In this article, we help you learn about the most commonly used prepositions. These would go a long way in helping you understand the usage of prepositions in english grammar. Use this article as a revision tool in your spare time.
Prepositions:
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
Go through the list of most common prepositions along with their uses and examples.
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 |
| 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 storey 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 |
Prepositions: Key Learning
- Practice will help you to master the rules of Prepositions.
- Follow the simple rules given in the article and solve as many questions as you can.
If you have any doubts or questions, feel free to ask them in the comments section given below.
Verbal Preparation Series
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