What are prepositions and how to use them in English

What are prepositions?

Prepositions are words used in English to show the relationship between nouns (or pronouns) and other words in a sentence. They often tell us where something is or when something happens. Prepositions can be tricky because they don't always follow a clear rule, but they are essential for making sentences clear and detailed. Here are some common uses of prepositions:

1. Location: Prepositions can show where something is. For example, "The cat is on the table," where "on" is the preposition indicating the cat's location on the table.

2. Time: They can indicate when something happens. For instance, "She will meet you at 3 PM," with "at" is the preposition that tells us the time of the meeting.

3. Direction: Prepositions can show direction. For example, "He walked towards the store," where "towards" is the preposition indicating the direction he walked.

4. Method: They can describe how something is done. For example, "She travelled by train," with "by" is the preposition that tells us the method of travel.

5. Possession: Prepositions can show possession or belonging. For example, "The book of poems," where "of" is the preposition indicating that the poems belong to the book.

6. Purpose: They are used to show purpose. For example, "A glass for water," where "for" is the preposition indicating the purpose of the glass.

Prepositions are often used with nouns or pronouns, and they are an essential part of English grammar, helping to make sentences more specific and informative. Examples of common prepositions include "in," "on," "at," "by," "for," "with," "about," "under," "over," and "through."

When to use prepositions in English

Using prepositions correctly in English can be a bit challenging, but here are some general guidelines about when to use them:

1. For Location or Place: Use prepositions to show where something is or where something is happening. Common prepositions for location include "in," "on," and "at."

   • In is generally used for enclosed spaces: "She is in the room."
   • On is used for surfaces: "The book is on the table."
   • At is used for specific points or locations: "I'll meet you at the entrance."

2. For Time: Prepositions help to indicate when something happens. The most common prepositions of time are "in," "on," and "at."

   • In is used for months, years, centuries, and long periods: "in July," "in 2022."
   • On is used for days and dates: "on Monday," "on Christmas Day."
   • At is used for precise times: "at 3 PM," "at midnight."

3. For Direction or Movement: To show the direction or movement of something, use prepositions like "to," "towards," "into," "out of," "through," and "across."

   • To indicate movement towards a specific destination: "She is going to the store."
   • Towards suggests a direction: "He walked towards the park."
   • Into and "out of" imply entering and leaving: "She walked into the room," "He ran out of the house."

4. For Method, Means, or Instrument: When you want to describe how something is done or what is used to do something, use prepositions like "by," "with," and "on."

   • By indicates the method or means: "He travels by train."
   • With denotes the instrument used: "She wrote the note with a pen."

5. For Purpose or Reason: To express the purpose or reason for something, you can use prepositions like "for" and "about."

   • For shows the purpose: "A cup for water."
   • About is used to indicate the subject of something: "A book about history."

6. In Phrasal Verbs: Prepositions are often part of phrasal verbs, combinations of verbs and prepositions with a specific meaning. For example, "look after" (to take care of) and "run into" (to meet someone unexpectedly).

Remember, prepositions can be tricky because sometimes their use does not follow a logical rule and can vary based on regional differences or idiomatic expressions. Practice and familiarity with common phrases and sentences can significantly help in understanding how to use them correctly.

Ten examples for each category: prepositions of place, time, and movement, used in simple English sentences

Prepositions of Place

1. In the garden: The children are playing in the garden.
2. On the table: There is a book on the table.
3. At the door: Someone is at the door.
4. Under the bed: The cat is hiding under the bed.
5. Next to the refrigerator: The broom is kept next to the refrigerator.
6. Above the shelf: The clock hangs above the shelf.
7. Between the trees: We found a path between the trees.
8. Behind the curtain: The sun was shining behind the curtain.
9. In front of the school: The bus stopped in front of the school.
10. Near the lake: We picnic near the lake.

Prepositions of Time

1. In the morning: I exercise in the morning.
2. On Monday: We will meet on Monday.
3. At noon: The event starts at noon.
4. During the summer: We go swimming during the summer.
5. Before dinner: I like to read before dinner.
6. After the movie: Let's have coffee after the movie.
7. By 5 PM: Please finish your work by 5 PM.
8. Until midnight: The festival continues until midnight.
9. Throughout the day: She drinks water throughout the day.
10. Within a week: The project will be completed within a week.

Prepositions of Movement

1. To the store: She is walking to the store.
2. Into the room: He walked into the room.
3. Towards the park: They ran towards the park.
4. Across the bridge: We drove across the bridge.
5. Through the tunnel: The train went through the tunnel.
6. Onto the boat: They jumped onto the boat.
7. Out of the car: She stepped out of the car.
8. Around the corner: He turned around the corner.
9. Down the stairs: They hurried down the stairs.
10. Up the hill: The cyclists struggled up the hill.

These sentences illustrate how prepositions of place, time, and movement are used to provide clear and specific information in a sentence.