What is a preposition?
A preposition is a word used to link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words within a sentence. They act to connect the people, objects, time and locations of sentence. Prepositions are usually short words, and they are normally placed directly in front of nouns.
In some cases you'll find preposition in front of gerund verbs.
Examples of prepositions:
In the following sentences, examples of prepositions have been italicized. As you read, consider how using different prepositions or even different types of prepositions in place of the examples might change the relationship between the rests of the words in the sentence.
• I prefer to read in the library.
• He climbed up the ladder to get into the attic.
• Please sign your name on the dotted line after you read the contract.
• Go down the stairs and through the door.
• He swam across the pool.
• Take your brother with you.
Types of prepositions
1. Preposition of time:
Basic examples of time prepositions include: at, on, in, before and after. They are used to help indicate when something happened, happens or will happen. It can get a little confusing though, as many different prepositions can be used.
Preposition of time examples in the following sentences are in bold for easy identification.
For example:
• I was born on July 4th, 1982.
• I was born in.
• I was born at exactly 2am.
• I was born two minutes before my twin brother.
• I was born after the Great War ended…
2. Prepositions of place:
To confuse matters a bit, the most common prepositions to indicate time – on, at, in – are also the most common prepositions to indicate position. However, the rules are a little clearer as place prepositions are a more rigid concept than time prepositions.
Prepositions of place examples in the following sentences are in bold for easy identification.
• The cat is on the table.
• The dogs are in the kennel.
• We can meet at the station.
3. Prepositions of movement:
Preposition of movement are quite easy to understand as they are less abstract than prepositions of place and time. Essentially, they describe how something or someone moves from one place to another. The most commonly used preposition of movement is: to, which usually serves to highlight that there is movement towards a specific destination.
Preposition of movement examples in the following sentences are in bold for easy identification.
• He has gone on vacation to
• She went to the bowling alley every Friday last summer.
• I will go to bed when I am tired.
• They will go to the zoo if they finish their errands.
4. Prepositions with Nouns:
There are lots of different nouns that carry specific prepositions to consolidate their meaning. These are called dependent prepositions.
Examples:
• He displayed cruelty towards his dog.
• She had knowledge of literature.
5. Prepositions with Verbs:
Prepositional verbs – the phrasal combinations of verbs and prepositions – are important parts of speech. The prepositions again act as links between the verb and noun or gerund, giving extra meaning to the sentence.
• He admitted to the charge.
• We searched for ages before we found the perfect apartment.
• I don't agree with your claim.
• I dream of a better life.
• Does Rick believe in miracles?
• We should really concentrate on our studies now.
6. Prepositions with Adjectives:
Prepositions can form phrases with adjectives to give further context to the action, emotion or thing the adjectives is describing. Like verbs and nouns, adjectives can be followed by: to, about, in, with, at and by.
• I am happily married to
• Ellie is crazy about this movie.
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