Preposition | Definition, Types, Examples & Listings

Below is a complete guide to English prepositions that covers everything from their definition and types to their gender, number, case, functions, and usage. So, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of prepositions in the English language.

Define Preposition With Examples

A preposition is a short word that is used in sentences to show the relationship nouns, pronouns or phrases have with different parts inside the respective sentences. In English grammar, prepositions are normally found positioned in the last option part of the sentence but before a noun or pronoun.

A preposition is a type of word that connects a noun phrase, pronoun, or noun to another word, particularly to a verb, adjective, or another noun, as shown by the Cambridge Word reference. The Collins Dictionary defines a preposition by words such as, by, for, into, or with which generally has a noun group as its object.

Preposition Examples

• The book is on the desk.
• She walked across the road
• The book is under the chair.
• We will meet at the park.
• He ran into the room quickly.
• The picture hangs above the sofa.
• They live near the river.
• I will wait until you arrive.
• The ball rolled behind the sofa.
• She looked through the window.

Use of Prepositions with Examples

Types of Preposition

1. Preposition of Time
2. Preposition of Place
3. Preposition of Location
4. Preposition of Direction
5. Preposition of Spatial Relationship
6. Preposition of Phrase

Define Preposition of Time With Example

The preposition of place is used to show when something is going on.

Example:

• Can you come after some time?
• This market will be closed from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.
• We will be meeting on
• The entire nation was asked to stay home during the pandemic to ensure safety and well-being.

Define Preposition of Place With Example

The preposition of place is used to show the place or position of something.

Example:

• The dog bounced over the wall.
• He was standing in front of the EB office.
• Henry hid behind the door.
• I have kept the book on the table that I borrowed from you.

Define Preposition of Location With Examples

The preposition of Location is used to indicate the location of a specific object.

Example:

• Kenny would remain at his cousin’s place for the end of the week.
• I lay on the floor for quite a long time.
• Make sure that you retain all the toys back in their place after you play.

Define Preposition of Direction With Examples

The preposition of direction is used to indicate the direction in which something travels or moves.

Example:

• Sidra passed the book to
• The girl rushed towards her father the moment she saw him.
• Ayesha lives across the street.

Define Preposition of Spatial Relationship With Examples

The Preposition of Spatial Relationship is utilized to exhibit an article’s development away from the source and towards the source.

Example:

• The circus was positioned opposite the children’s park.
• Ali sat beside the stairs.
• Navya sat leaning against the wall.
• We went through the night walking around the lake.

Define Preposition of Phrase With Examples

The preposition of a Phrase is used as a combination of a preposition and a noun (the object it is affecting).

Example:

• Why do not we try taking classes outside for a change?
• Make sure that you reach the marriage lawn on time.
• Make sure that you will fill in all the requirements in the form at once.
• Salman was able to complete it just with the help of his friends.

List of Prepositions

Single Word Preposition

• about
• above
• across
• after
• against
• along
• among
• around
• at
• before
• behind
• below
• beneath
• beside
• between
• beyond
• by
• down
• during
• for

Multiple Words Preposition

• according to
• because of
• due to
• in addition to
• in front of
• in place of
• in spite of
• instead of
• on account of
• out of
• in accordance with
• with regard to
• by means of
• for the sake of
• in case of
• in return for
• in spite of
• with respect to
• apart from
• in accordance with

Commonly Asked Questions

What is Preposition?

A preposition is a short word that is used in sentences to show the relationship nouns, pronouns or phrases have with different parts inside the respective sentences.

How many types of preposition?

1. Preposition of Time
2. Preposition of Place
3. Preposition of Location
4. Preposition of Direction
5. Preposition of Spatial Relationship
6. Preposition of Phrase

What are the Preposition Examples?

• The book is on the desk.
• She walked across the road
• The book is under the chair.

Related Resources:

Grammar

• Verbs
• Adverbs
• Adjectives
• Nouns
• Pronouns
• Conjunctions
• Interjections