Prepositions

Definition :

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a preposition is described as “a term that links a noun, a noun phrase, or a pronoun to a different word, particularly to a verb, another noun, or an adjective.” The Oxford Learner's Dictionary defines a preposition as “a word or set of words, like in, from, to, out of, and on behalf of, that appears before a noun or pronoun to indicate place, position, time, or manner.”

 

The Collins Dictionary describes a preposition as “a term like 'by', 'for', 'into', or 'with', which typically takes a noun group as its object.” The Merriam Webster Dictionary offers a somewhat distinct definition. It defines a preposition as “a function word that generally joins with a noun phrase to create a phrase which typically indicates a modification or predication.”

 

Use of Prepositions:

Prepositions are regarded as exhibiting important features and fulfilling essential roles when utilized in sentences. Let us explore the different applications of prepositions in English.

·         They serve to indicate the direction of something.

·         They can indicate when something occurs.

·         They can signify the position or location of an object within the sentence.

·         They are more employed to depict spatial connections.

·         Prepositional phrases, especially, can accomplish all of these tasks when utilized in sentences.

 

Types of Prepositions

Depending on the use anf function of prepositions, they can be categorized into 4 main sects:

1)      Preposition of Time : Used to denote “when” something is taking place.

 

Ø  We will be meeting in the morning  on  Friday.

Ø  Our shop will be closed from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.

Ø  Can you come in  after  a few minutes?

Ø  We have been asked to work from home  until  the end of the investigation.

Ø  The whole country was required to remain home  during  the pandemic to ensure their safety

2)      Preposition of Place : used to indicate the place/position of something

 

Examples:

Ø  I kept the mug I borrowed from you  on  the table.

Ø  Bob hid  behind  the central window.

Ø  The kids jumped  over  the fence.

Ø  Can you place the roses in  between  the white daisies?

Ø  He was waiting for us  in front of  the District Attorney's office.

 

3)      Preposition of Direction : this preposition is used to show the direction or the way to which something goes or moves

 

Examples:

 

Ø  The little girl ran happily  toward  her father the moment she saw him.

Ø  Tom jumped courageously  into  the river to help his sister.

Ø  Vanessa passed the tart to  Mina.

Ø  When will Sylvia return  from  her trip to London?

Ø  My aunt lives  across  the street.

 

4)      Prepositions of Spatial Relationship : These prepositions are used to denote an object's placement accordingly with the placement of another “source”.

Examples:

Ø  Leila remained leaning  against  the yellow wall.

Ø  The circus was placed  opposite  the green park.

Ø  Keyla took a nap  beneath  the trees.

Ø  Malek walked  beside  the stairs.

Ø  We spent the whole afternoon walking  around  the central park.

 

 

  Prepositional Phrase a combination of a preposition and a noun ( the object it is affecting ).

For example:

Ø  See to it that you reach the scheduled meeting  on time.

Ø  The medicines you require for your brother are  out of stock .

Ø  Why don't you try taking chess classes  for a change ?

Ø  Be certain all the forms are filled at once .

Ø  Lamine was able to finish it only  with the help of  father.

 

Popular Prepositions:

 

Examples of Prepositions
On	At	In	Over
Around	Through	Opposite to	In front of
Behind	Beneath	Beside	Above
Below	Under	Underneath	Down
Up	Out	With	Into
Onto	Across	After	Before
Near	Among	Along	Between
Toward	Away	From	To
Next to	By	Until	About

 

 

 

 

Commonly Confused Prepositions

• In/On/At

These three prepositions can be used to depict both time and position. The following table contains examples for both sides.

On the other hand

Pay attention to this as well;

To  and  from  are two other prepositions that create confusion.

• By/With

By  and  with  have multiple meanings. They sometimes appear to be confusing, just like to and from