Prepositions – Types, Rules & Usage

What is a Preposition?

A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between:

• a noun or pronoun

• and another word in the sentence

Prepositions usually tell us:

• Where something is (place)

• When something happens (time)

• How something moves (direction)

• Relationship between objects

Examples of Prepositions

• in

• on

• at

• under

• before

• after

Examples in sentences:

• The book is on the table.

• She studies at night.

• He arrived after the class.

Why Prepositions Are Important

Prepositions help us:

• Give clear meaning to sentences

• Avoid confusion

• Speak and write more accurately

Compare:

• ❌ The book is the table.

• ✅ The book is on the table.

Common Prepositions in English

Some very common prepositions are:

in, on, at, to, from, for, with, about, by, under, over, between, among

Types of Prepositions

Prepositions can be grouped based on how they are used.

1. Prepositions of Place

What are Prepositions of Place?

They show where something or someone is.

Common Prepositions of Place

• in

• on

• at

• under

• over

• behind

• between

• among

Examples in Sentences

• The keys are on the table.

• She is in the room.

• The cat is under the chair.

• He stood between two friends.

2. Prepositions of Time

What are Prepositions of Time?

They show when something happens.

Common Prepositions of Time

• at

• on

• in

• before

• after

• during

Examples in Sentences

• The class starts at 9 AM.

• I study in the evening.

• We met on Monday.

• She left after lunch.

IN – ON – AT (Quick Rule)

Examples:

• in June

• on Monday

• at 7 PM

3. Prepositions of Direction

What are Prepositions of Direction?

They show movement from one place to another.

Common Prepositions of Direction

• to

• into

• onto

• towards

• from

Examples in Sentences

• She is going to school.

• He walked into the room.

• The cat jumped onto the table.

• They moved towards the exit.

4. Prepositions of Manner / Instrument

What are Prepositions of Manner or Instrument?

They show how something is done or with what.

Common Prepositions

• by

• with

• using

Examples in Sentences

• She came by bus.

• He cut the paper with scissors.

• I wrote the email using my phone.

5. Prepositions of Cause / Reason

What are Prepositions of Cause?

They show why something happens.

Examples

• because of

• due to

• owing to

Examples in sentences:

• The match was canceled because of rain.

• The delay was due to traffic.

Position of Prepositions in a Sentence

Prepositions usually come:

• Before a noun or pronoun

✅ She is sitting on the chair.
✅ He spoke about the problem.

Ending a Sentence with a Preposition

In modern English, this is acceptable.

• This is the book I told you about.

• Who are you talking to?

Common Preposition Mistakes to Avoid

❌ She is married with him.
✅ She is married to him.

❌ I am good in English.
✅ I am good at English.

❌ He discussed about the issue.
✅ He discussed the issue.
(Discuss does not need a preposition)

Prepositions vs Conjunctions (Quick Note)

• Preposition → followed by a noun/pronoun

• Conjunction → joins clauses

Example:

• I stayed home because of rain. (preposition)

• I stayed home because it was raining. (conjunction)

Practice Examples

Fill in the blanks:

1. The book is ___ the table. (on)

2. She arrived ___ 8 PM. (at)

3. We met ___ Monday. (on)

4. He walked ___ the room. (into)

Why Learning Prepositions Is Important

• Avoids common grammar errors

• Improves clarity

• Helps with fluent speaking

• Essential for correct sentence meaning

Quick Summary

• Prepositions show relationship

• They tell us place, time, direction, manner

• Always followed by a noun or pronoun

• Small words, but very important

✅ Tip for Learners

Prepositions are best learned with examples, not rules alone.

Example:

• good at

• interested in

• afraid of