Examples of the word preposition

In this post, we are covering preposition, its types with examples and rules. Following points will be covered.

1. What is a preposition?
2. List of Prepositions
3. Types of Preposition
   • Simple Preposition
   • Double preposition
   • Compound preposition
   • Participle preposition
   • Phrase preposition
4. Types of Prepositions According to Function
   • Preposition of time
   • Preposition of place
   • Preposition of manner
   • Preposition of cause and effect
   • Preposition of instruments/devices
   • Preposition of direction/movement
   • Preposition of agent
5. Rules of Preposition

A preposition is an important part of the English language and grammar. Prepositions are common but they seem complicated when we use them. These are the words used to link the noun and pronoun or other words.

Preposition is used to prove a correlation between nouns and pronouns in a sentence.

Examples

• She is going to school.
• He put the flowers by the door.
• The jug was placed on the table.

In above sentences the bold words are prepositions.

Preposition + Noun

I gave the jug to Alan.

Preposition + Pronoun

I gave the wallet to him.

Preposition + Gerund

I devoted my time to stitching.

2 – List of Prepositions

• Above
• About
• Absent
• Across
• After
• Along
• Among
• Around
• As
• Before
• Behind
• Below
• Beside
• Beneath
• Between
• Beyond
• By
• Considering
• Despite
• During
• Except
• For
• From
• Given
• In
• Inside
• Into
• Minus
• Of
• Off
• On
• Onto
• Opposite
• Outside
• Over
• Per
• Plus
• Round
• Since
• Than
• Through
• To
• Towards
• Under
• Until
• Up
• Upon
• Via
• Without
• Within

3 – Types of Preposition

There are different types of prepositions

1. Simple preposition
2. Double preposition
3. Compound preposition
4. Participle preposition
5. Phrase preposition

3.1 – Simple Preposition

It usually contains only two syllables.

Simple prepositions are; by, at, in, of, off, out, till, up, to, with, on, etc.

Simple Preposition Examples

• Cat sat on the bed.
• There is some water in the jug.
• He is working hard to pass the exam.
• My baby is suffering from flu.
• I am from Islamabad.
• She is working at grocery store.
• This book belongs to Tom.

3.2 – Double preposition

When two simple prepositions are combined, they are called double prepositions. They habitually indicate directions.

Double prepositions are

• into
• upon
• along
• onto
• out of
• behind
• without
• within
• next to

Double preposition examples

• Once upon a time, there was a lion.
• The cat climbed onto the table.
• The dog is sitting behind the chair.
• Hira never goes out without her mobile.
• The ducks are eating along the river.
• The bank is next to the post office.

3.3 – Compound preposition

Compound prepositions composed of two or more words. They are easy to known because the last word of a compound preposition is always simple preposition.

Compound preposition = Prefix + Noun / adjective / adverb

Compound prepositions are

• In behalf of
• According to
• Beyond
• In front of
• Beneath
• Besides
• Between
• Without
• Around

Compound preposition examples

• The children ran around the table.
• His personality is beyond imagination.
• There is a station beneath this area.
• There is a show inside the box.
• The dog is jumping around the seat.
• The auto pulled along the drive way.
• She is picked in front of bank.

3.4 – Participle preposition

There are the verbs that act as a preposition. Frequently, such words end in –ing and –ed.

Participle prepositions are

• During
• Considering
• Barring
• Provided
• Laughing
• Concerning
• Frustrated

Participle prepositions examples

• The teacher, sometimes gets frustrated with her class.
• Everyone, please keep quiet during the class.
• The kept following her home.
• Considering his education, he did a great job.
• Sara is interested in anything concerning novels.
• All the brothers were there including the mother.

3.5 – Phrase preposition

Group of words used with a single preposition is called phrase preposition.

For example,

• On the behalf
• On time
• At home
• Before class
• By virtue of
• Inspite of
• In place of
• On the floor

Sometimes they are used as an adverb and sometimes as a preposition.

1. A word is preposition when it adds noun or pronoun. For example, The knife lies in the basket.
2. A word is an adverb when it adds verb. For example, Let’s move on.

Phrase preposition =  Preposition + object + modifier

• Jon received the trophy on the behalf of his friend.
• The match got canceled because of heavy rain.
• I will get to the class on time.
• Teacher met to discuss lecture before class.
• In course of time, the wounds healed.

4 – Types of Prepositions According to Function

There are many types of prepositions according to function.

1. Preposition of time
2. Preposition of place
3. Preposition of manner
4. Preposition of cause and effect
5. Preposition of instruments / devices
6. Preposition of direction / movement
7. Preposition of agent

4.1 – Preposition of time

These types of prepositions show time in a sentence. It discusses the specific time period like dates, days of the week etc.

Preposition of time

• At: Used for precise time.
• In: Used for months, years, centuries and long periods.
• On: Used for days and dates.

Table

AT	IN	ON
At 9 o’clock	In June	On Monday
At night	In the spring	On 8 February
At breakfast	In 1991	On Sunday
At dinner	In December	On a summer eve
At noon	In the age	On independence day
At school	In the past	On my birthday
At college	In the future	On new year’s eve
At university	In the summer	On the way
At home	In a row	On a ship
At sunrise	In the garden	On a radio
At the moment	In the sky	On 30th June 2010
At the cinema	In winter	On the wall

Uses of at

1. We have a meeting at 9 a.m.
2. I went home at lunch time.
3. We have a party at midnight.
4. The shop closes at 6 o’ clock
5. The stars shine at night.

At is used to express

1. Exact time           at 5 o’ clock
2. Meal time           at lunch
3. Festivals               at New Year
4. With age              at the age of 20
5. Time                      at this time

Uses of in

1. I shall return in an hour.
2. In this town, it often rain in July.
3. Would you think we will go to Greece in the future?
4. I shall be successful in the next year.
5. We will go to hill station in the summer.

In is used to express

1. Parts of the day                in the morning
2. Months                               in December
3. Centuries                           in 20^th Century
4. Years                                   in 2013
5. Season                                in Autumn
6. Time period                      in those days

Uses of on

1. I work on Monday.
2. His birthday on 1^st April.
3. Vacations end on Tuesday.
4. We are going to Texas on 1^st June.
5. We will meet on Friend’s Day

On is used to express

1. Festivals                             on independence day
2. Dates                                  on 1^st May
3. Days of the week             on Monday
4. Occasion                            on that day
5. Anniversaries                   on wedding day

4.2 – Preposition of Place

These types of prepositions show a place in a sentence.

• At:  It is used to discuss a certain point.
• In: It is used an enclosed space.
• On: It is used to discuss a surface.

Examples of Preposition of Place

Uses of In

• I live in Multan
• She is in the bus.
• He is the most famous artist in the world.
• She watches TV in the room.
• Google is the best search engine in the world.

Uses of At

• I met him at the bust stop.
• We are going to watch the movie and we met him at cinema.
• Sun rises at 05:30 a.m.
• There is a rod at the roof.

Uses of On

• Look at the lizard on the wall.
• There is a book on the table.
• There is a smile on her face.
• My room is on the first floor of the hotel.
• There is a beautiful picture of my father on the wall.

4.3 – Preposition of Manners

Preposition of manners are about the method something happens or how something is complete. Commonly used words are “by” and “with”. Some other words are also used (in, like, on).

Examples

• She will dies by the cancer.
• Teacher faces students with big courage.
• My baby sings like a cuckoo bird.
• We are going by taxi.
• The tourist arrived on the island on a bus.

4.4 – Prepositions of cause and effect

They are used to show the cause of something or a reason of something done.

Commonly used words are; due to, because of, from hence, on account, therefore through etc.

Examples

1. He cannot run the bicycle because of his leg.
2. He is sick from fever.
3. Her sales increased repeatedly through good marketing.
4. The quarrel was increased due to discourtesy of both sides.
5. She does not eat meal regularly on account of her disease.

4.5 – Preposition of Devices / Instrument

This type of preposition is used to express different technologies, machines or devices. Some words are used for, by, with and on.

On, with = describe the use of machines and devices.

For examples,

1. My aunt is back home by taxi.
2. Bob opened the lock with an old key.
3. May I do my work on your computer?
4. We are going on a trip by ferry.
5. My work is done with the use of your cell phone.

4.6 – Preposition of Direction / Movement

This type of preposition tell us a direction or location of something.

Some words used are

• Across
• Along
• Among
• At
• Behind
• Below
• Into
• Towards
• Onto etc.

Examples

1. Supervisor walked towards the examination hall.
2. Sana was sitting among her family.
3. Meet me at the bus stop.
4. The ducks are eating along the river.
5. I have the poster below the mirror.

4.7 – Preposition of agent

These types of prepositions are used to show a causal connection between noun and usually a verb. Words used as preposition of agent are:

• By
• With

Examples

1. A literature book was written by John Keats.
2. This work was done by me.
3. Some institutes were closed by government.
4. Hira graduated with a public administration degree.

Some commonly used prepositions are:

In front of

It is used to show that someone is standing in front of other person. For example,

The teacher stands in front of the class.

Behind

It is used to show that at the back of something.

Example

There is a shoe behind the table.

Between

It is used to show that two things or boejcts

Example

There is a strong relationship between Tom and Alice.

Across from

It is used to show an opposite direction.

Example

She lives across from school.

Next to

It is used to show that a person that is at the side of another thing.

Example

A guard stands next to the entrance gate.

Under

It is used to show low level of something.

Example

There are boxes under the bed.

5 – Rules of prepositions

There are three rules

1. Pair them accurately.
2. Watch what follows them.
3. Avoid using them at the end of sentences

5.1 – Pair them properly

Determining which preposition to exercise be a capable of tricky prepositions. It is notably difficult when dealing with idioms. Idiomatic expressions are expressions you just give birth to memorize, and at what time errors are made.

That’s why you need to write them accurately with their places and easy to understand.

5.2 – Watch what follows them

Prepositions are always be followed by a noun / pronouns. The noun is called the object of preposition. Note that a verb can’t be the object of a preposition.

Example

The bone was for the dog. (correct)

The bone was for walked. (incorrect)

5.3 – Avoid using them at the end of sentences

Because prepositions must be followed by a noun and have an object, they should rarely be sited at the end of sentences.

Example

The table is where I put my books on. (incorrect)

I put my books on the table. (correct)

Further Reading:

• 50 sentences of prepositions
• Preposition Usage and Examples
• Learn Prepositions

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Before writing about the List of Prepositions, we have to know about the prepositions.

What is Preposition?

The preposition is a word that correlates between two different words or phrases, usually about the time or position. It places before the noun or a pronoun in a sentence that relates to the rest of the sentence and makes it meaningful by telling us what is exactly happening in the sentence.

In the English Language, there are various prepositional words, and each of these is used according to their use in a sentence.

There are certain varieties of the preposition, based on their use like,

Basic examples of prepositions

A] One-word Prepositions:

1. Common Prepositions
2. Seldom used Prepositions

B] Complex Prepositions:

1. Prepositional Phrases
2. Prepositions with verbs
3. Prepositions with Idioms.

One word Common prepositions:

Common prepositions are those prepositional words that are used mostly in sentences.

Here is the list of some common prepositional words,

• About, above, across, after, against, among, around, at
• Before, behind, below, beside, between, by
• Down, during
• For, from
• In, inside, into
• Near
• Of, off, on, out, over
• Through, towards, to
• Under, up
• With

Examples

1. About: 
   • What about your health
   • We are about to reach our destination.
2. Above:
   • An eagle is flying above the clouds.
   • The water level goes above the marking line due to heavy rainfall.
3. Across:
   • There is a huge mountain across the river.
   • A baby is going across the road
4. After:
   • We went home after the party was over.
   • I will go to sleep after 10 o’clock.
5. Against:
   • What do you have against me?
   • The man is running against the train.
6. Among:
   1. He is the eldest son among all.
   2. He is not comfortable sitting among us.
7. Around:
   • We all are sitting around the table.
   • Her age was around 80.
8. At:
   • We are at the party.
   • Come to my home at 8 o’clock.
9. Before:
   • He came before any other.
   • The train was left before its time
10. Behind:
    • He is doing something behind my house.
    • She is coming from behind.
11. Below:
    • He is swimming below the surface.
    • I will not decrease its price below the cost price.
12. Beside:
    • She lives beside this colony.
    • He was sitting beside my aunt.
13. Between:
    • I will catch you between 1 to 4 PM.
    • He overtakes his bike between two trucks.
14. By :
    • She was murdered by any sharp metal object.
    • We will provide you with the rest part by this evening.
15. Down:
    • He fell down on the ground.
    • You go straight, then step down the hill and continue your walk.
16. During
    • Nobody is allowed to go out during the lecture.
    • He was sleeping during the day.
17. For:
    • Let us go out for a trek.
    • Smoking is bad for your health.
18. From:
    • I wish her a happy new year from my side too.
    • He bought this shirt from supermart. 
19. In:
    • He is working in this location.
    • We are in the zoo now.
20. Inside:
    • The puppy is sitting inside the box.
    • I have some cash inside my pocket.
21. Into:
    • Water turns into ice at 0-degree celsius.
    • Jayson cut the eraser into two and gave them one each.
22. Near:
    • His office is just near my school.
    • She stands near the statue.
23. Of:
    • She came to meet me at the end of the month.
    • I am in the middle of something.
24. Off:
    • This shop is giving a 30% off sale on clothes.
    • Please take off your shirt.
25. On:
    • We started our project on that site.
    • He is sitting on the table.
26. Out:
    • He scored 79 marks out of 100 marks.
    • She is out of the world.
27. Over:
    • That airplane is flying over the buildings.
    • The village is situated just over the mountain.
28. Through:
    • The bullet is passing through this hole.
    • We had gone through bad situations.
29. Towards:
    • She is looking towards me for the last hour.
    • He has some responsibilities towards his family.
30. To:
    • You are coming to London.
    • This little girl waited for a long time to wish you personally.
31. Under:
    • He knows how to swim under-water.
    • He escaped from the cops on a boat under the bridge.
32. Up:
    • Jack and Jill both went up the hill.
    • He strikes a ball up the sky.
33. With:
    • Are you coming with us?
    • I pulled her out with the help of this rope.

Seldom used Prepositions:

Seldom used prepositions are those prepositional words that are rarely used in sentences.

Here is the list of some seldom-used prepositional words,

Examples:

1. Aboard:
   • She climbed aboard the ship.
   • Welcome aboard this flight to Mumbai. 
2. Along:
   • We traveled along with the boat in the Arabian Sea.
   • The bedroom is along with the kitchen.
3. Amid:
   • She hadn’t listened to her amid the voice.
   • We were lost amidst the world cup this year.
4. As:
   • My brother is working as a manager at this hotel.
   • Sugarcane is as sweet as sugar.
5. Astride:
   • He sat astride the Terries.
   • She slept astride on the sofa.
6. Alongside:
   • Their car is standing alongside our car.
   • My roll number is alongside my friend in the exam hall.
7. Beneath:
   • She hides beneath the bed.
   • He stands beneath the building.
8. Beyond:
   • This difficult stunt is beyond my limits.
   • Nobody can break the record beyond him.
9. But:
   • Everyone was present, but my friend didn’t.
   • He agreed to work here, but he has certain conditions.
10. Bar:
    • She stood on the table bar her friend did not.
    • I will come to the bar after 8 o’clock.
11. Concerning:
    • Your parents came to my house, and they discussed with us concerning your sister’s marriage.
    • I want to make some changes because I am concerned about you.
12. Considering:
    1. Considering the demand, I will increase production.
    2. This race is finished, considering the rules.
13. Counting:
    • If we start counting now, it will take 2 hours to finish.
    • The net cash is only $20k after counting.
14. Cum:
    • He invented a bicycle-cum-bike.
    • His mind is so sharp that he can sleep-cum-talk at the same time.
15. Despite:
    • We went on a picnic despite any arrangement.
    • He finished the race despite filling petrol in it.
16. Except:
    • You can purchase any other cell phone except Vivo. That is out of stock.
    • I will go anywhere for dinner except for this restaurant.
17. Exclude:
    • The total amount is 470$, excluded taxes.
    • He attends every seminar excluding Sundays.
18. Following:
    • The red t-shirt guy is following me.
    • Write down the following sentences.
19. Given:
    • She has given all her money to the kidnapper already.
    • All students will have to finish their paper at a given time.
20. Gone:
    • Let us go now; some of them have already gone away.
    • Your turn is gone earlier; now, it is my turn.
21. Including:
    • We provide you with special treatment in our hotel, including VIP services.
22. Like:
    • His behavior is like his brother.
    • I want a refreshing juice like Lemon soda.
23. Less:
    • Its qualities are less than the previous one.
    • 100 less 20 equals 80.
24. Minus:
    • Today’s temperature is minus 12 degrees Celsius.
    • Eighty minus ten equals’ seventy.
25. Next:
    • The next candidate is absent.
    • Call the cops standing next to you.
26. Notwithstanding:
    • Notwithstanding the quality, I refuse to buy it.
    • The hot iron is notwithstanding the strokes of the hammer.
27. Onto:
    • He jumped onto the trampoline from Terries.
    • The dog jumped onto the fence.
28. Opposite:
    • Opposite poles of a magnet repel each other.
    • She sat opposite my seat on the bus.
29. Outside:
    • He has not escaped outside the city.
    • The hot lava came outside from volcanoes.
30. Past:
    • The time half-past ten.
    • After an accident, I forgot my past memories.
31. Per:
    • His vehicle runs at a speed of 120 miles per hour.
    • She charges $50 per photo.
32. Plus:
    • Twenty-five plus seven equals thirty-two.
    • We won the match, and this is our plus point for qualifying for the finals.
33. Pro:
    • This phone is a pro version of my old phone.
    • We are playing a pro league match in this tournament.
34. Pending:
    • My payment is still pending.
    • She had completed all her pending works on this holiday.
35. Regarding:
    • I will discuss this with the management regarding your promotion.
    • Regarding this situation, I purchased a new machine for our work.
36. Round:
    • He stands outside the 30 yards round.
    • The bullet motions round, not straight.
37. Respecting:
    • I am talking too politely with you respecting your age.
    • Are you still respecting your teachers?
38. Save:
    • We all present here because he saves all of us at that moment.
    • The superhero is always ready to save the world.
39. Since:
    • We have been friends since 1980.
    • The museum had been closed since 1800 AD.
40. Than:
    • My brother is stronger than his brother.
    • I have an expensive toy car than anyone.
41. Till:
    • The shop will open till Saturday.
42. Throughout:
    • We have done nothing throughout the day.
43. Touching:
    • He still starts his morning touching his parents’ feet.
    • Your voice is touching my soul.
44. Underneath:
    • The money is hidden underneath the cushion.
    • The transformer is fixed underneath the poles.
45. Upon:
    • The spaceship needs extra force to go upon the earth.
    • An author has started writing a book upon his struggle.
46. Until:
    • You have to wait until I come.
    • The match will be continued until one loses.
47. Unlike:
    • You have so many, unlike characteristics.
    • He is working hard, unlike his younger brother.
48. Versus:
    • The match of David versus Jayul will start on time.
    • You have to select Range Rover versus Land Rover.
49. Via:
    • This ship travels to South Africa via Cambodia.
    • The International flight to Dubai ready to take off from Chennai, taking a route via Delhi.
50. Within:
    • Accessories also come within the box.
    • We are taking off our jet within two minutes.
51. Without:
    • I wore this blazer without a waistcoat inside.
    • Please do not leave without eating food.
52. Worth
    • I bought an Apple iPhone X worth USD 2565$ only.
    • Your good behavior is worth it.

Complex Prepositions or Prepositional phrases:

A complex preposition is a combination of two words. It may be a combination of

• a preposition and a phrase, Prepositional Phrases:
• A preposition and a verb, Prepositions with verbs:
• preposition with an idiom, Prepositions with Idioms, respectively.

Examples

Here is a list of complex prepositions,

1. According to:
   • According to my father, I don’t know how to eat.
2. Ahead of:
   • She was seated ahead of my seat on the bus.
3. Along with:
   • Have some biscuits or snacks along with Tea.
4. Apart from:
   • He has parked his car apart from his house.
5. As for:
   • As for me, this one is outstanding.
6. Aside from:
   • We have another day aside from this evening.
7. As per:
   • The exam will start on time as per the rules.
8. As well as:
   • He read as well as writing at the same time.
9. Away from:
   • The thief ran away from the cops and escaped.
10. Because of:
    • We failed to enjoy it because of the poor weather.
11. But for:
    • Usually, I refused to work with him, but for you, I agreed.
12. By means of:
    • You can climb the mountain by means of ropes.
13. Close to:
    • Your vehicle stands very close to my car.
14. Contrary to:
    • Contrary to desires, he failed the competitive exam.
15. Depending on:
    • We will go for a picnic by bus, depending on the strength.
16. Due to:
    • Due to the rain, the match was delayed.
17. Except for:
    • All are present at the party except for Shong, 
18. Forward of:
    • He is driving his vehicle just forward of our vehicle.
19. Further to:
    • Further to this topic, I have to talk with your guardian. 
20. In addition to:
    • There are a total of twelve players in addition to me in the team.
21. In the face of:
    • He looks at me like a stranger in the face of a big question mark for him.
22. In favor of:
    • All members are in favor of this decision.
23. In between:
    • His bike is in between the two-sport cars.
24. In front of:
    • No one will stand in front of the door.
25. In spite of:
    • We chose these curtains in spite of those ones.
26. Instead of:
    • He went on the road by walking instead of a car.
27. In view of:
    • In view of the celebration, we have decided to stay here.
28. Irrespective of:
    • Don’t try to judge me irrespective of my behavior.
29. Near to:
    • There is a workshop near to my school.
30. Next to:
    • His roll number is next to my seat in the hall.
31. On account of:
    • We are going to announce a holiday on account of the boss’s wedding celebration.
32. On behalf of:
    • You are appointed here on behalf of your colleague.
33. On top of:
    • We are sitting on top of the building.
34. Opposite to:
    • Your friend is standing opposite to the music system.
35. Other than:
    • You can order anything other than Tequila.
36. Out of:
    • Pick one cloth out of these ones.
37. Outside of:
    • Throw the ball outside of the stadium.
38. Owing to:
    • We can afford one AC owing to the monthly income.
39. Preparatory to:
    • We made a presentation preparatory to the seminar.
40. Prior to:
    • He never dares to go to the basement prior to living in the hostel.
41. Regardless of:
    • I won’t help you, regardless of our relationship, even if you pay for help.
42. Save for:
    • This is money that I have saved for a long time.
43. Thanks to:
    • We are in good condition, thanks to our Manager for his kindness.
44. Together with:
    • He would like to have some water together with the whiskey.
45. Up against:
    • China is fighting back up against the powerful nation of America.
46. Up to:
    • I will work in this building for up to ten years.
47. Up until:
    • We played up until they lost the game.
48. With regard to:
    • We would like to speak about your father with regard to his bravery in the Army.
49. With reference to:
    • With reference to your mail, I’m sending you the details of our company.

What is a preposition?

A preposition is a word used to link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words within a sentence. They act to connect the people, objects, time and locations of a sentence.  Prepositions are usually short words, and they are normally placed directly in front of nouns. In some cases, you’ll find prepositions in front of gerund verbs.

A nice way to think about prepositions is as the words that help glue a sentence together. They do this by expressing position and movement, possession, time and how an action is completed.

Indeed, several of the most frequently used words in all of English, such as of, to, for, with, on and at, are prepositions. Explaining prepositions can seem complicated, but they are a common part of language and most of us use them naturally without even thinking about it.

In fact, it’s interesting to note that prepositions are regarded as a ‘closed class’ of words in the English language. This means, unlike verbs and nouns, no new words are added to this group over time. In a way, it reflects their role as the functional workhorse of the sentence. They are unassuming and subtle, yet vitally important to the meaning of language.

There are two very important rules to remember when using prepositions. Because they are somewhat vague, learning about prepositions and using them correctly in sentences takes practice. Because 1:1 translation is often impossible when dealing with prepositions, even the most advanced English students have some difficulty at first.

• The first rule is that to make sentences clear, specific prepositions are needed. For example, the preposition in means one thing and the preposition on cannot substitute for it in all cases. Some prepositions are interchangeable but not always. The correct preposition means one particular thing and using a different proposition will give the sentence a very different meaning. I want to see you in the house now, Bill! means something very different from I want to see you on the house now, Bill! In the house means Bill should go through the door, walk inside, and stand in the hall or living room. On the house means Bill would need to get a ladder and climb to the roof where he would be on top of the house.
• The second rule for using prepositions is that prepositions are generally followed by nouns or pronouns. There was a time in the past when teachers held strictly to this rule, but it made for some clunky sentences. I am seeking someone I can depend on ends with the preposition on, so people who insisted that sentences shouldn’t end with a preposition would be forced to use convoluted and unnatural phrasing. To avoid ending that sentence above with a preposition, you’d have to say, someone I can depend on is whom I am seeking.
• There are more than 100 prepositions in the English language. In addition, there are endless possibilities for creating  prepositional phrases, phrases that begin with a preposition and end with a noun or pronoun.  In the following sections, you will find examples of prepositions, types of prepositions, a comprehensive list of prepositions, and some helpful preposition exercises. As you read the examples and study the list, remember that prepositions usually convey concepts such as comparison, direction, place, purpose, source possession, and time.

In the following sentences, examples of prepositions have been italicized. As you read, consider how using different prepositions or even different types of prepositions in place of the examples might change the relationship between the rest of the words in the sentence.

• I prefer to read in the library.
• He climbed up the ladder to get onto the roof.
• Please sign your name on the dotted line after you read the contract.
• Go down the stairs and through the door.
• He swam across the pool.
• Take your brother with you.

Types of Prepositions

There are three types of prepositions, including time prepositions, place prepositions, and direction prepositions.
Time prepositions are those such as before, after, during, and until; place prepositions are those indicating position, such as around, between, and against; and direction prepositions are those indicative of direction, such as across, up, and down. Each type of preposition is important.

Type of Prepositions

Prepositions of Time
Basic examples of time prepositions include: at, on, in, before and after. They are used to help indicate when something happened, happens or will happen. It can get a little confusing though, as many different prepositions can be used.

Prepositions of time examples in the following sentences are in bold for easy identification.

For example:

• I was born on July 4^th, 1982.
• I was born in 1982.
• I was born at exactly 2am.
• I was born two minutes before my twin brother.
• I was born after the Great War ended.

The above makes it seem quite difficult, with five different prepositions used to indicate when something happened. However, there is a set of guidelines that can help decide which preposition to use:

For years, months, seasons, centuries and times of day, use the preposition in:

• I first met John in 1987.
• It’s always cold in January
• Easter falls in spring each year.
• The Second World War occurred in the 20th century.
• We eat breakfast in the morning.

For days, dates and specific holiday days, use the preposition on.

1. We go to school on Mondays, but not on Sunday
2. Christmas is on December 25^th.
3. Buy me a present on my birthday.

For times, indicators of exception and festivals, use the preposition at:

• Families often argue at Christmas time.
• I work faster at night.
• Her shift finished at 7pm.

Before and after should be much easier to understand than the other examples of prepositions of time. Both are used to explain when something happened, happens or will happen, but specifically in relation to another thing.

• Before I discovered this bar, I used to go straight home after work.
• We will not leave before 3pm.
• David comes before Bryan in the line, but after Louise.

Other prepositions of time could include: During, about, around, until and throughout.

• The concert will be staged throughout the month of May.
• I learned how to ski during the holidays.
• He usually arrives around 3pm.
• It was about six in the morning when we made it to bed.
• The store is open until midnight.

Prepositions of Place

To confuse matters a bit, the most common prepositions to indicate time – on, at, in – are also the most common prepositions to indicate position. However, the rules are a little clearer as place prepositions are a more rigid concept than time prepositions.

Prepositions of place examples in the following sentences are in bold for easy identification.

• The cat is on the table.
• The dogs are in the kennel.
• We can meet at the crossroads.

The guidelines can be broken down as follows:

On is used when referring to something with a surface:

• The sculpture hangs on the wall.
• The images are on the page.
• The specials are on the menu, which is on the table.

In is used when referring to something that is inside or within confined boundaries. This could be anything, even a country:

1. Jim is in France, visiting his aunt in the hospital.
2. The whiskey is in the jar in the fridge.
3. The girls play in the garden.

At is used when referring to something at a specific point:

1. The boys are at the entrance at the movie theater.
2. He stood at the bus stop at the corner of Water and High streets.
3. We will meet at the airport.

Lot’s of other prepositions of place, such as under, over, inside, outside, above and below are used in English. There is, however, a lot less confusion as they refer to rigid positions rather than abstract ones.

• The cat is under the table.
• Put the sandwich over there.
• The key is locked inside the car.
• They stepped outside the house.
• Major is ranked above corporal.
• He is waving at you from below the stairs.

Prepositions of Movement

Prepositions of movement are quite easy to understand as they are less abstract than prepositions of place and time. Essentially, they describe how something or someone moves from one place to another. The most commonly used preposition of movement is to, which usually serves to highlight that there is movement towards a specific destination.

Prepositions of movement examples in the following sentences are in bold for easy identification.

• He has gone on vacation to France.
• She went to the bowling alley every Friday last summer.
• I will go to bed when I am tired.
• They will go to the zoo if they finish their errands.

Other more specific prepositions of movement include: through, across, off, down and into. These prepositions can sometimes get mixed up with others. While they are similar, they have individual meanings that add context to the movement.

Across refers to moving from one side to another.

• Mike travelled across America on his motorcycle.
• Rebecca and Judi are swimming across the lake.

Through refers to moving directly inside something and out the other end.

• The bullet Ben shot went through the window.
• The train passes through the tunnel.

Into refers to entering or looking inside something.

• James went into the room.
• They stare into the darkness.

Up, over, down, past and around indicate directions of movement:

1. Jack went up the hill.
2. Jill came tumbling down after.
3. We will travel over rough terrain on our way to Grandma’s house.
4. The horse runs around the track all morning.
5. A car zoomed past a truck on the highway

How to Recognize a Preposition?

Recognizing prepositions can be challenging as they do not always follow a consistent pattern in terms of their position in a sentence, nor do they have a discernible structure or spelling. We do know, however, that prepositions are almost always short words, with the majority having less than six letters. One technique people use to identify a preposition is to think of a preposition as anywhere a mouse can go. Above, below, next to, between, beyond, through, by, with…It won’t cover them all, but it can be a useful question to ask when trying to identify and recognize a preposition. While there are over 100 prepositions, there are around 500,00-700,000 nouns in English! It is unlikely anyone will learn so many nouns, but recognizing and then mastering prepositions might be a worthwhile and attainable goal.

Prepositions with Nouns

There are lots of different nouns that carry specific prepositions to consolidate their meaning. These are called dependent prepositions. Again, there isn’t a set rule that says a particular type of noun will take a dependent preposition, although they normally follow the noun. Moreover, there are many possible combinations. Essentially, it’s case of familiarizing yourself with the different possibilities of nouns and dependent prepositions. Examples:

• He displayed cruelty towards his dog.
• She had knowledge of physics.
• The trouble with Jack.
• 21 is the age at which you are allowed to drink.
• Bolt made another attempt at the world record.
• The police held an inquiry into the murder.

Prepositions with Verbs

Prepositional verbs – the phrasal combinations of verbs and prepositions – are important parts of speech. The prepositions again act as links between the verb and noun or gerund, giving extra meaning to the sentence. The prepositions most commonly used with verbs are: to, for, about, of, in, at and from. The good news is that these will always come after the verb in the sentence. However, it should also be noted that the prepositional verbs can have slightly different meaning compared to the original verb. For example, to relate a story simply means to tell a story, to relate to a story means you identify with it, find some personally meaning in that story.

Verb + to:

• He admitted to the charge.
• I go to Vancouver on vacation twice a year.
• William can relate to the character in the play.

Verb + for:

• He must apologize for his actions.
• We searched for ages before we found the perfect apartment.
• I provide for my family by working two jobs.

Verb + with:

• I don’t agree with your claim.
• The lawyer said he will meet with your representatives.
• They began with a quick warm-up.

Verb + of:

• I dream of a better life.
• Have you heard of Shakespeare?
• The bread consists of dough, raisins and a little honey.

Verb + in:

• Does Rick believe in miracles?
• Fallon lives in New York.
• The bus accident resulted in my being late to work.

Verb + at

1. We arrived at our destination.
2. Ilene excels at singing.
3. Will the baby smile at her mother?

Verb + on:

• We should really concentrate on our studies now.
• Helen insisted on Brenda’s company.
• Morris experimented on some canvas.

Verb + from:

• Since turning 80, she suffers from lapses in concentration.
• Dad retired from the navy in the 1970s.
• Billy Bob, please refrain from doing that.

Prepositions with Adjectives

Prepositions can form phrases with adjectives to give further context to the action, emotion or thing the adjective is describing. Like verbs and nouns, adjectives can be followed by: to, about, In, for, with, at and by.

• I am happily married to David.
• Ellie is crazy about this movie.
• Michelle is interested in politics.
• We are sorry for your loss.
• Jane will be delighted with her results.
• Is he still angry at the world?
• The entire room was astonished by the election results.

There can sometimes be a pattern in deciding which prepositions go with adjectives, for example, when adjectives have the same or very similar meaning to each other, they might take the same preposition:

• Frightened of, afraid of, scared of, terrified of

Indeed, when adjectives have opposite meaning they might also take the same preposition:

• Good at, great at, superb at, wonderful at
• Bad at, terrible at, woeful at, inept at

There are always many exceptions to the above, but it can help that there seems to be some

consistency when adjectives have the same meaning or opposite meaning.

Nevertheless, perhaps a more general rule is that English speakers simply need to learn which prepositions go with which adjectives, as meaning can change significantly by using a different preposition.

• I am good at sports means I have some athletic talent.
• The nurse was good to my mother means she took care of her and was nice, kind, and helpful.
• I am good with animals means I get along with them and handle them well.
• Swimming is good for your health.
• That was good of you to come means you were begin nice and good to visit.
• My little brother is good inside (his body) means even though you can’t see how he thinks and feels, he is good. Even if his behavior is bad.
• The blueberry jam will be good on toast. 

Prepositions Exercises

The following exercises will help you gain greater understanding about how prepositions work. Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.
1. The bone was _______ the dog.
a. About
b. For
c. After
d. Considering

Answer: b. The bone was for the dog.

2. We are going on vacation _______ August.
a. On
b. At
c. In
d. Since

Answer: c. We are going on vacation in August.

3. Please put the vase ________ the table.
a. In
b. On
c. For
d. Over

Answer: b. Please put the vase on the table.
4. I received a present ________ Janet.
a. From
b. Of
c. By
d. About

Answer: a. I received a present from Janet.
5. School begins ________ Monday.
a. In
b. On
c. From
d. Since

Answer: b. School begins on Monday.

List of Prepositions

While there are only about 150 prepositions in the English language, these words are among the most important. Without them, the sentences we speak, read, and write would be difficult to understand. The following list of prepositions is not a complete one, however it is among the most comprehensive lists of prepositions available anywhere.

Aboard

About

Above

Absent

Across

After

Against

Along

Alongside

Amid

Among

Amongst

Anti

Around

As

At

Before

Behind

Below

Beneath

Beside

Besides

Between

Beyond

But

By

Circa

Concerning

Considering

Despite

Down

During

Except

Excepting

Excluding

Failing

Following

For

From

Given

In

Inside

Into

Like

Minus

Near

Of

Off

On

Onto

Opposite

Outside

Over

Past

Per

Plus

Regarding

Round

Save

Since

Than

Through

To

Toward

Towards

Under

Underneath

Unlike

Until

Up

Upon

Versus

Via

With

Within

Without

Worth

Types of Prepositions

There are several types of prepositions such as: Simple Prepositions, Double Prepositions, Compound Prepositions, Phrasal prepositions, Participle Prepositions, Disguised preposition, and Detached Prepositions.

1. Simple Prepositions: 

Simple prepositions are used to denote a relation between nouns or pronouns. These can even be used to join different parts of sentences and clauses. Simple prepositions are one word prepositions. These are also called Single Prepositions. Common words used that come under the category of Simple Prepositions are as follows:

In, out, on, up, at, for, from, by, of, off, through, till, etc.

Examples of Simple Prepositions in sentences:

Keep your phones in your pockets.

Staring at people is not considered a good gesture.

In the above two examples, both prepositions consist of one simple word and hence are Single or Simple Prepositions.

2. Double Prepositions: 

Double Prepositions are made by putting together two Single Prepositions. That is why they are called Double Prepositions. Common words used as Double Prepositions are as follows:

Onto, into, throughout, up till, up to, within, without, upon, etc.

Examples of Double Prepositions in sentences:

Complete this essay within two hours.

I am going to turn this scrap into a masterpiece.

In the first example, the Preposition within is made by combining two Single Prepositions with and in.

In the second example, the Preposition into is formed by putting together two Simple Prepositions in and two. These are hence Double Prepositions.

3. Compound Prepositions: 

Compound Prepositions are those types of preposition that are usually formed by prefixing a preposition to nouns, adjectives or adverbs.  They are different from double prepositions because they are not formed by two single prepositions. Common words, which come under the category of compound prepositions, are stated below:

Above, about, across, along, before, behind, beside, inside, outside, etc.

Examples of preposition in sentences:

He was going about his business.

The person beside Ali is my brother.

In the first example, the prefix ‘a’ is added to a root word ‘bout’ to make a preposition. In the second example, the prefix be is added to the root word side to make a preposition. Thus, these words are Compound Prepositions.

4. Phrasal Prepositions: 

Phrasal Prepositions are groups of words or phrases that join the noun or pronoun in a sentence, to the remainder of the sentence. These groups of words express a single idea by coming together as a unit. Words that come under the category of Phrasal Prepositions are as follows:

In addition to, by means of, in spite of, according to, owing to, in favour of, etc.

Examples of Phrasal Prepositions in sentences:

He couldn’t pass the test, owing to his lack of knowledge of English Grammar.

She made it to the other side of the world, in spite of all the difficulties.

In the first example, the group of words ‘owing to’ is joining the two sentences with each other and is a phrase. Likewise, the group of words ‘in spite of’ is also a phrase and is working as a preposition. Hence, these are Phrasal Prepositions.

5. Participle Prepositions: 

Participle Prepositions, indicating from their name, are the Present Participle forms of Verbs. These are used without any noun or pronoun attached with them. The words that are distinguished as Participle Prepositions are as follows:

Concerning, considering, barring, notwithstanding, touching, pending, during, etc.

Examples of Participle Prepositions in sentences:

Notwithstanding his efforts, he was still fired from the job.

Touching this matter, I do not have much information.

In above examples, both the verbs notwithstanding and touching are in Present Participle which is apparent from the ‘ing’ at the end of both words. These words are therefore Participle Prepositions.

6. Disguised Prepositions: 

Disguised prepositions are those prepositions which are not used in the sentences directly, but we use them in a disguised way. Their shorter forms are used. The examples of Disguised Prepositions are ‘a’ and ‘o’.

Disguised preposition ‘a’ is shortened form of the preposition ‘on’ and similarly ‘o’ is the shortened form of the preposition ‘of’.

Examples of disguised prepositions in sentences:

The ceremony will be held at 5 o’ clock.

We all went to a party.

In the first example, instead of saying ‘5 of the clock’, we have used disguised form of the preposition of.

In the second example, instead of saying ‘went on partying’, we have used abbreviation of the preposition on and disguised the preposition as ‘a’. Hence these are Disguised Prepositions.

7. Detached Prepositions: 

A preposition is called a detached preposition when it does not come before its object. It is detached from its object. When the object of a preposition is an interrogative pronoun or a relative pronoun, the preposition comes at the end of the sentence.

Look at the following examples of detached prepositions for further understanding.

She is the woman whom I was talking about.

Here are the books that you asked for.

Which of the houses were you working in?

In the first two of the above examples, we can see that because of relative pronouns whom and that, the prepositions about and for are being detached from their objects.

In the third example, the interrogative pronoun ‘which’ is detaching the preposition ‘in’ from its object.

Hence these are all detached prepositions.

If this is your first time hearing the term “preposition,” you may wonder why you should study examples of this word type. After all, prepositions, also called connecting words here, are common, short, and easy to remember. So why put so much focus on them? Well, the better you understand them, the easier it becomes to communicate your thoughts. If you need to learn the basics of connecting words and see examples of prepositions, quickly visit this page.

In fact, connecting words make it easy to create complex sentences that connect one point with another. In addition, you’re able to provide your audience with important background information by including connecting words, verbs, and nouns in your sentences. Here are a few preposition examples showing how the right connecting words give the reader key info.

ORIGINAL	WITH CONNECTING WORDS
School is cancelled.	School is cancelled on Friday for the parade.
She hid.	She hid under the blankets to scare her twin brother.
Ted fled.	Ted fled to Miami on a yacht.

Each sentence that contains at least one connecting word helps you to better understand the situation. It makes you feel like the sentences without connecting words aren’t providing the full scenario. That’s why this part of speech is important for both writing and speaking. Now that you understand why connecting words are so valuable, let’s look at the various categories. You’ll begin with time preposition examples.

Time Connecting Words: Examples of a Preposition

On is one of the most common time connecting words. You can use it to discuss days of the week in this prepositions example.

• What did you do on Friday? I didn’t see you at the party.
• Well, on Thursday night I came down with the flu. I was still sick on Friday, so my mom wouldn’t let me leave the house.

In American English, you also use on to discuss the weekend and vacations.

• I like going to the beach on weekends during summer. What do you like to do on summer weekends, George?
• You haven’t been on vacation in over three years? You need a break!

In is another common time connecting word. Use it to talk about a period of time in this prepositions example.

• I have my swimming lesson in the morning tomorrow.
• My dad went to the rooftop Beatles concert in the winter of 1969.

At is a connecting word you use to describe what happens at a particular hour or time of day.

• Did you remember we have a date at 7:00pm? Be sure not to forget!
• I can’t believe I’m jogging home this late at night.

You also use at in place of on when discussing the weekend in British English.

• In London you say, “What did you do at the weekend.”

Before you learn how to use other connecting words, take a quick break. Here are helpful lessons on MLA format and more citation styles.

Place Connecting Words: More Examples of Preposition

On, in, and at are place preposition examples. However, instead of explaining when something will happen, like time connecting words do, place words tell us where something is. For a quick intro to place connecting words and examples of a preposition, see this for further reading.

There are many reasons why you would use the word on when showing the placement of one thing in connection to another thing. First, you can use it to explain when something is on top of something else. Take this prepositions example:

• Sure, you can borrow my pencil. It’s on the bookshelf.

Second, on works with a thing attached to something else.

• I only keep the finest paintings on my wall. Nothing else will do.

Third, you use on to describe placement.

• The bathroom is upstairs and on your right.
• I’m on the fourth floor of a New York walkup.

Finally, on can describe different methods of travel.

• Henry is fearful when he flies on a plane.
• That’s true, but I love riding on trains!

In has fewer uses while acting as a place connecting words. Basically, you use it to describe when something is inside another thing.

• I can’t talk right now, I’m in the car.
• Where am I traveling now? I’m currently in Egypt.
• Cynthia got to the final level in her favorite video game.

The place word at shows the specific location of something.

• She met her friends at the ice skating rink.

You use at to describe where certain events take place.

• She did such a great job at the bodybuilding competition.
• They host a festival every year at the waterfront.

At also describes where you do typical activities.

• I’m at work right now.
• They’re both at the beach right now.

Ending a sentence with a preposition is also doable. Take a gander at these examples of a preposition at work!

• Where are you at?
• Where is he from?
• Who’s this going to?

All of these examples of preposition show connecting words ending a sentence. These cases, as you can see, typically end in the interrogative. Think you can create your own examples of a preposition, yet?

Need help on your English paper? Here’s a helpful paper checker! There are also tools that can help you create citations in APA format!

Different Varieties of Connecting Words

Simple Preposition Examples

Of and by are a couple of simple connecting words. How do you use each one in a prepositions example?

Of can either show possession or express an amount.

• She’s a friend of Sally’s.
• I would like a half pound of french fries please.

By explains who has done something.

• My favorite book was written by R.L. Stine.
• That song by Taylor is incredibly catchy.

Examples of Prepositions: The Double Connecting Words

Take two simple connecting words and combine them to get double connecting words such as onto and into. Onto expresses movement to a certain place.

• I got onto the train to begin my trip.
• He went onto the dock to catch some fish.

You go into something when you travel inside or toward the center of that thing.

• I’m getting into the pool. Are you joining?

Examples of Prepositions: The Compound Connecting Words

Sometimes multiple words form compound connecting words. Take the words thanks to and regardless of, for instance. Thanks to means the same as “because of.”

• I’m attending Harvard next semester thanks to my generous scholarships.

Regardless of means in spite of something, or without considering it.

• He doesn’t always wear a helmet, regardless of the fact he could injure himself skating.

Examples of Prepositions: The Gerund Connecting Words

Some connecting words are gerunds, which are verbs ending in -ing like during and excluding. During explains when something happens.

• Some people didn’t enroll in the army during the Civil War.

Excluding means to not include someone.

• We all ate pizza, excluding Dave, because he’s gluten intolerant.

Phrasal Preposition Examples

Some phrases also work as connecting words. You might be familiar with as well as or with the exception of. You use as well as to include something.

• I’m headed to Prague as well as Budapest this summer.

With the exception of, excludes something.

• We all ate salad, with the exception of Dave, because he’s on the strict carnivore diet.

Examples of Preposition for Agent and Instrument

When someone creates something, they are the agent of that thing. You already know the word by from earlier. With and without also fit in this group.

With includes. Without excludes.

• He’s creating this painting with his mentors.
• She’s making pasta without any help.

Before you finish the lesson on what examples of a preposition are, you need to learn the incorrect usage or rather become more familiar with reading context. There are times when prepositions can become a part of the verb it is next to in a sentence. These preposition examples show:

• My daughter grew up so fast!
• The lights were turned on.

In both examples of prepositions, the bolded words include the prepositions up and on. They combine with their verbs preceding them and transform the meaning of the two words altogether. Now, look at how changing the context of the verb alters the connecting words purpose.

• The vines grew up along the drain pipe.
• The group of kids turn on the next light.

In both examples of a preposition above, up and on take back their original meaning as a connecting word and don’t take on the verb’s meaning.

Now that you have studied a few preposition examples, practice creating your own sentences with them. Right or wrong, learn and memorize the ins and outs of these examples of preposition. Out of all the preposition categories, were there examples of prepositions that you still don’t understand? You’ll find that you use these words often to add detail in both speech and writing. Practice makes perfect and using preposition examples goes a long way when perfecting the English language.