Prepositions – Definition, Examples, Uses
- Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word in a sentence (The keys are on the table.).
- They are used to identify time (at 6 p.m.), location (under the bridge), direction/movement (toward the station / through the tunnel), or purpose (for practice).
- A preposition is usually followed by a noun or pronoun (object of the preposition) for example: in the room, on the table, at night.
- Learning how to use prepositions is crucial for communicating clearly in English.
What is a Preposition?
A preposition is a short word that connects nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words in a sentence. It shows relationships of time, place, direction, movement, or purpose.
Together with other words, prepositions form a prepositional phrase:
- The cat slept under the warm blanket.
- She arrived after the meeting.
- We walked along the quiet beach.
A preposition is usually placed directly before the word or phrase it relates to, called the object of the preposition.
Example:
The book is on the shelf.
What are the Types of Prepositions?
| Category | Time (when) | Location (where) | Direction / Movement (which way) | Purpose (why) |
| Definition | Shows when something happens or its duration | Shows where something is | Shows which way something goes or how it moves | Shows why something is done |
| Key question | When? / How long? | Where? | Which way? / From–to? | Why? |
| Common prepositions | at, on, in, before, after, during, since, until, by, within, throughout | in, on, at, under, over, between, among, behind, beside, near, above, below, inside, outside | to, toward, into, onto, from, away from, out of, through, across, along, over, past, around, up, down | for, to, in order to, for the sake of, with the aim of |
| Example | The meeting starts at 6 p.m. | The keys are on the table. | She walked toward the station. | He studies for practice. |
| Type of Preposition | Definition | Examples |
| Prepositions of Time | Show when something happens or how long it lasts. | The show starts at 7 p.m. / She was born in July. / We talked for two hours. |
| Prepositions of Location | Show where something or someone is. | The keys are on the table. / The dog is sleeping under the bed. / A picture hangs above the fireplace. |
| Prepositions of Direction or Movement | Show where something goes or how it moves. | She ran toward the gate. / The bird flew over the house. / They walked through the park. |
| Prepositions of Purpose | Show why something is done. | He studies for his exams. / She went to the shop for milk. / They met to discuss the plan. |
| Prepositions of Possession | Show ownership or belonging. | This is the house of my uncle. / She is a friend of mine. |
| Prepositions of Source | Show where something comes from. | This wine comes from Italy. / I received a letter from my cousin. |
| Prepositions of Measurement | Show measurements, rates, or dimensions. | The room is five meters by four meters. / The speed limit is 60 kilometers per hour. |
When Not to Use Prepositions
1. At the end of a question with certain verbs
You do not use a preposition at the end of a question with certain verbs like "to go".
Incorrect: Where did you go to?
Correct: Where did you go?
2. After "last," "next," "this," "every," etc.
You do not use a preposition before these time expressions.
Incorrect: We met on last Friday.
Correct: We met last Friday.
3. After certain verbs of movement
You do not add a preposition after some movement verbs.
Incorrect: She entered into the room.
Correct: She entered the room.
4. Before distances, durations, and quantities
You do not use a preposition before expressions of distance, time, or quantity.
Incorrect: The café is at five miles away.
Correct: The café is five miles away.
5. Before "home"
You do not use a preposition before home when it shows direction or position.
Incorrect: He went to home.
Correct: He went home.
Multi-Word Prepositions
| Category | Time (when) | Location (where) | Direction / Movement (which way) | Purpose (why) |
| Definition | Shows when something happens | Shows where something is | Shows movement or direction | Shows why something is done |
| Common multi-word prepositions | prior to, up to, as of, in the course of, in time for | in front of, next to, on top of, in the middle of, close to | out of, away from, in the direction of, by way of | in order to, for the sake of, with the aim of, on behalf of |
| Example | The report was completed prior to the deadline. | She waited in front of the café. | They ran out of the building. | He worked extra hours for the sake of his family. |
Find out more
Yes. In everyday English, ending a sentence with a preposition is natural and common.
Who are you talking to?
What are you looking for?
Which school does she go to?
What are you thinking about?
In formal writing, the preposition may be moved forward:
To whom are you talking?
With whom did you travel?
About whom were they speaking?
A stranded preposition is common in English. A "dangling preposition" with no object is incorrect.
Incorrect (no object):
What are you looking at?
Correct:
At what are you looking?
Phrasal verbs combine a verb + particle to create a new meaning.
She gave up smoking.
They looked after the children.
He ran into an old friend.
The meaning depends on the particle, while the verb stays the same.
She looked after the child → cared for
She looked at the child → directed her eyes toward