All are grammatically correct, but can have slightly different meanings.
You also are allowed to see your son.
This could mean that in addition to other things that you are allowed to do, you are allowed to see your son. Depending on context, it could mean that in addition to others being allowed, you are too. E.g. «Your son’s wife is allowed to see him. You also are allowed to see him.»
You are also allowed to see your son.
Pretty much the same as the previous. We would be less likely to use this form to say #2 above, i.e. that you are allowed along with others who are allowed. This would more likely mean #1, in addition to other things, you are also allowed, etc.
Also, you are allowed to see your son.
In addition to other things, you are allowed to see your son. This differs from the first two in that it can be used when the other things are not permissions, while the first two would generally be used only to discuss several different permissions. That is, for example:
You are allowed to have a lawyer present during questioning. You are also allowed to see your son.
Versus:
Your deposit will be refunded. Also, you are now allowed to see your son.
Finally,
You are allowed to see your son also.
This one is most different. It would normally be used if there are specifically others that you are allowed to see, and your son is one of those. Like, «You are allowed to see your daughter. You are allowed to see your son also.» You wouldn’t use this form with other permissions or with other things that are not permissions.
But note that if you put a comma between «son» and «also», then it becomes the same as «Also, you are …»
One of the most common mistakes associated with word order is the tendency to put adverbs in the wrong place. This particularly applies to the word “also”, but other adverbs are commonly misplaced too.
Consider the following examples with “also”:
WRONG
We included also the information that the holiday year starts on 1 January.
RIGHT
We also included the information that the holiday year starts on 1 January.
WRONG
The rules set out above apply also to the Confidential Information.
RIGHT
The rules set out above also apply to the Confidential Information.
As these examples show, “also” should go between the subject and the verb, NOT after the verb. The next examples – with other adverbs – follow the same pattern:
WRONG
We have only time to finish the first part of the project by the deadline.
RIGHT
We only have time to finish the first part of the project by the deadline.
WRONG
Who has usually access to classified information?
RIGHT
Who usually has access to classified information?
WRONG
Do you know when Jan Kowalski started officially his work for the Company?
RIGHT
Do you know when Jan Kowalski officially started his work for the Company?
There is, of course, an exception to this rule. When the verb is “to be” the adverb usually goes after the verb:
She is also an experienced adviser on mergers and acquisitions in this sector.
The client is often unable to sign documents at short notice due to extensive foreign travel.
When a sentence has an auxiliary verb and a main verb, it is usual to put adverbs between them. For example:
We have finally completed the project.
Here “have” is the auxiliary verb and “completed” is the main verb; “have completed” is the present perfect tense.
More examples:
You must also send us the signed PoA.
(“must” is a modal auxiliary verb which modifies “send”)
We have already heard about the outcome.
(“have heard” = present perfect)
He is just arriving now.
(“is arriving” = present continuous)
The firm has frequently been praised for its commercial approach to problem solving.
(“has been praised” = present perfect passive)
In some of these examples the adverb could be put in a different place for particular emphasis. But these show standard word order.
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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:
- Common Prepositions
- Seldom used Prepositions
B] Complex Prepositions:
- Prepositional Phrases
- Prepositions with verbs
- 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
- About:
- What about your health
- We are about to reach our destination.
- Above:
- An eagle is flying above the clouds.
- The water level goes above the marking line due to heavy rainfall.
- Across:
- There is a huge mountain across the river.
- A baby is going across the road
- After:
- We went home after the party was over.
- I will go to sleep after 10 o’clock.
- Against:
- What do you have against me?
- The man is running against the train.
- Among:
- He is the eldest son among all.
- He is not comfortable sitting among us.
- Around:
- We all are sitting around the table.
- Her age was around 80.
- At:
- We are at the party.
- Come to my home at 8 o’clock.
- Before:
- He came before any other.
- The train was left before its time
- Behind:
- He is doing something behind my house.
- She is coming from behind.
- Below:
- He is swimming below the surface.
- I will not decrease its price below the cost price.
- Beside:
- She lives beside this colony.
- He was sitting beside my aunt.
- Between:
- I will catch you between 1 to 4 PM.
- He overtakes his bike between two trucks.
- By :
- She was murdered by any sharp metal object.
- We will provide you with the rest part by this evening.
- Down:
- He fell down on the ground.
- You go straight, then step down the hill and continue your walk.
- During
- Nobody is allowed to go out during the lecture.
- He was sleeping during the day.
- For:
- Let us go out for a trek.
- Smoking is bad for your health.
- From:
- I wish her a happy new year from my side too.
- He bought this shirt from supermart.
- In:
- He is working in this location.
- We are in the zoo now.
- Inside:
- The puppy is sitting inside the box.
- I have some cash inside my pocket.
- Into:
- Water turns into ice at 0-degree celsius.
- Jayson cut the eraser into two and gave them one each.
- Near:
- His office is just near my school.
- She stands near the statue.
- Of:
- She came to meet me at the end of the month.
- I am in the middle of something.
- Off:
- This shop is giving a 30% off sale on clothes.
- Please take off your shirt.
- On:
- We started our project on that site.
- He is sitting on the table.
- Out:
- He scored 79 marks out of 100 marks.
- She is out of the world.
- Over:
- That airplane is flying over the buildings.
- The village is situated just over the mountain.
- Through:
- The bullet is passing through this hole.
- We had gone through bad situations.
- Towards:
- She is looking towards me for the last hour.
- He has some responsibilities towards his family.
- To:
- You are coming to London.
- This little girl waited for a long time to wish you personally.
- Under:
- He knows how to swim under-water.
- He escaped from the cops on a boat under the bridge.
- Up:
- Jack and Jill both went up the hill.
- He strikes a ball up the sky.
- 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:
- Aboard:
- She climbed aboard the ship.
- Welcome aboard this flight to Mumbai.
- Along:
- We traveled along with the boat in the Arabian Sea.
- The bedroom is along with the kitchen.
- Amid:
- She hadn’t listened to her amid the voice.
- We were lost amidst the world cup this year.
- As:
- My brother is working as a manager at this hotel.
- Sugarcane is as sweet as sugar.
- Astride:
- He sat astride the Terries.
- She slept astride on the sofa.
- Alongside:
- Their car is standing alongside our car.
- My roll number is alongside my friend in the exam hall.
- Beneath:
- She hides beneath the bed.
- He stands beneath the building.
- Beyond:
- This difficult stunt is beyond my limits.
- Nobody can break the record beyond him.
- But:
- Everyone was present, but my friend didn’t.
- He agreed to work here, but he has certain conditions.
- Bar:
- She stood on the table bar her friend did not.
- I will come to the bar after 8 o’clock.
- 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.
- Considering:
- Considering the demand, I will increase production.
- This race is finished, considering the rules.
- Counting:
- If we start counting now, it will take 2 hours to finish.
- The net cash is only $20k after counting.
- Cum:
- He invented a bicycle-cum-bike.
- His mind is so sharp that he can sleep-cum-talk at the same time.
- Despite:
- We went on a picnic despite any arrangement.
- He finished the race despite filling petrol in it.
- Except:
- You can purchase any other cell phone except Vivo. That is out of stock.
- I will go anywhere for dinner except for this restaurant.
- Exclude:
- The total amount is 470$, excluded taxes.
- He attends every seminar excluding Sundays.
- Following:
- The red t-shirt guy is following me.
- Write down the following sentences.
- Given:
- She has given all her money to the kidnapper already.
- All students will have to finish their paper at a given time.
- Gone:
- Let us go now; some of them have already gone away.
- Your turn is gone earlier; now, it is my turn.
- Including:
- We provide you with special treatment in our hotel, including VIP services.
- Like:
- His behavior is like his brother.
- I want a refreshing juice like Lemon soda.
- Less:
- Its qualities are less than the previous one.
- 100 less 20 equals 80.
- Minus:
- Today’s temperature is minus 12 degrees Celsius.
- Eighty minus ten equals’ seventy.
- Next:
- The next candidate is absent.
- Call the cops standing next to you.
- Notwithstanding:
- Notwithstanding the quality, I refuse to buy it.
- The hot iron is notwithstanding the strokes of the hammer.
- Onto:
- He jumped onto the trampoline from Terries.
- The dog jumped onto the fence.
- Opposite:
- Opposite poles of a magnet repel each other.
- She sat opposite my seat on the bus.
- Outside:
- He has not escaped outside the city.
- The hot lava came outside from volcanoes.
- Past:
- The time half-past ten.
- After an accident, I forgot my past memories.
- Per:
- His vehicle runs at a speed of 120 miles per hour.
- She charges $50 per photo.
- Plus:
- Twenty-five plus seven equals thirty-two.
- We won the match, and this is our plus point for qualifying for the finals.
- Pro:
- This phone is a pro version of my old phone.
- We are playing a pro league match in this tournament.
- Pending:
- My payment is still pending.
- She had completed all her pending works on this holiday.
- Regarding:
- I will discuss this with the management regarding your promotion.
- Regarding this situation, I purchased a new machine for our work.
- Round:
- He stands outside the 30 yards round.
- The bullet motions round, not straight.
- Respecting:
- I am talking too politely with you respecting your age.
- Are you still respecting your teachers?
- Save:
- We all present here because he saves all of us at that moment.
- The superhero is always ready to save the world.
- Since:
- We have been friends since 1980.
- The museum had been closed since 1800 AD.
- Than:
- My brother is stronger than his brother.
- I have an expensive toy car than anyone.
- Till:
- The shop will open till Saturday.
- Throughout:
- We have done nothing throughout the day.
- Touching:
- He still starts his morning touching his parents’ feet.
- Your voice is touching my soul.
- Underneath:
- The money is hidden underneath the cushion.
- The transformer is fixed underneath the poles.
- Upon:
- The spaceship needs extra force to go upon the earth.
- An author has started writing a book upon his struggle.
- Until:
- You have to wait until I come.
- The match will be continued until one loses.
- Unlike:
- You have so many, unlike characteristics.
- He is working hard, unlike his younger brother.
- Versus:
- The match of David versus Jayul will start on time.
- You have to select Range Rover versus Land Rover.
- 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.
- Within:
- Accessories also come within the box.
- We are taking off our jet within two minutes.
- Without:
- I wore this blazer without a waistcoat inside.
- Please do not leave without eating food.
- 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,
- According to:
- According to my father, I don’t know how to eat.
- Ahead of:
- She was seated ahead of my seat on the bus.
- Along with:
- Have some biscuits or snacks along with Tea.
- Apart from:
- He has parked his car apart from his house.
- As for:
- As for me, this one is outstanding.
- Aside from:
- We have another day aside from this evening.
- As per:
- The exam will start on time as per the rules.
- As well as:
- He read as well as writing at the same time.
- Away from:
- The thief ran away from the cops and escaped.
- Because of:
- We failed to enjoy it because of the poor weather.
- But for:
- Usually, I refused to work with him, but for you, I agreed.
- By means of:
- You can climb the mountain by means of ropes.
- Close to:
- Your vehicle stands very close to my car.
- Contrary to:
- Contrary to desires, he failed the competitive exam.
- Depending on:
- We will go for a picnic by bus, depending on the strength.
- Due to:
- Due to the rain, the match was delayed.
- Except for:
- All are present at the party except for Shong,
- Forward of:
- He is driving his vehicle just forward of our vehicle.
- Further to:
- Further to this topic, I have to talk with your guardian.
- In addition to:
- There are a total of twelve players in addition to me in the team.
- In the face of:
- He looks at me like a stranger in the face of a big question mark for him.
- In favor of:
- All members are in favor of this decision.
- In between:
- His bike is in between the two-sport cars.
- In front of:
- No one will stand in front of the door.
- In spite of:
- We chose these curtains in spite of those ones.
- Instead of:
- He went on the road by walking instead of a car.
- In view of:
- In view of the celebration, we have decided to stay here.
- Irrespective of:
- Don’t try to judge me irrespective of my behavior.
- Near to:
- There is a workshop near to my school.
- Next to:
- His roll number is next to my seat in the hall.
- On account of:
- We are going to announce a holiday on account of the boss’s wedding celebration.
- On behalf of:
- You are appointed here on behalf of your colleague.
- On top of:
- We are sitting on top of the building.
- Opposite to:
- Your friend is standing opposite to the music system.
- Other than:
- You can order anything other than Tequila.
- Out of:
- Pick one cloth out of these ones.
- Outside of:
- Throw the ball outside of the stadium.
- Owing to:
- We can afford one AC owing to the monthly income.
- Preparatory to:
- We made a presentation preparatory to the seminar.
- Prior to:
- He never dares to go to the basement prior to living in the hostel.
- Regardless of:
- I won’t help you, regardless of our relationship, even if you pay for help.
- Save for:
- This is money that I have saved for a long time.
- Thanks to:
- We are in good condition, thanks to our Manager for his kindness.
- Together with:
- He would like to have some water together with the whiskey.
- Up against:
- China is fighting back up against the powerful nation of America.
- Up to:
- I will work in this building for up to ten years.
- Up until:
- We played up until they lost the game.
- With regard to:
- We would like to speak about your father with regard to his bravery in the Army.
- With reference to:
- With reference to your mail, I’m sending you the details of our company.
In this post, we are covering preposition, its types with examples and rules. Following points will be covered.
- What is a preposition?
- List of Prepositions
- Types of Preposition
- Simple Preposition
- Double preposition
- Compound preposition
- Participle preposition
- Phrase preposition
- 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
- 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
- Simple preposition
- Double preposition
- Compound preposition
- Participle preposition
- 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.
- A word is preposition when it adds noun or pronoun. For example, The knife lies in the basket.
- 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.
- 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
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
- We have a meeting at 9 a.m.
- I went home at lunch time.
- We have a party at midnight.
- The shop closes at 6 o’ clock
- The stars shine at night.
At is used to express
- Exact time at 5 o’ clock
- Meal time at lunch
- Festivals at New Year
- With age at the age of 20
- Time at this time
Uses of in
- I shall return in an hour.
- In this town, it often rain in July.
- Would you think we will go to Greece in the future?
- I shall be successful in the next year.
- We will go to hill station in the summer.
In is used to express
- Parts of the day in the morning
- Months in December
- Centuries in 20th Century
- Years in 2013
- Season in Autumn
- Time period in those days
Uses of on
- I work on Monday.
- His birthday on 1st April.
- Vacations end on Tuesday.
- We are going to Texas on 1st June.
- We will meet on Friend’s Day
On is used to express
- Festivals on independence day
- Dates on 1st May
- Days of the week on Monday
- Occasion on that day
- 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
- He cannot run the bicycle because of his leg.
- He is sick from fever.
- Her sales increased repeatedly through good marketing.
- The quarrel was increased due to discourtesy of both sides.
- 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,
- My aunt is back home by taxi.
- Bob opened the lock with an old key.
- May I do my work on your computer?
- We are going on a trip by ferry.
- 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
- Supervisor walked towards the examination hall.
- Sana was sitting among her family.
- Meet me at the bus stop.
- The ducks are eating along the river.
- 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
- A literature book was written by John Keats.
- This work was done by me.
- Some institutes were closed by government.
- 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
- Pair them accurately.
- Watch what follows them.
- 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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Preposition definition: A preposition is a part of speech that shows the relation of a noun or pronoun to another word.
What are prepositions? Prepositions show the relationship of a noun or pronoun to another word. These relationships include where, when, who, or what.
Examples of Prepositions:
- above (where?)
- before (when?)
- for (whom?)
- with (what?)
Let’s look closer at a preposition example.
A preposition can be understood as anywhere a dog can be in relation to its doghouse.
A dog can be:
- in the doghouse
- around the doghouse
- near the doghouse
- on the doghouse
Each of these prepositions describe the relation between the dog and its doghouse. The dog can be inside the doghouse, it can be around the doghouse, it can be near the doghouse, it can be on the doghouse, etc.
All of these preposition examples show where the dog is in relation to its doghouse.
What is the Role of a Preposition?
Prepositions function to show relationship. This relationship may indicate where, when, who, or what.
Most often prepositions are used to introduce prepositional phrases.
Prepositions serve to modify and generally function in prepositional phrases as adjectives or adverbs.
Examples of prepositions indicating where:
- along (the path)
- amid (torment)
- throughout (the garden)
- within (men)
Examples of prepositions indicating when:
- since (the storm)
- after (the party)
- before (noon)
- until (tomorrow)
Examples of prepositions indicating who:
- besides (Petra)
- except (the children)
- with (everyone)
- for (the teacher)
Examples of prepositions indicating what:
- besides (the essay)
- of (the few)
- like (the dog)
- with (chocolate)
Preposition List
Here is a list of prepositions. It is by no means exhaustive, but it is a list of some of the most commonly used prepositions in English.
aboard
about
above
across
after
against
along
amid
among
anti
around
as
at
before
behind
below
beneath
beside
besides
between
beyond
but
by
concerning
considering
despite
down
during
except
excepting
excluding
following
for
from
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
For a more full list of prepositions, see our full page on the subject. Prepositions list here.
Object of Prepositions
Prepositions do not stand alone but rather take on objects. The word or words that follow the preposition are the object of the preposition.
Examples:
- along (the path)
- The path is the object of the preposition.
- amid (torment)
- Torment is the object of the preposition.
- throughout (the colorful garden)
- The colorful garden is the object of the preposition.
Some Prepositions Also Function as Subordinate Conjunctions
Some prepositions can also function as subordinate conjunctions. In this case, a preposition will begin the conjunction and it will be followed by a subject and a verb.
The prepositions that can function in subordinate conjunctions include: after, as, before, since, until.
Prepositions together within subordinate conjunctions function as adverbs.
Preposition Examples:
- Since the movie premiered, the star has received much attention.
- We could not make an appointment until the office opened the following day.
- The student did not think before he asked a question.
What are Prepositional Phrases?
What does prepositional phrase mean? Almost always a preposition will function in a prepositional phrase.
A prepositional phrase is any preposition and its object (a noun). A prepositional phrase may also include any modifiers in the phrase.
Prepositional phrases clarify the relationship of the preposition to other words.
Prepositional Phrase Examples:
- along the path
- along (prep.) + the (article) + path (noun) = prepositional phrase
- amid torment
- amid (prep.) + torment (noun) = prepositional phrase
- throughout (the colorful garden)
- throughout (prep.) + the (article) + colorful (adj.) + garden (noun) = prepositional phrase
Multiple prepositional phrases may exist within one larger prepositional phrase.
Prepositional Phrase Examples:
- within all of the men
- within all + of the men = prepositional phrase
- by the lake in the forest
- by the lake + in the forest = prepositional phrase
- on the table at the restaurant
- on the table + at the restaurant = prepositional phrase
Summary: What are Prepositions?
Define preposition: To clarify, prepositions:
- show the relationship of a word to a noun or pronoun
- are almost always used in prepositional phrases
- sometimes begin subordinate conjunctions
Contents
- 1 What is a Preposition?
- 2 What is the Role of a Preposition?
- 3 Preposition List
- 4 Object of Prepositions
- 5 Some Prepositions Also Function as Subordinate Conjunctions
- 6 What are Prepositional Phrases?
- 7 Summary: What are Prepositions?