Is some a preposition word

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No, it is not a preposition. The word some can be a pronoun,
adjective, or adverb.

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Main Prepositional Phrase Takeaways:

  • Prepositional phrases help show the relationships between the nouns, pronouns, and other supporting words in a sentence.
  • Prepositional phrases contain a preposition, an object, and sometimes one or more modifiers.
  • There are two types of prepositional phrases: adverbial and adjectival.
  • “Before I leave,” is an example of an adverbial prepositional phrase.
  • “The sandwich on the table” is an example of an adjectival prepositional phrase.
  • Simple prepositions are just one word.
  • Complex prepositions contain two or more words.
  • Some words can be both adverbs and prepositions. Prepositions always relate to an object.

Prepositional phrases give your content power. Instead of simple, drab sentences that lack color, you can create an entire world of detail. Here’s a look at prepositional phrases, how they work, and the best way to use them.

A cartoon girl sits on the left side of the image leaning against the text PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE. Above her head is a thought bubble that contains examples of prepositional phrases like "under the tree", "behind the tree", and "on the tree".

Prepositional phrases outline the relationships between a sentence’s nouns, pronouns, and other supporting words.

What Is a Preposition?

Before we start discussing prepositional phrases, let’s first define what a preposition is. Prepositions are words that show the relationships between words in sentences. They usually come before nouns, pronouns, gerunds, or clauses to show place, location, time, and direction or introduce an object in a sentence. For example:

On, near, over, since, and under are all prepositions. These words allow readers to visualize where an object is located or when something happened. If you want to know more about prepositions, feel free to check our article 5 Types of Prepositions: An Easy Guide. Now, moving on to our main topic, what is a prepositional phrase?

What Is a Prepositional Phrase?

A prepositional phrase is a group of words composed of a preposition, an object (noun or pronoun), and the word that modifies the object. Prepositional phrases function as information-givers in a sentence. Let’s take this sentence as an example: With a sharp knife in hand, the man freed the dog from its leash.”With” is the preposition, “knife” is the object, and “sharp” is the word that modifies the object. Together as a prepositional phrase, it tells the readers what the man used to free the dog off its leash.

In most cases, writers use a prepositional phrase to modify a verb or a noun.

For example, why say “you went out” when you can say that “you went out to an incredible party?”

Then, you have the option to add a modifier.

“A bit” modifies or further describes the time of departure.

How Do You Identify a Prepositional Phrase?

A prepositional phrase starts with a preposition and ends with an object, which could be a noun, pronoun, gerund, or clause. The object at the end of the prepositional phrase is referred to as the object of the preposition.” For you to easily identify a prepositional phrase, you need to know the format or pattern it follows in a sentence. There are two ways to write a prepositional phrase, as illustrated below:

Preposition + Modifier + Object (Noun, Pronoun, Gerund, or Clause)

Preposition + Object (Noun, Pronoun, Gerund, or Clause)

Here are some examples of prepositional phrases following the preposition + modifier + object format:

Now, the following are examples of prepositional phrases written in the preposition + object format:

If you can spot any of these two patterns, you’ll be able to identify prepositional phrases easily in any sentence.

To characters show the relationship between prepositions and nouns. On the right is a taller man with a sign around his neck that reads Preposition. To his left is a smaller woman holding his hand. She has a sign around her neck that reads NOUN.

We use prepositions with nouns to emphasize, connect, or clarify ideas.

What Is an Example Of a Prepositional Phrase?

Here are some examples of prepositional phrases in action. We’ll give you a sentence, identify the prepositional phrase, and explain how it works.

Here, we’re demonstrating the connection between the rainbow and where the Wicked Witch lives.

How are the couch and magazine related? One fell behind the other!

Why did Eliza jump? “For joy!”

“By the elevator” indicates where the room is.

Types Of Prepositional Phrases

There are two types of prepositional phrases, depending on the modifier describing the object: adverbial and adjectival. Adverbial prepositional phrases function as adverbs and answer questions like where, when, how, and why. Adjectival prepositional phrases act as adjectives and answer one of these two questions: What kind of?Which one?

In the succeeding sections, we’ll discuss the major differences and effective usage of these two types of prepositional phrases.

What Is an Adverbial PrepositionalPhrase Example?

Adverbial clauses get their name from the fact that they function as adverbs.

For example, we use adverbial prepositional phrases to show timing or cause and effect. They might tell you when or where something happened. They might also detail how something happened or to what extent.

Adverbial Prepositional Phrases contain a preposition. But, the entire phrase functions as an adverb. This is because the phrase shows when, how, or why something happened.

In this example, “because I went to the store early” is an adverbial clause. This is because it demonstrates how the action in the second part of the sentence came to be.

“Before it sold out” is also an adverbial phrase because it described when that action took place.

Here, “Since Marika left her wallet at home” demonstrates what caused her to have to borrow money.

What Is an Adjectival Prepositional Phrase Example?

On the other hand, an adjective phrase modifies the noun or pronoun that comes immediately before it.

Adjectival Prepositional Phrases contain a preposition. But, the entire phrase functions as an adjective. This is because the complete phrase describes the object it follows.

“On the island” describes the man. The object of the prepositional phrase is the island. What’s more, the phrase itself indicates how the island and the man are connected.

In this case, the pantry is the object, and the prepositional phrase is describing the link between the cake and its location.

A boy and girl holding hands while pointing in different directions. The girl on the left wants to go somewhere else.

An adjectival phrase modifies the noun or pronoun that comes immediately before it in a sentence.

Prepositions That Begin Prepositional Phrases

Here are some examples of common prepositions that you often see at the start of prepositional phrases. Jump over to our types of prepositions guide to explore a full list of common, simple and complex prepositions.

Aboard About Above Across After
Against Along Amid Among Around
As At Before Behind Below
Besides Between Beyond But By
Concerning Considering Despite Down During
Except Excluding Following For From
In Inside Into Like Minus
Near Of Off On Opposite
Outside Over Past Plus Regarding
Round Save Since Than Through
To Toward Under Underneath Unlike
Until Up Upon Versus With
Common Prepositions

There are also some multi-word prepositions. These contain two or more words that function together to create a complex preposition.

  • According to
  • In spite of
  • Along with
  • On account of

Can You Begin a Sentence With a Prepositional Phrase?

The quick answer to this question is YES. You can begin a sentence with a prepositional phrase. Prepositional phrases appearing at the beginning of sentences are called introductory prepositional phrases. Besides giving additional information, introductory prepositional phrases also help provide a sense of flow to any written work. They make the text less choppy and pleasurable to read. Read the following paragraph:

The ones underlined in the paragraph above are introductory prepositional phrases. Notice how they provide extra information and help with the flow of the sentences? Now, you also need to pay attention to the placement of your comma when using introductory prepositional phrases.

Comma After a Prepositional Phrase

As a general rule, you can choose to use a comma after a short introductory prepositional phrase or forego using one. By “short,” we mean prepositional phrases that are no longer than four words. Prepositional phrases longer than four words automatically get a comma after them. For example:

Is It a Preposition or an Adverb?

Some words can function as prepositions and as adverbs. You can easily figure out whether a word is acting as a preposition or an adverb by looking for the object.

Preposition or Adverb?

  • If your word refers to an object, it’s probably a preposition.
  • If your word doesn’t refer to an object, or there is no object in sight, it’s probably an adverb.

In the first sentence, “up” doesn’t refer to anything. There is not object. Therefore, “up” is acting as an adverb here.

However, in the second example, “up” does refer to an object. For example, “up” is followed by a noun (the hill). As a result, it’s a preposition in this case.

You can confirm that “up” is a preposition here by asking and answering this question: Where did she run? She ran up the hill!

Here’s another one:

In the first example, all we know is that Clark walked across something. We don’t know what that something is, because there is no object. Consequently, “across” is an adverb here.

In the second example, we find out that Clark walked across a courtyard. Since “courtyard” is the object, and across becomes a preposition.

Prepositional phrase cheat sheet. Prepositional phrases show the connections between parts of speech. A girl holding a rope with banners labeled as noun, pronoun, and supporting words. A prepositional phrase is a combination of a preposition and an object. Two types of prepositional phrases: adjectival phrases and adverbial phrases. A boy saying adjectival phrases are prepositional phrases that function as adjectives. A young woman saying adverbial phrases are prepositional phrases that function as adverbs. Some examples of prepositional phrases include by chance, in time, at the end, on schedule, in demand, out of breath, by accident, out of date, in danger, on a diet, in focus, at risk, by luck, and at sight. Preposition vs. adverb. A preposition needs and object. An adverb doesn't need an object.
INK Prepositional Phrase Infographic

Quick Prepositional Phrase Grammar Quiz

Prepositional Phrase Question #1

A. under the bed

B. whispers

C. the monster

D. at night

Correct!
Wrong!

The answer is A. Under the bed shows the relationship between the monster and the whispers.

Prepositional Phrase Question #2

Correct!
Wrong!

The answer is TRUE. Prepositional phrases can function as either adjective phrases or adverb phrases to modify other words in a sentence. For example, «The girl with him is his daughter.»

Prepositional Phrase Question #3

A. by the door

B. over the line

C. he stole it

D. near the pool

Correct!
Wrong!

The answer is C. A prepositional phrase must include a preposition, its object, and any modifiers of the object.

Prepositional Phrase Question #4

A. The noun of the preposition

B. The noun of the sentence

C. The object of the preposition

D. The object of the sentence

Correct!
Wrong!

The answer is C. The object of the preposition can either be a noun or a pronoun.

Read More: When to Use Comma Before Such As: the Definitive Guide

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,

prepositions list

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.

list of prepositions

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?

Prepositional phrase listPrepositions 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

What is preposition wordsHere 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

Examples of Preposition meaningPrepositions 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

what is an prepositionSome 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?

Preposition: Definition & Types

What is preposition

A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and the other words of a sentence. They explain relationships of sequence, space, and logic between the object of the sentence and the rest of the sentence. They help us understand order, time connections, and positions.

Example:

  • I am going to Canada.
  • Alex threw a stone into the pond.
  • The present is inside the box.
  • They have gone out of the town.

There are a few interesting linguistic facts about prepositions.

First, they are a closed class of words which means no new preposition gets added to the language. We use a fixed set of prepositions.

Second, prepositions do not have any other form. They cannot be plural, possessive, inflection, or anything else.

Third, most of the prepositions have many different contextual and natural uses. So, it is easy to be confused about it.

Fourth, sometimes a preposition works as nouns, adjectives, and adverbs.

Prepositions can be of one, two, three, or even more words. Prepositions with two or more words are called phrasal prepositions.

There are some commonly used phrasal prepositions:

because of, in case of, instead of, by way of, on behalf of, on account of, in care of, in spite of, on the side of, etc.

Types of Preposition

Most of the prepositions have many uses. There are some prepositions which are common in every type of preposition as they function in a versatile way.

  • Simple Preposition
  • Double Preposition
  • Compound Preposition
  • Participle Preposition
  • Disguised Preposition
  • Detached Preposition
  • Prepositions of Time
  • Prepositions of Place and Direction
  • Prepositions of Agents or Things
  • Phrasal Prepositions

Simple Preposition

These are among the most common type of prepositions. The prepositions used to express the relationship the Nouns and Pronouns of a sentence have with the rest of the words in it are called Simple Prepositions. They are often used to join two clauses in terms of Complex Sentence and Compound Sentence.

Examples:

Most Popular Prepositions
and but at to on in
for of up off from out
with during down below beside over
by near behind inside among along

Double Preposition

Two Simple Prepositions joining together to form one which connects the Noun(s) or Pronoun(s) to the rest the words in a sentence.

Examples:

  • Are you out of your mind?
  • I was allowed the inside of the temple.
  • She’s sandwiched in between two of her cousins. 

Compound Preposition

Compound Prepositions are composed of prepositions as well as other words. Compound Prepositions are easily confused with Double Prepositions since they both require other prepositions or words to help with acting like a preposition.

Examples:

  • According to my calculations, this color should work just fine.
  • I started for home, with a view to celebrating Eid with my family.
  • On behalf of our family, my father attended the family reunion.

Participle Preposition

Present Participles (-ing) and Past Participles (-ed and -en) that are used as Prepositions instead of Verbs, are called Participle Prepositions. These are participles as well as prepositions.

Examples:

Present Participle Prepositions Past Participles Prepositions
Assuming Respected
Barring Given
Considering Gone
During Barred
Notwithstanding Provided
Regarding Taken

Participle Prepositions Used in Sentences:

  • Barred from the entrance, he threw a fit.
  • I was happy given the fact that I got great marks.
  • Assuming the possibility of rain, she carried an umbrella.

Disguised Preposition

These prepositions are usually disguised as some other element in the English language. Often these prepositions are disguised as «a» and «o» in sentences.

Examples:

  • I wake up at 5 o‘clock. (Of the clock)
  • Keep striding ahead. (on the head)
  • Pope went ashore. (onshore)
  • Rimi visits the riverbank once a day. (in a day) 

Detached Preposition

A preposition that has been detached and sent to the very end of the sentence is called Detached Preposition. These prepositions are detached from the interrogative or relative pronouns and adverbs but get detached for the sake of the integrity of sentences.

Examples:

  • Where are you coming from?
  • Is that the neighborhood you are headed to?
  • I won’t tolerate being screamed at.

Prepositions of Time

Prepositions of time show the relationship of time between the nouns to the other parts of a sentence.

On, at, in, from, to, for, since, ago, before, till/until, by, etc. are the most common preposition of time.

Example:

  • He started working at 10 AM.
  • The company called meeting on 25 October.
  • There is a holiday in December.
  • He has been ill since Monday.

Read More: Prepositions of Time Usage

Prepositions of Place and Direction

Prepositions of place show the relationship of place between the nouns to the other parts of a sentence.

On, at, in, by, from, to, towards, up, down, across, between, among, through, in front of, behind, above, over, under, below, etc. are the most common prepositions of place/direction.

Example:

  • He is at home.
  • He came from England.
  • The police broke into the house.
  • I live across the river.

Read More: Prepositions of Places & Direction Usage

Prepositions of Agents or Things

Prepositions of agents or things indicate a causal relationship between nouns and other parts of the sentence.

Of, for, by, with, about, etc. are the most used and common prepositions of agents or things.

Example:

  • This article is about smartphones.
  • Most of the guests have already left.
  • I will always be here for you.
  • He is playing with his brothers.

Phrasal Prepositions

A phrasal preposition is not a prepositional phrase, but they are a combination of two or more words that function as a preposition.

Along with, apart from, because of, by means of, according to, in front of, contrary to, in spite of, on account of, in reference to, in addition to, in regard to, instead of, on top of, out of, with regard to, etc. are the most common phrasal prepositions.

Example:

  • They along with their children went to Atlanta.
  • According to the new rules, you are not right.
  • In spite of being a good player, he was not selected.
  • I’m going out of the city.

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