Prepositions

What is Preposition?

Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence. They usually indicate the position, direction, or time of the noun or pronoun. Prepositions are used to connect nouns and pronouns to the rest of the sentence and help to clarify the meaning.

Types of Preposition

There are several types of prepositions, including:

Prepositions in English can be classified into several types based on their functions and usage. Here are some common types of prepositions in English:

    Simple prepositions: These are the most common type of prepositions, which are used to show the relationship between two objects in a sentence. Examples include "in," "on," "at," "by," "with," "for," "to," "from," "under," and "over."

    Compound prepositions: These are prepositions that are formed by combining two or more words to create a single preposition. Examples include "according to," "in addition to," "instead of," "out of," "up to," and "with regard to."

    Double prepositions: These are prepositions that consist of two words that function together as a single preposition. Examples include "along with," "apart from," "as to," "because of," and "in spite of."

    Participial prepositions: These are prepositions that are formed from present participles or past participles. Examples include "concerning," "considering," "given," "pending," and "regarding."

    Prepositional phrases: These are groups of words that begin with a preposition and end with a noun, pronoun, or gerund. Examples include "in the park," "on the table," "at the store," "by the river," and "with a smile."

    Prepositions of time: These are prepositions that are used to indicate when an action took place or for how long. Examples include "at," "on," "in," "for," "during," "since," and "until."

    Prepositions of place: These are prepositions that are used to indicate where something is located or where it is going. Examples include "in," "on," "at," "under," "above," "below," "beside," and "between."

    Prepositions of direction: These are prepositions that are used to indicate the direction of movement. Examples include "to," "from," "towards," "into," "onto," "off," and "out of."

    Prepositions of manner: These are prepositions that are used to describe how something is done or how an action is performed. Examples include "by," "with," "in," and "like." For example, "He ate his food with a fork."

    Prepositions of purpose: These are prepositions that are used to indicate the reason or purpose for something. Examples include "for," "to," "in order to," and "so as to." For example, "She went to the store to buy groceries."

    Prepositions of comparison: These are prepositions that are used to make a comparison between two things. Examples include "like," "unlike," "similar to," and "different from." For example, "The new car is similar to the old one."

    Prepositions of agency: These are prepositions that are used to indicate the person or thing responsible for an action. Examples include "by" and "with." For example, "The painting was created by a famous artist."

    Prepositions of accompaniment: These are prepositions that are used to indicate that someone or something is accompanying another person or thing. Examples include "with" and "along with." For example, "She went to the party with her best friend."

    Prepositions of condition: These are prepositions that are used to indicate a condition or circumstance that must be met in order for something else to happen. Examples include "unless" and "except." For example, "You can't enter the club unless you're wearing formal attire."

    Prepositions of source: These are prepositions that are used to indicate the origin or source of something. Examples include "from" and "out of." For example, "The letter came from my grandmother."

Examples of different Prepositions

Here are some examples of prepositions:

    on, in, at, under, over, beside, with, for, to, from, by, about, etc.

Examples of how prepositions are used in a sentence:

•     I am sitting on the chair.

•     She lives in the city.

•     He is standing at the bus stop.

•     The cat is sleeping under the table.

•     The bird is flying over the trees.

•     He is walking beside his friend.

•     She is playing with her toys.

•     I bought a gift for my friend.

•     He is going to school.

•     She received a letter from her friend.

•     The book was written by the author.

•     He is talking about his vacation.

Prepositions can be used in different ways in a sentence, such as:

• Prepositions of time: Prepositions such as at, in, on, before, after, during, etc. are used to indicate time.

Example: She arrived at the airport on time.

• Prepositions of place: Prepositions such as in, on, under, beside, above, below, etc. are used to indicate the location or position of something.

Example: The book is on the table.

• Prepositions of direction: Prepositions such as to, from, towards, away from, etc. are used to indicate the direction of something.

Example: He is walking towards the park.

• Prepositions of manner: Prepositions such as with, like, as, etc. are used to indicate the way or manner in which something is done.

Example: She writes with a pen.

• Prepositions of agency: Prepositions such as by, with, etc. are used to indicate the agent or the means by which something is done.

Example: The book was written by the author.

• Prepositions of cause and effect: Prepositions such as because of, due to, as a result of, etc. are used to indicate the cause and effect relationship between two things.

Example: He was late for the meeting due to traffic.

• Participial prepositions: Participial prepositions are a type of preposition in English that are formed from present or past participles of verbs. They function in a similar way to regular prepositions, showing the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other parts of the sentence. 

Here are some common examples of participial prepositions in English:

• • •     Considering: Considering his age, he's in very good shape.

    •     Concerning: There's been a lot of discussion concerning the new policy.

    •     Excluding: All the guests were invited, excluding his ex-girlfriend.

    •     Pending: The project has been on hold pending approval from the board.

    •     Considering: Considering how busy she is, she's done a great job.

    •     During: During his speech, he made several controversial statements.

    •     Following: Following the accident, he was rushed to the hospital.

    •     Including: The package includes a free gift.

    •     Regarding: There's been some confusion regarding the schedule for next week.

    •     Touching: He gave a touching speech at the memorial service.

Participial prepositions can also be used in participial phrases, which are phrases that begin with a present or past participle and function as an adjective or adverb in a sentence. For example:

• The woman standing at the bus stop was my neighbor. (The participial phrase "standing at the bus stop" modifies the noun "woman.")

• The cake, baked by my sister, was delicious. (The participial phrase "baked by my sister" modifies the noun "cake.")

• The athlete, exhausted from the race, collapsed at the finish line. (The participial phrase "exhausted from the race" modifies the noun "athlete.")

• The students, excited about the field trip, were talking loudly. (The participial phrase "excited about the field trip" modifies the noun "students.")

It is important to note that prepositions can sometimes be used incorrectly, leading to confusion or ambiguity in the sentence. Therefore, it is important to understand the correct usage of prepositions in different contexts.

The correct usage of prepositions in different contexts

Examples of the context:

    Time:

    Use "at" with a specific time: "I will meet you at 3 o'clock."

    Use "on" with a specific day: "I will see you on Monday."

    Use "in" with months, seasons, years, or periods of time: "I will go on vacation in August."

    Place:

    Use "in" for enclosed spaces: "The book is in the box."

    Use "on" for surfaces: "The book is on the table."

    Use "at" for specific locations: "I will meet you at the restaurant."

    Direction:

    Use "to" to indicate the destination: "I am going to the park."

    Use "from" to indicate the origin: "I am coming from the office."

    Manner:

    Use "with" to indicate the tool or instrument used: "I write with a pen."

    Use "like" to indicate similarity: "He runs like a cheetah."

    Use "as" to indicate the function or role: "He works as a doctor."

    Agency:

    Use "by" to indicate the agent or the means by which something is done: "The book was written by the author."

    Use "with" to indicate the tool or instrument used: "I cut the vegetables with a knife."

    Cause and effect:

    Use "because of" to indicate the cause: "I was late because of the traffic."

    Use "due to" to indicate the cause: "The flight was canceled due to bad weather."

    Use "as a result of" to indicate the effect: "He lost his job as a result of the company's restructuring."

It is important to note that the usage of prepositions can vary depending on the context, and there are some exceptions and idiomatic expressions that do not follow the usual rules. 

Exceptions and Idiomatic Expressions

Exceptions: 

Some common exceptions involving prepositions:

    "Different from" is more commonly used than "different than" in American English: "His approach is different from mine."

    "Regardless of" is used instead of "irregardless": "Regardless of the weather, we will go on the hike."

    "Between" is used for two items and "among" for three or more: "I have to choose between two options." vs. "The prize was divided among the three winners."

    "In" vs "Into":

    "In" is used to indicate position or location within something: "The book is in the box."

    "Into" is used to indicate motion or movement towards the inside of something: "I put the book into the box."

    "Of" vs "Off":

    "Of" is used to indicate possession or belonging: "The book is the property of the library."

    "Off" is used to indicate separation or disconnection: "I turned off the TV."

    "At" vs "To":

    "At" is used to indicate a specific location or point in time: "I will meet you at the park."

    "To" is used to indicate direction or destination: "I am going to the park."

    "On" vs "Upon":

    "On" is used to indicate physical contact or attachment: "The book is on the table."

    "Upon" is a more formal or literary alternative that indicates a more significant or dramatic action: "Upon hearing the news, she burst into tears."

    "Beside" vs "Besides":

    "Beside" is used to indicate physical proximity or next to: "She sat beside me at the movie theater."

    "Besides" is used to indicate in addition to or apart from: "Besides English, she also speaks Spanish."

    "At" vs "In":

    "At" is used to indicate a specific point or location: "I will meet you at the coffee shop."

    "In" is used to indicate an enclosed space: "I am in the coffee shop."

    "By" vs "With":

    "By" is used to indicate the agent or means by which something is done: "The book was written by the author."

    "With" is used to indicate the tool or instrument used: "I cut the vegetables with a knife."

    "Since" vs "For":

    "Since" is used to indicate the starting point of an action or event: "I have been working here since 2015."

    "For" is used to indicate the duration of an action or event: "I have been working here for six years."

    "About" vs "Around":

    "About" is used to indicate the topic of a discussion or the approximate time or number: "We talked about our future plans."

    "Around" is used to indicate a general area or location: "I am looking for my keys around the living room."

    "Under" vs "Below":

    "Under" is used to indicate physical location or position: "The cat is hiding under the bed."

    "Below" is used to indicate a lower position or level: "The temperature is below freezing."

    "To" vs "Too":

    "To" is used to indicate direction or intention: "I am going to the store."

    "Too" is used to indicate excess or similarity: "I ate too much food."

    "Of" vs "From":

    "Of" is used to indicate possession or relationship: "The color of the shirt is blue."

    "From" is used to indicate origin or source: "I received a letter from my friend."

    "Before" vs "Ahead of":

    "Before" is used to indicate the earlier point in time or order: "I finish my work before going home."

    "Ahead of" is used to indicate that someone is in front of someone else in a competition or a task: "He is ahead of his competitors."

    "About" vs "Around":

    "About" is used to indicate the topic of a discussion or the approximate time or number: "We talked about our future plans."

    "Around" is used to indicate a general area or location: "I am looking for my keys around the living room."

    "To" vs "Into":

    "To" is used to indicate direction or destination: "I am going to the store."

    "Into" is used to indicate motion or movement towards the inside of something: "I put the groceries into the bag."

Remember that these are just some common exceptions, and the usage of prepositions can be complex and nuanced in certain contexts. 

Idiomatic expressions

Idiomatic expressions are phrases that have a different meaning from the literal meaning of the words used. Here are some commonly used idiomatic expressions in English:

Idiomatic expressions involving prepositions:

    "Able to" is used instead of "able for": "I am able to do the task."

    "Interested in" is used instead of "interested to": "I am interested in learning a new language."

    "Fed up with" is used to indicate frustration or annoyance: "I am fed up with the noise in my neighborhood."

    "In love with" is used to indicate romantic feelings: "He is in love with his girlfriend."

    "By heart" is used to indicate memorization: "I know the song by heart."

    "On purpose" is used to indicate intention: "He did it on purpose."

"Break a leg" - This is a phrase used to wish someone good luck before a performance or an event.

Example: "Break a leg in your theater performance tonight!"

"Piece of cake" - This means that something is very easy or simple to do.

Example: "Don't worry, this math problem is a piece of cake!"

"Kick the bucket" - This is a euphemism for dying or passing away.

Example: "My grandfather kicked the bucket last week."

"A dime a dozen" - This means that something is very common or easy to find.

Example: "Those souvenirs are a dime a dozen, you can find them at any tourist shop."

"Hold your horses" - This means to slow down or be patient.

Example: "Hold your horses, we need to double-check before making a decision."

"Break the ice" - This means to initiate a conversation or interaction with someone to ease the tension or awkwardness.

Example: "I'll try to break the ice with my new coworkers during lunch."

"A penny for your thoughts" - This means to ask someone what they are thinking or feeling.

A chip on your shoulder: This means to be easily offended or to hold a grudge. Example: "He has a chip on his shoulder because he didn't get the promotion he wanted."

In the same boat: This means to be in the same difficult situation as someone else. Example: "I lost my job too. We're in the same boat."

Burn the midnight oil: This means to work late into the night. Example: "I have a deadline tomorrow, so I'll be burning the midnight oil tonight."

Take it with a grain of salt: This means to be skeptical or not fully believe something. Example: "He's known for exaggerating, so take what he says with a grain of salt."

The icing on the cake: This means something that makes a situation even better or more enjoyable. Example: "I was already having a great day, and then getting a surprise visit from my best friend was the icing on the cake."

Go the extra mile: This means to put in extra effort or do more than is expected. Example: "If you want to stand out at work, you need to go the extra mile and exceed expectations."

Close but no cigar: This means to almost succeed but fall just short. Example: "I was one point away from passing the test - close but no cigar."

In a nutshell: This means to summarize something briefly or concisely. Example: "To put it in a nutshell, we need to increase sales by 20% this quarter."

See eye to eye: This means to have the same opinion or perspective as someone else. Example: "We don't always agree, but on this issue, we see eye to eye."

Put all your eggs in one basket: This means to focus all your resources or energy on one thing, making yourself vulnerable to failure. Example: "I wouldn't invest all my money in one stock - you don't want to put all your eggs in one basket."

 Pull someone's leg: This means to tease or joke with someone in a playful way. Example: "I was just pulling your leg when I said you failed the test."

Cut the mustard: This means to meet a standard or perform well. Example: "If you want to succeed in this job, you need to cut the mustard and exceed expectations."

Face the music: This means to accept the consequences of one's actions or to deal with an unpleasant situation. Example: "You knew you were breaking the rules, so now you have to face the music."

 Keep your chin up: This means to stay positive and optimistic in difficult situations. Example: "I know you didn't get the job, but keep your chin up and keep trying."

Bite off more than you can chew: This means to take on more than one can handle or to overcommit. Example: "I think you're biting off more than you can chew by taking on three jobs at once."

By the skin of your teeth: This means to narrowly avoid a negative outcome or failure. Example: "I barely passed the exam by the skin of my teeth."

The ball is in your court: This means that it's someone else's turn to take action or make a decision. Example: "I've given you all the information you need. Now the ball is in your court to make a decision."

In hot water: This means to be in trouble or facing a difficult situation. Example: "I'm in hot water with my boss for missing the deadline."

Straight from the horse's mouth: This means to hear information directly from the source or an authoritative figure. Example: "I heard straight from the horse's mouth that the company is going bankrupt."

Barking up the wrong tree: This means to pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action or to accuse the wrong person. Example: "If you think I stole your phone, you're barking up the wrong tree. I wasn't even there."

Let the cat out of the bag: This means to reveal a secret or confidential information. Example: "I wasn't supposed to tell anyone, but I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party."

Bite the bullet: This means to endure a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage or stoicism. Example: "I know you're scared of the dentist, but you just have to bite the bullet and go."

Cut corners: This means to do something quickly or cheaply without taking the necessary steps or precautions. Example: "I don't want to cut corners on this project. Let's take the time to do it right."

Hit the nail on the head: This means to get something exactly right or to make an accurate assessment. Example: "You hit the nail on the head with your analysis of the problem."

A taste of your own medicine: This means to experience the same negative treatment or consequences that one has inflicted on others. Example: "After years of bullying his coworkers, he finally got a taste of his own medicine when he was demoted."

On thin ice: This means to be in a risky or precarious situation, often due to one's own actions or behavior. Example: "If you don't turn in your project on time, you'll be on thin ice with your boss."

Break a leg: This means good luck or wishing someone success, particularly before a performance or presentation. Example: "Break a leg on your job interview tomorrow!"

Kick the bucket: This is a euphemism for dying or passing away. Example: "I'm sorry to hear that your grandfather kicked the bucket last week."

Piece of cake: This means that something is very easy or simple. Example: "Don't worry, the exam was a piece of cake."

Barking up the wrong tree: This means to pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action or to accuse the wrong person. Example: "If you think I stole your phone, you're barking up the wrong tree. I wasn't even there."

Let the cat out of the bag: This means to reveal a secret or confidential information. Example: "I wasn't supposed to tell anyone, but I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party."

Bite the bullet: This means to endure a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage or stoicism. Example: "I know you're scared of the dentist, but you just have to bite the bullet and go."

Cut corners: This means to do something quickly or cheaply without taking the necessary steps or precautions. Example: "I don't want to cut corners on this project. Let's take the time to do it right."

Hit the nail on the head: This means to get something exactly right or to make an accurate assessment. Example: "You hit the nail on the head with your analysis of the problem."

A taste of your own medicine: This means to experience the same negative treatment or consequences that one has inflicted on others. Example: "After years of bullying his coworkers, he finally got a taste of his own medicine when he was demoted."

On thin ice: This means to be in a risky or precarious situation, often due to one's own actions or behavior. Example: "If you don't turn in your project on time, you'll be on thin ice with your boss."

Pull someone's leg: This means to tease or joke with someone in a playful way. Example: "I was just pulling your leg when I said you failed the test."

Cut the mustard: This means to meet a standard or perform well. Example: "If you want to succeed in this job, you need to cut the mustard and exceed expectations."

Face the music: This means to accept the consequences of one's actions or to deal with an unpleasant situation. Example: "You knew you were breaking the rules, so now you have to face the music."

Keep your chin up: This means to stay positive and optimistic in difficult situations. Example: "I know you didn't get the job, but keep your chin up and keep trying."

Bite off more than you can chew: This means to take on more than one can handle or to over-commit. Example: "I think you're biting off more than you can chew by taking on three jobs at once."

A penny for your thoughts: This means to ask someone what they're thinking or feeling. Example: "You've been quiet for a while. A penny for your thoughts?"

By the skin of your teeth: This means to narrowly avoid a negative outcome or failure. Example: "I barely passed the exam by the skin of my teeth."

The ball is in your court: This means that it's someone else's turn to take action or make a decision. Example: "I've given you all the information you need. Now the ball is in your court to make a decision."

In hot water: This means to be in trouble or facing a difficult situation. Example: "I'm in hot water with my boss for missing the deadline."

Straight from the horse's mouth: This means to hear information directly from the source or an authoritative figure. Example: "I heard straight from the horse's mouth that the company is going bankrupt."

A chip on your shoulder: This means to be easily offended or to hold a grudge. Example: "He has a chip on his shoulder because he didn't get the promotion he wanted."

In the same boat: This means to be in the same difficult situation as someone else. Example: "I lost my job too. We're in the same boat."

Burn the midnight oil: This means to work late into the night. Example: "I have a deadline tomorrow, so I'll be burning the midnight oil tonight."

Take it with a grain of salt: This means to be skeptical or not fully believe something. Example: "He's known for exaggerating, so take what he says with a grain of salt."

The icing on the cake: This means something that makes a situation even better or more enjoyable. Example: "I was already having a great day, and then getting a surprise visit from my best friend was the icing on the cake."

Go the extra mile: This means to put in extra effort or do more than is expected. Example: "If you want to stand out at work, you need to go the extra mile and exceed expectations."

Close but no cigar: This means to almost succeed but fall just short. Example: "I was one point away from passing the test - close but no cigar."

In a nutshell: This means to summarize something briefly or concisely. Example: "To put it in a nutshell, we need to increase sales by 20% this quarter."

See eye to eye: This means to have the same opinion or perspective as someone else. Example: "We don't always agree, but on this issue, we see eye to eye."

Put all your eggs in one basket: This means to focus all your resources or energy on one thing, making yourself vulnerable to failure. Example: "I wouldn't invest all my money in one stock - you don't want to put all your eggs in one basket."