What are Prepositions: Definition and Examples?

Prepositions are small yet powerful words that are crucial in forming meaningful sentences. They establish relationships between different sentence parts, connecting nouns, pronouns, and phrases to other words. Whether you’re indicating time, place, direction, or a relationship, prepositions provide essential clarity and coherence to communication. However, mastering their usage can be tricky for learners of English due to the vast number of prepositions and their sometimes subtle distinctions in meaning.

This guide aims to demystify prepositions, offering a clear and comprehensive understanding of their types and uses. Whether you’re a student or professional looking to refine your English skills, or simply someone who wants to enhance their communication, this guide will equip you with the tools to confidently navigate the world of prepositions. By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of how to use prepositions effectively, ensuring your sentences are grammatically correct and easily understood.

What Are Prepositions?

Prepositions are essential words in the English language that serve to show relationships between elements within a sentence. Typically, prepositions are short words like in, on, at, by, with, under, and between, but they have a significant impact on the structure and meaning of sentences. Prepositions primarily connect nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other parts of a sentence, clarifying relationships involving time, place, direction, cause, and manner.

Definition and Basic Concept

A preposition is a word used to link a noun or pronoun with another element in the sentence. It typically appears before a noun (which becomes its “object”) to indicate relationships like time (when something happens), place (where something happens), and direction (where something is moving).

For example:

• The book is on the table. (place)
• She will meet us at 5 p.m. (time)
• He walked to the park. (direction)

In each case, the preposition connects the subject of the sentence with its complement or object, adding detail that specifies the context.

Role of Prepositions in Sentences

The main role of prepositions is to establish connections between words, making it easier to convey clear and precise information. Without prepositions, sentences would lack important context and could become confusing or ambiguous.

1. Linking Nouns and Pronouns: Prepositions commonly link nouns or pronouns to other nouns or pronouns. They answer questions such as “where?”, “when?”, and “how?” to give more meaning to the sentence. For instance, in The cat is under the chair, the preposition “under” explains the spatial relationship between “the cat” and “the chair.”
2. Introducing Prepositional Phrases: Prepositions often introduce prepositional phrases, which consist of the preposition, its object, and any modifiers. For example, in She arrived before the meeting, the prepositional phrase “before the meeting” tells us when she arrived.
3. Conveying Time, Place, and Direction: Prepositions indicate time (e.g., before, after), place (e.g., in, on), and direction (e.g., toward, through), helping to organize information logically and clearly.
4. Adding Detail and Meaning: Prepositions add necessary details that allow sentences to be more specific and meaningful. They transform simple ideas into more complete thoughts. Consider the difference between She sat and She sat by the window—the latter gives a fuller picture of the scenario.

Types of Prepositions

Prepositions are critical in English as they define relationships between different parts of a sentence. Based on their function and usage, prepositions are classified into several types. This guide explores the main types of prepositions: prepositions of place, time, direction, agency, instrument, and more. Understanding these types helps learners use prepositions accurately in various contexts, making their communication clear and effective.

1. Prepositions of Place

Prepositions of place are used to show the location or position of a noun or pronoun. They help to answer the question “Where?” in a sentence. Some of the most common prepositions of place include in, on, at, under, behind, between, next to, above, and below.

• In: Refers to being inside something.
  Example: She is in the room.
• On: Indicates something is placed over a surface.
  Example: The book is on the table.
• At: Used to denote a specific point or location.
  Example: We are meeting at the cafe.
• Under: Describes something positioned below another object.
  Example: The cat is under the bed.
• Between: Shows something located in the middle of two objects.
  Example: The park is between the school and the library.

Prepositions of place are crucial for providing spatial context in sentences, making it easier for the listener or reader to visualize the scenario.

2. Prepositions of Time

Prepositions of time are used to indicate when an action takes place, answering the question “When?” Common prepositions of time include in, on, at, since, for, during, before, and after.

• In: Used for long periods such as months, years, or centuries.
  Example: He was born in 1990.
• On: Refers to specific days or dates.
  Example: The meeting is on Monday.
• At: Used for exact times.
  Example: The show starts at 7 p.m.
• Since: Denotes a point in time from which an action has been ongoing.
  Example: They’ve been friends since childhood.
• For: Indicates the duration of an activity.
  Example: She studied for three hours.
• Before/After: Used to indicate one event happening earlier or later than another.
  Example: I always have breakfast before work.

Prepositions of time help clarify the timing of actions or events, providing a clear temporal framework in conversation or writing.

3. Prepositions of Direction or Movement

Prepositions of direction indicate the movement of an object or person from one place to another. They help answer the question “Where to?” Some common prepositions of direction include to, toward, into, onto, through, and across.

• To: Shows movement toward a specific destination.
  Example: She is going to the gym.
• Toward: Implies movement in the direction of something.
  Example: He ran toward the exit.
• Into: Describes movement from outside to inside.
  Example: She walked into the room.
• Onto: Indicates movement to a surface.
  Example: The cat jumped onto the table.
• Through: Denotes movement within something, such as an enclosed space.
  Example: The river flows through the city.

Prepositions of direction are essential for describing movement or travel, adding dynamism to communication.

4. Prepositions of Agency

Prepositions of agency are used to show the agent or the doer of an action, often in passive constructions. The most common preposition of agency is by.

• By: Indicates the performer of an action in passive sentences.
  Example: The book was written by Shakespeare.

In this context, by shows who or what is responsible for the action, making it an important part of passive voice construction in English.

5. Prepositions of Instrument or Means

Prepositions of instrument indicate the tool, method, or instrument used to perform an action. Some of the most commonly used prepositions of instrument include by, with, and on.

• By: Refers to the method used to do something.
  Example: She traveled by train.
• With: Describes the instrument or tool used to perform an action.
  Example: He cut the paper with scissors.
• On: Refers to the use of devices like a telephone or computer.
  Example: She’s talking on the phone.

These prepositions help clarify how actions are carried out, often specifying the tools or methods involved.

6. Prepositions of Cause, Reason, or Purpose

Prepositions of cause, reason, or purpose indicate why something happens or the purpose behind an action. Common prepositions in this category include for, because of, and due to.

• For: Used to indicate the purpose of an action.
  Example: She left early for a doctor’s appointment.
• Because of: Explains the cause or reason.
  Example: The game was canceled because of the rain.
• Due to: A more formal way of expressing cause.
  Example: The flight was delayed due to bad weather.

These prepositions help explain motivations or causes behind events, making sentences more meaningful.

7. Compound Prepositions

Compound prepositions consist of two or more words combined to act as a single preposition. Some examples include according to, due to, because of, in front of, and in spite of.

• According to: Refers to someone’s opinion or a source of information.
  Example: According to the report, sales increased by 20%.
• In front of: Indicates something positioned ahead of something else.
  Example: He parked his car in front of the house.

These multi-word prepositions function similarly to single-word prepositions, providing additional clarity in complex sentences.

8. Prepositions of Concession

Prepositions of concession highlight contrast or an exception to what is expected. Common examples include despite and in spite of.

• Despite/In spite of: Used to introduce a contrast or show an action in opposition to something.
  Example: She finished the race despite feeling unwell.

Prepositions of concession introduce nuance and contrast, enriching the narrative or argument.

Prepositions in Everyday Contexts

Prepositions play a vital role in our daily interactions, helping us communicate location, time, direction, purpose, and relationships between different elements. Whether you’re navigating through cities, drafting business emails, socializing with friends, or writing academic papers, prepositions provide the glue that connects words and ideas, ensuring clarity and precision. This section explores how prepositions are used in common everyday contexts, including travel, business, social settings, and academic writing.

Prepositions in Travel and Directions

When traveling or asking for directions, prepositions are essential for providing clarity on how to reach a destination. They help describe movement, distances, and spatial relationships, making it easier to navigate unfamiliar places.

Common prepositions used in travel and directions include:

• Over: Indicates movement across a higher level.
  • Example: Walk over the bridge to get to the park.
• Through: Describes movement within or across a confined space.
  • Example: Drive through the tunnel to reach the other side of the mountain.
• Across: Refers to movement from one side to the other.
  • Example: The bank is across the street from the post office.
• Towards: Shows movement in the direction of something.
  • Example: Walk towards the monument; the restaurant is just behind it.
• From: Indicates the starting point of a journey.
  • Example: The bus departs from the central station at 9 a.m.

Practical Examples in Travel-Related Contexts:

• Go through the park, then turn right to find the museum.
• Fly over the mountains, and you’ll see the city skyline.
• The hotel is across the street from the train station.

Prepositions in travel and directions provide the essential framework for describing how to move from one place to another, ensuring both clarity and accuracy when navigating new environments.

Prepositions in Business English

In professional settings, prepositions are equally important. They help convey precise meanings in emails, reports, meetings, and presentations, where clarity and accuracy are critical.

Common prepositions in business communication include:

• On: Used for dates, specific days, and contact methods.
  • Example: Let’s schedule the meeting on Friday.
• At: Refers to a specific location or time.
  • Example: We’ll meet at the office at 10 a.m.
• For: Describes purpose or duration.
  • Example: We need to prepare for the upcoming conference.
• In: Used for locations, enclosed spaces, and time periods (months, years, etc.).
  • Example: The report is due in March.
• By: Refers to a deadline or method.
  • Example: Please send the document by email by Friday.
• With: Indicates association or collaboration.
  • Example: I’m working with the marketing team on this project.

Practical Examples in Business Contexts:

• We discussed the new proposal in the meeting.
• You can contact me by phone or email for further details.
• The project must be completed on time and within budget.

In business communication, prepositions ensure that instructions, deadlines, and responsibilities are clearly understood, fostering efficiency and professionalism.

Prepositions in Social Situations

In informal and formal social interactions, prepositions help set the context and tone, whether you’re making plans, describing events, or engaging in casual conversations.

Common prepositions used in social situations include:

• At: Indicates presence at an event or location.
  • Example: I’ll see you at the party tonight.
• In: Used for enclosed spaces or during events.
  • Example: He’s in a meeting right now.
• On: Refers to dates or specific activities.
  • Example: We’re going on a date this weekend.
• For: Indicates purpose or reason.
  • Example: Let’s meet for a coffee after work.

Practical Examples in Social Situations:

• I’ll be at the restaurant by 7 p.m.
• We went on a hike last weekend.
• She’s busy in a meeting but will call you back later.

Prepositions in social contexts help clarify details, such as where an event is happening or when plans are taking place, ensuring smooth and engaging interactions.

Prepositions in Academic Writing

In academic writing, using prepositions correctly is essential for articulating ideas clearly and formally. Prepositions help structure arguments, refer to sources, and provide conclusions, enhancing the overall flow and clarity of academic papers, essays, and reports.

Common prepositions in academic writing include:

• In: Used for time periods, locations, and conditions.
  • Example: In conclusion, the study suggests further research is needed.
• With: Refers to the relationship between different variables or factors.
  • Example: With reference to the previous research, we can conclude…
• According to: Indicates a source of information or authority.
  • Example: According to Smith (2020), the findings were inconclusive.
• On: Used to introduce topics, subjects, or themes.
  • Example: The report focuses on the impact of climate change.
• By: Refers to authorship or a method used.
  • Example: The experiment was conducted by Smith et al.

Practical Examples in Academic Writing:

• This paper concludes with a discussion on future research.
• According to the data, there is a strong correlation between the variables.
• The results are discussed in detail in Chapter 5.

In academic contexts, the correct use of prepositions adds professionalism and structure to writing, allowing writers to communicate their ideas effectively and adhere to scholarly standards.

Common Prepositional Phrases

Prepositional phrases consist of a preposition followed by a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase, and they play a crucial role in adding detail, context, and meaning to a sentence. These phrases help clarify relationships between words and can describe location, time, direction, and other aspects. Here’s an in-depth table with common prepositional phrases, their meanings, and examples in context.

Table of Common Prepositional Phrases:

Prepositional Phrase	Meaning	Example
At the moment	Refers to the present time	I’m busy at the moment; can I call you later?
At risk of	In danger of something happening	He is at risk of losing his job due to budget cuts.
By accident	Unintentionally or unexpectedly	I dropped the glass by accident while cleaning.
By chance	Something happening without planning	We met by chance at the airport last week.
By heart	From memory, without needing notes	She knows all the poems by heart.
For the sake of	For the benefit or purpose of something	He made the sacrifice for the sake of his family.
For a change	To do something different than usual	Let’s eat out for a change tonight.
From scratch	Starting from the beginning	She built the business from scratch.
In advance	Before something happens	We booked the tickets in advance to get better seats.
In charge of	Responsible for something	She’s in charge of the marketing department.
In comparison to	When comparing two things	The movie was boring in comparison to the book.
In the end	Finally, after a period of time	In the end, we decided not to go on the trip.
In favor of	In support of something	He is in favor of increasing employee benefits.
In terms of	Regarding something or considering it	The team did well in terms of their performance.
In the meantime	During the time between two events	We’ll be ready soon; in the meantime, please have a seat.
In touch with	In contact with someone	I’m still in touch with my college friends.
In response to	As a reaction to something	The company issued a statement in response to the criticism.
On behalf of	Representing someone else	She accepted the award on behalf of the team.
On the basis of	Based on something	They made the decision on the basis of the evidence provided.
On the way to	Going to a particular destination	We’re on the way to the airport now.
Out of date	No longer valid or current	The information in the report is out of date.
Out of order	Not functioning properly	The printer is out of order.
Under pressure	In a stressful or urgent situation	She works well under pressure.
Under control	Being managed or restrained	The situation is now under control.
Up to date	Current, modern, or updated	Make sure the software is up to date.
With regard to	In relation to something	I’m writing with regard to your recent inquiry.
With respect to	Regarding something	With respect to the latest report, there are a few concerns.

Expanded Explanation of Key Prepositional Phrases:

1. Time-Related Phrases

Prepositional phrases that describe time provide clarity about when an event occurs or the duration between actions.

• At the moment: Refers to the exact present time.
  • She’s unavailable at the moment, but she’ll call you back shortly.
• In advance: This phrase is used to express that something happens ahead of time or earlier than expected.
  • We prepared all the documents in advance for the meeting.
• In the meantime: Refers to the time between two events or actions.
  • We’ll get back to you next week. In the meantime, feel free to email us if you have any questions.

2. Location-Related Phrases

Prepositions describing locations help in clarifying where something happens or where someone or something is situated.

• On the way to: Used when traveling toward a destination.
  • I’m on the way to the airport now and should be there in 30 minutes.
• Out of place: This phrase is used when something is not in its usual position or feels out of context.
  • She felt out of place at the formal event in casual clothes.

3. Cause and Effect Phrases

These prepositional phrases help explain why something happens, the motivation behind an action, or the outcome of a particular decision.

• For the sake of: This phrase indicates that an action is taken for a particular reason or to benefit someone or something.
  • He decided to leave the company for the sake of his health.
• In response to: Used to show that an action is being taken as a reaction to something else.
  • The company changed its policies in response to customer feedback.

4. Comparison Phrases

Prepositional phrases involving comparisons allow the speaker to contrast two or more elements.

• In comparison to: Helps to draw a comparison between two things, showing the similarities or differences.
  • The second presentation was much clearer in comparison to the first one.
• With respect to: Used to introduce a specific topic or reference when drawing a comparison or relation.
  • There are some concerns with respect to the new policy changes.

5. Responsibility and Control Phrases

Prepositional phrases related to responsibility and control clarify who is in charge or how a situation is being managed.

• In charge of: This phrase describes someone’s authority over a specific task or group.
  • She’s in charge of the new product launch.
• Under control: Refers to a situation that is being managed or is no longer chaotic.
  • The fire was finally brought under control after several hours.

6. Phrases Indicating Manner

Prepositional phrases indicating manner show how something is done or achieved.

• By heart: Refers to knowing something completely from memory.
  • She recited the poem by heart in front of the class.
• From scratch: Indicates that something is done from the beginning or without any prior preparation.
  • They built the business from scratch and turned it into a success.

Rules and Guidelines for Using Prepositions

Prepositions are small but essential words that help connect nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other parts of a sentence. They indicate relationships between words, such as location, time, direction, cause, and possession. Prepositions can be tricky for learners because their use often depends on context, and the rules governing them are sometimes more idiomatic than logical. Below are important rules and guidelines for using prepositions effectively in English.

1. Understanding the Preposition-Object Relationship

A preposition always introduces a prepositional phrase, which includes the preposition and its object (a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase).

• Rule: Prepositions are always followed by their objects, which can never be a verb in its base form.
  • Incorrect: She is interested in learn.
  • Correct: She is interested in learning.

The object of a preposition is usually a noun or pronoun, but it can also be a gerund (a verb form ending in -ing).

• Examples:
  • He is on the phone.
  • She succeeded in finishing the project.

2. Prepositions of Place and Direction

Prepositions such as in, on, and at are often used to indicate location or position. Though small, they follow specific rules that determine which is used for different kinds of locations.

• In: Used for enclosed spaces or locations within boundaries (countries, cities, rooms, etc.).
  • She lives in London.
  • The papers are in the drawer.
• On: Used for surfaces or positions that are placed on top of something.
  • The book is on the table.
  • The painting hangs on the wall.
• At: Used for specific points or precise locations.
  • She’s at the bus stop.
  • We met at the entrance of the building.
• Direction prepositions: Prepositions like to, into, onto, and towards indicate movement toward a place or position.
  • She’s driving to the store.
  • He walked into the room.
  • The cat jumped onto the couch.

3. Prepositions of Time

Prepositions such as in, on, and at are also used to indicate time, each with its own specific rule:

• In: Used for longer periods of time (months, years, centuries, seasons).
  • In 2024, I plan to travel.
  • We’ll meet in the afternoon.
• On: Used for days and dates.
  • We’re meeting on Monday.
  • She was born on May 5th.
• At: Used for precise or specific times.
  • I’ll see you at 5 p.m.
  • They arrived at midnight.

4. Avoid Ending Sentences with Prepositions (Sometimes)

While formal English traditionally discourages ending sentences with prepositions, modern English, especially in informal contexts, often allows it when it makes the sentence more natural. However, in formal writing or speech, it’s best to avoid unnecessary prepositions at the end of a sentence.

• Formal: This is the book of which I was speaking.
  • Informal: This is the book I was talking about.

While avoiding the final preposition sounds more formal and correct, it can sometimes result in awkward phrasing. Therefore, this rule should be followed flexibly depending on the context.

5. Prepositions and Pronouns

When using a preposition with a pronoun, always use the object form of the pronoun (me, him, her, us, them) and not the subject form (I, he, she, we, they).

• Incorrect: Between you and I, this secret is safe.
• Correct: Between you and me, this secret is safe.
• Incorrect: He gave the gift to she.
• Correct: He gave the gift to her.

6. Prepositions with Adjectives

Some adjectives are followed by specific prepositions. Understanding which preposition pairs with which adjective is essential, as these combinations often do not follow any clear grammatical rule and must be memorized.

• Examples:
  • She is good at math.
  • They are afraid of spiders.
  • He is interested in music.
  • I’m responsible for the team.

7. Prepositions with Verbs

Like adjectives, many verbs are followed by specific prepositions. These verb-preposition combinations (phrasal verbs) often carry a meaning that is different from the base verb alone, and the choice of preposition can significantly alter the meaning.

• Examples:
  • She’s looking for her keys.
  • He’s going through a tough time.
  • They talked about the new policy.

8. Omitting Prepositions

In some cases, prepositions are omitted, especially after certain verbs of movement or communication in informal English.

• Examples:
  • Correct: He called for his brother.
  • Incorrect: He called his brother (here, the preposition “for” is omitted only when “call” is understood as a request or need, not as an act of dialing a phone number).

9. Common Errors with Prepositions

Prepositions can be confusing because different languages use them differently, or not at all, in similar situations. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Incorrect: He depends in his friends.
  • Correct: He depends on his friends.
• Incorrect: We discussed about the project.
  • Correct: We discussed the project.

Some verbs and adjectives do not require prepositions in English, even if they do in other languages. It’s important to memorize these patterns through exposure and practice.

10. Contextual Usage

The use of prepositions can change depending on the context. For instance, the preposition in is used to refer to locations, but in expressions of time, in is used for general time periods. Similarly, on refers to surface location but is used with dates in time expressions.

• Examples:
  • She’s in the office. (Location)
  • We’ll meet in September. (Time)

Conclusion

Mastering prepositions requires an understanding of their specific functions and a lot of practice with real-world usage. Prepositions play an essential role in connecting ideas and clarifying relationships between words, so following these rules will help improve both your written and spoken English. While some preposition rules can be memorized, others must be learned through exposure, so engaging with English through reading, writing, and conversation is key to fluency in preposition use.