Prepositions are words that link nouns, pronouns, and phrases to other words in a sentence. The word or phrase that the preposition introduces is called the object of the preposition. A preposition is simply a short word (like in, at, to) commonly placed before a noun (sometimes also before gerund verbs). Learning prepositions can pose a problem as there are no set rules to follow. Besides, an exact translation is usually not possible. A single preposition in a native language may have many translations depending on the situation. The best way to learn prepositions is to note them carefully while looking up a dictionary for word meanings. In addition, extensive reading and an alert mind can be a great help.
Example: The book is on the table.
A prepositional phrase is made up of the preposition, its object, and any associated adjectives or adverbs. A prepositional phrase can function as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb.
Example: At home, in time.
Frequently Used Prepositions
1. AT
Uses: | Example: |
next to, by an object | at the gate, at the door |
for table | at the dinner table |
for events | at a dance show, at a get-together |
a place for doing typical work | at a multiplex, at college, at home |
(watch a movie, study, work) |
2. ON
Uses: | Example: |
attached | the photo on the wall |
a place by a river | Allahabad is located on the Sangam. |
on a surface | my book is on the table |
a certain side (right, left) | on the left of the road |
a story in a building | on the top floor |
public transport | on a train, on a plane |
3. IN
Uses: | Example: |
hall, house, street, town, city | in India, in Kanpur |
magazine, book, newspaper | in The Tribune |
cab, auto-rickshaw | sitting in a cab |
picture, world | not in the picture, in her own world |
4. UNDER
Uses: | Example: |
on the ground, lower than something else | the purse is under the stool |
5. BELOW
Uses: | Example: |
lower than something but above ground | the impurities are below the surface |
6. OVER
Uses: | Example: |
covered by something | put a cover over the dish |
more than | over 80 years of age |
getting to the other side | climb over the wall |
overcoming an obstacle | walk over the bridge |
7. ABOVE
Uses: | Example: |
higher than but not directly over it | a bridge above the lake |
8. BY, NEXT TO, BESIDE
Uses: | Example: |
left or right of somebody/ something | Gili is standing by / next to/beside the scooter. |
9. ACROSS
Uses: | Example: |
going to the other side | a lake walk across a road, row across |
10. THROUGH
Uses: | Example: |
with limits on all sides | drive through the tunnel |
11. TO
Uses: | Example: |
move to a person/ building | go to Ram first, go to the school |
move to a place/ country | go to the cinema, go to Kolkata |
for bed | go to bed at night |
12. INTO
Uses: | Example: |
enter a room/building | go into the garage / the kitchen |
13. TOWARDS
Uses: | Example: |
move in a direction | go towards the house/ the north |
14. ONTO
Uses: | Example: |
move to the top of something | jump onto the table, get onto the car |
15. FROM
Uses: | Example: |
where from | almonds from Afghanistan |
16. Made of
Uses: | Example: |
when only physical change is there | This table is made of wood |
17. Made from
Uses: | Example: |
when physical as well as chemical change is there. | Curd is made from milk |