 Example: The car struggled to drive against the strong wind.
 Example: Citizens are against the new policy implemented by the government.
○ ‘Against’ is also used in the sense of pressing on.
 Example: See that girl who is leaning against the wall.

• ACROSS
○ The preposition ‘across’ is used when talking about something or someone moving from one
side to another.
 Example: John, along with his dog, was walking across the park.
○ ‘Across’ is also used when something is stretched from one side to another.
 Example: Sarah stood on the bridge built across the river Thames.
○ This preposition is used to indicate the opposite side of something.
 Example: Tom saw me across the room and waved at me.

• UP
○ The preposition ‘up’ is used to show movement from a lower position to a higher position.
 Example: I followed Sarah up the ladder, where there was a rooftop garden.

• DOWN
○ The preposition ‘down’ is used to show movement from a higher position to a lower position.
 Example: Water flowed down the mountain.

• INTO
○ The preposition ‘into’ is used to show movement in an enclosed space.
 Example: John threw the paper into the trash can.

• ONTO
○ The preposition ‘onto’ is used to show movement on a surface.
 Example: John placed the book onto the shelf.

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 • OVER
○ The preposition ‘over’ is used to show movement both in a forward and upper direction.
 Example: Sarah threw a frisbee over the hedge.

PREPOSITIONS OF TIME
• AT
○ “At” is used to indicate a specific time.
 Example: At 3 PM
 Example: At 6:30 in the evening
○ “At” can also be used with specific times of day.
 Example: At dawn
 Example: At noon
 Example: At sunset
○ For instance, Radha said, “Meet me at sunrise.”

• IN
○ “In” is used before months, years, centuries, and long periods.
 Example: I will visit you in December.
 Example: I was born in 2000.
 Example: We are living in the 21st century.
○ “In” is also used before morning, afternoon, and evening.
 Example: I like to exercise in the morning.
 Example: I prefer to study in the afternoon.
When adding additional information like a date after morning, afternoon, or evening, use the
preposition “on” before them.
 Example: I first saw her on the morning of June 1st.
 Example: We had our first date on the evening of July 14th.

• ON
○ “On” is used before days and dates.
 Example: I am busy today, so I will visit you on Tuesday.
 Example: I was born on the 4th of July.

• FOR
○ “For” is used to indicate a period of time.
 Example: I am going on vacation for two weeks.
 Example: She is studying abroad for a semester.

• SINCE
○ “Since” is used to indicate a point in time.

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  Example: I haven’t seen her since graduation.
 Example: He hasn’t called me since last week.

• AFTER and BEFORE

○ “After” and “Before” are used to indicate a point in time.
 Example: I will arrive shortly after 6 PM.
 Example: Kabir arrived the day before the wedding.

• BY
○ “By” is used to indicate a point in time.
 Example: By next Friday, I will have finished my project.
 Example: By the end of the month, I will have moved to my new apartment.

• DURING
○ “During” is used to indicate a duration.
 Example: During the summer, I like to go swimming.
 Example: During the holidays, I spend time with my family.

• FROM
○ “From” is used to show when something starts.
 Example: The concert is from 8 PM to 11 PM.
 Example: The sale is from Monday to Friday.

Prepositional Phrases
Prepositional phrases are groups of words that begin with a preposition and include a noun or pronoun
(the object of the preposition). These phrases function as adjectives or adverbs, providing additional
information about time, place, direction, cause, manner, and more. Here's a detailed explanation with
examples:
1. Definition: A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition, its object, and any modifiers of the
object.
○ Structure: Preposition + Object (noun/pronoun) + Modifiers
○ Examples:
 In the morning (Preposition: "in"; Object: "morning")
 On the table (Preposition: "on"; Object: "table")
 With a smile (Preposition: "with"; Object: "smile")

2. Types of Prepositional Phrases:

○ Adjective Phrases: These prepositional phrases modify nouns or pronouns by providing more
information about them.

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  Examples:
• The book on the shelf is mine. ("On the shelf" modifies "book.")
• She is the girl with the blue dress. ("With the blue dress" modifies "girl.")
 Explanation: Adjective prepositional phrases answer questions like "Which one?" or "What
kind?"
○ Adverb Phrases: These prepositional phrases modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs by
providing more information about them.
 Examples:
• She sat by the window. ("By the window" modifies "sat.")
• He will arrive in an hour. ("In an hour" modifies "arrive.")
 Explanation: Adverb prepositional phrases answer questions like "How?" "When?"
"Where?" or "Why?"

3. Position in a Sentence:
○ Adjective Prepositional Phrases: Typically follow the noun or pronoun they modify.
 Example: The man with the hat is my uncle. ("With the hat" follows and modifies "man.")
○ Adverb Prepositional Phrases: Can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
 Example: He parked his car in the garage. ("In the garage" follows and modifies "parked.")

4. Special Cases:
○ Multiple Prepositional Phrases: Sometimes, sentences can have multiple prepositional
phrases providing detailed information.
 Example: She sat on the bench under the tree. ("On the bench" and "under the tree" both
modify "sat.")
○ Idiomatic Expressions: Some prepositional phrases form idiomatic expressions that convey
specific meanings.
 Example: He is in charge of the project. ("In charge of" means responsible for.)
○ Complex Prepositional Phrases: These may contain more than one preposition.
 Example: She walked out of the room. ("Out of" functions as a single prepositional unit.)

Fixed preposition
Fixed prepositions are prepositions that are used in conjunction with particular verbs, adjectives, or
nouns to form set phrases.
Fixed prepositions are essential components of idiomatic expressions in English.

Examples:
• Depend on: You can always depend on her for support.
• Interested in: She is interested in learning new languages.
• Afraid of: He is afraid of spiders.
• Responsible for: She is responsible for managing the project.
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Types of Fixed Prepositions:
• Verbs with Fixed Prepositions: These verbs are always followed by specific prepositions.
○ Rely on: I rely on my friends for help.
○ Listen to: He listens to music every evening.
○ Apologize for: She apologized for being late.
○ Look forward to: We look forward to the holidays.
• Adjectives with Fixed Prepositions: These adjectives are always followed by specific
prepositions.
○ Good at: He is good at solving puzzles.
○ Interested in: They are interested in the latest technology.
○ Afraid of: She is afraid of heights.
○ Proud of: He is proud of his achievements.
• Nouns with Fixed Prepositions: These nouns are always followed by specific prepositions.
○ Reason for: The reason for the delay was traffic.
○ Increase in: There was an increase in sales last month.
○ Solution to: They found a solution to the problem.
○ Attitude towards: His attitude towards work is very positive.
Special Cases:
• Idiomatic Expressions: Some fixed prepositions are part of idiomatic expressions that cannot
be directly translated word-for-word.
○ Example: Take care of (meaning to look after): She takes care of her younger siblings.
○ Example: In charge of (meaning responsible for): He is in charge of the new project.
• Phrasal Verbs: Fixed prepositions are essential components of phrasal verbs, where the
meaning of the verb changes with the preposition.
○ Example: Look after (meaning to care for): She looks after her grandmother.
○ Example: Give up (meaning to quit): He decided to give up smoking.
Position in a Sentence: Fixed prepositions typically follow the verb, adjective, or noun they are
associated with:
• Verb: She is looking forward to the weekend.
• Adjective: He is afraid of the ghosts.

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 Practice Exercises
Directions: Read each sentence carefully to identify the preposition.
Question 1: The cat is hiding under the table.
Question 2: She walked through the park.
Question 3: The book on the shelf belongs to John.
Question 4: We will meet at the cafe at noon.
Question 5: The plane flew over the mountains.
Question 6: He kept his keys in his pocket.
Question 7: She has been living in Paris for three years.
Question 8: They drove along the coast during their vacation.
Question 9: The meeting was postponed until next week.
Question 10: There is a bridge across the river.

Solutions:

Solution 1:
• Preposition: under
• Explanation: Under indicates the position of the cat in relation to the table, meaning the cat is
located below the table.

Solution 2:
• Preposition: through
• Explanation: Through shows movement from one side to another within the park, implying the
cat crossed the park.

Solution 3:
• Preposition: on and to
• Explanation:
○ On shows the position of the book in relation to the shelf, meaning the book is placed atop the
shelf.
○ “To” refers to the recipient that is “John”.

Solution 4:
• Prepositions: at (used twice)
• Explanation:
○ The first at indicates the specific place where the meeting will occur (the cafe).
○ The second at refers to the specific time (noon) when the meeting will happen.

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Solution 5:
• Preposition: over
• Explanation: Over shows that the plane passed above the mountains, indicating the plane flew
higher than the mountains.

Solution 6:
• Preposition: in
• Explanation: In indicates the location of the keys inside the pocket.

Solution 7:
• Preposition: in and for
• Explanation:
○ In shows the location where she has been living, meaning within the city of Paris.
○ For shows the duration of the time.

Solution 8:
• Prepositions: along and during
• Explanation:
○ Along shows movement in a direction parallel to the coast.
○ During refers to the time period of their vacation, indicating when the action took place.

Solution 9:
• Preposition: until
• Explanation: Until shows the time frame, meaning the meeting will be delayed until the specified
point in time (next week).

Solution 10:
• Preposition: across
• Explanation: Across indicates the position of the bridge in relation to the river, meaning the
bridge spans from one side of the river to the other.

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Directions: Fill in the given blanks with the most suitable prepositions.

Question 1: She waited ___ the bus stop for 20 minutes.

Options:
a) at
b) in
c) on
d) over
Solution 1:
Correct answer: a) at
Explanation: "At" is used to indicate specific points or locations (e.g., the bus stop).

Question 2: He has been living ___ this city for five years.
Options:
a) in
b) at
c) on
d) by
Solution 2:
Correct answer: a) in
Explanation: "In" is used for larger spaces or areas, like cities, countries, and rooms.

Question 3: The cat is hiding ___ the bed.

Options:
a) under
b) above
c) on
d) in
Solution 3:
Correct answer: a) under
Explanation: "Under" indicates something is below or beneath a surface or object.

Question 4: They went ___ a walk after dinner.

Options:
a) on
b) for
c) at
d) in
Solution 4:
Correct answer: b) for
Explanation: "For" is used with activities like a walk, a run, or a drive.
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Question 5: We will meet you ___ Monday afternoon.
Options:
a) in
b) on
c) at
d) by
Solution 5:
Correct answer: b) on
Explanation: "On" is used with days of the week and specific dates.

Question 6: She placed the book ___ the table.

Options:
a) on
b) at
c) in
d) over
Solution 6:
Correct answer: a) on
Explanation: "On" is used to indicate a surface where something is placed.

Question 7: The children are playing ___ the park.

Options:
a) in
b) on
c) at
d) over
Solution 7:
Correct answer: a) in
Explanation: "In" is used when referring to enclosed or large spaces like parks or cities.

Question 8: He is good ___ playing the guitar.

Options:
a) at
b) in
c) on
d) with
Solution 8:
Correct answer: a) at
Explanation: "At" is used to indicate skill or ability (e.g., good at something).

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Question 9: I saw her ___ the corner of the street.
Options:
a) at
b) in
c) on
d) to
Solution 9:
Correct answer: a) at
Explanation: "At" is used to refer to a specific point (e.g., corner of the street).

Question 10: They traveled ___ plane to New York.

Options:
a) by
b) into
c) with
d) over
Solution 10:
Correct answer: a) by
Explanation: "By" is used to indicate the means of transportation (e.g., by plane, by car, by bus).

Question 11: The conference will take place ___ the end of this month.
Options:
a) at
b) on
c) in
d) for
Solution 11:
Correct answer: a) at
Explanation: "At" is used to refer to a specific time or point in time (e.g., the end of the month).

Question 12: The book is ___ the shelf next to the bed.
Options:
a) on
b) into
c) at
d) over
Solution 12:
Correct answer: a) on
Explanation: "On" is used when referring to objects placed on a surface (e.g., shelf).

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Question 13: They moved ___ the new apartment last week.
Options:
a) below
b) into
c) on
d) at
Solution 13:
Correct answer: b) into
Explanation: "Into" is used to show movement toward the inside of a place (e.g., new apartment).

Question 14: I left my phone ___ the kitchen table.

Options:
a) on
b) at
c) in
d) under
Solution 14:
Correct answer: a) on
Explanation: "On" is used to indicate a surface where something is placed (e.g., kitchen table).

Question 15: He is sitting ___ his desk, working on a project.

Options:
a) at
b) into
c) onto
d) over
Solution 15:
Correct answer: a) at
Explanation: "At" is used when referring to sitting near or in front of a desk.

Question 16: She is interested ___ learning new languages.

Options:
a) in
b) on
c) at
d) for
Solution 16:
Correct answer: a) in
Explanation: "In" is used with verbs to show interest or involvement in something.

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Question 17: The house is ___ the corner of Maple Street and Oak Avenue.
Options:
a) at
b) on
c) in
d) by
Solution 17:
Correct answer: a) at
Explanation: "At" is used to describe specific points or locations (e.g., corner of two streets).

Question 18: The restaurant is ___ the other side of the road.
Options:
a) on
b) inside
c) in
d) by
Solution 18:
Correct answer: a) on
Explanation: "On" is used to indicate location along or beside something (e.g., side of the road).

Question 19: He graduated ___ college last year.

Options:
a) from
b) beside
c) in
d) at
Solution 19:
Correct answer: a) from
Explanation: "From" is used to indicate the place of completion (e.g., graduated from college).

Question 20: The movie starts ___ 7 p.m. sharp.

Options:
a) at
b) on
c) in
d) by
Solution 20:
Correct answer: a) at
Explanation: "At" is used to indicate specific times (e.g., 7 p.m.).

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Question 21: The picture is hanging ___ the wall.
Options:
a) on
b) at
c) in
d) over
Solution 21:
Correct answer: a) on
Explanation: "On" is used to refer to something attached to a surface (e.g., wall).

Question 22: She’s really good ___ maths and science.

Options:
a) at
b) in
c) on
d) with
Solution 22:
Correct answer: a) at
Explanation: "At" is used to refer to proficiency or skill in a particular subject or activity.

Question 23: They are ___ vacation this week.

Options:
a) on
b) at
c) in
d) over
Solution 23:
Correct answer: a) on
Explanation: "On" is used when referring to being on vacation.

Question 24: We met ___ the café near the station.

Options:
a) at
b) on
c) in
d) over
Solution 24:
Correct answer: a) at
Explanation: "At" is used to specify a meeting point (e.g., café).

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Question 25: The kids are swimming ___ the pool.
Options:
a) in
b) on
c) at
d) over
Solution 25:
Correct answer: a) in
Explanation: "In" is used when someone or something is inside a closed or limited area (e.g., pool).

Question 26: She always keeps her keys ___ her bag.
Options:
a) in
b) on
c) at
d) over
Solution 26:
Correct answer: a) in
Explanation: "In" is used to refer to things contained within something (e.g., bag).

Question 27: The meeting is scheduled ___ 3 p.m. tomorrow.

Options:
a) for
b) at
c) in
d) on
Solution 27:
Correct answer: b) at
Explanation: "At" is used with specific times (e.g., 3 p.m.).

Question 28: They walked ___ the park to reach the lake.
Options:
a) through
b) onto
c) by
d) over
Solution 28:
Correct answer: a) through
Explanation: "Through" is used when referring to movement within a space with boundaries (e.g.,
park).

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Question 29: He is standing ___ the door waiting for us.
Options:
a) by
b) into
c) on
d) in
Solution 29:
Correct answer: a) by
Explanation: "By" is used when something is near or beside something (e.g., door).

Question 30: They will be back ___ the evening.

Options:
a) in
b) at
c) on
d) by
Solution 30:
Correct answer: a) in
Explanation: "In" is used to refer to a time period during which an event occurs (e.g., evening).

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