Prepositions – Easy Explanation

“Prepositions are words that link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words in a sentence.”

📘 What is a Preposition?

A **preposition** is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word in the sentence. It tells us about direction, place, time, cause, manner, and instrumentality.

Example: The book is on the table. (The preposition "on" shows the relationship between the book and the table.)

📚 Types of Prepositions

  • Prepositions of Place: indicate where something is located.
    Example: *in, on, at, near, under, between*
  • Prepositions of Time: indicate when something happens.
    Example: *at, on, in, during, before, after*
  • Prepositions of Direction/Movement: indicate the movement from one place to another.
    Example: *to, into, across, through, up, down*
  • Prepositions of Cause, Reason, or Purpose: show the reason for something.
    Example: *for, because of, due to*
  • Prepositions of Manner: indicate how something is done.
    Example: *by, with, like*

🧠 Common Prepositions with Examples

  • On: The keys are on the table.
  • In: I live in New York.
  • At: She is at the door.
  • By: The book was written by J.K. Rowling.
  • With: He is playing with his friends.

📌 Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don’t confuse *in* and *on* for time expressions. Example: *in 2010* (not *on 2010*).
  • Use *at* for specific places and times, and *in* for general places and time periods.
  • After verbs of movement, use prepositions of direction. Example: *I am going to the market.*

📋 Questions Asked in Exams

  • Q: What is the role of a preposition in a sentence?
    A: A preposition shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word in the sentence.
  • Q: Provide examples of prepositions of place.
    A: *in, on, under, between, at, near, by*.
  • Q: How do prepositions of time work?
    A: Prepositions like *at, on, in* are used to indicate when something happens, e.g., *at 5 PM*, *on Monday*, *in 2025*.