Prepositions are words that show the relationship of a noun or pronoun with another word in the sentence. They indicate time, place, direction, cause, manner, and other relationships.
1. Prepositions of Place / Position
Preposition
Example Sentence
in
The books are in the library.
on
The painting hangs on the wall.
at
We met at the station.
under
The dog is sleeping under the table.
above
The picture is above the sofa.
over
The plane flew over the city.
below
The valley lies below the mountains.
between
The school is located between the bank and the market.
among
She distributed sweets among the children.
beside / next to
He sat beside his friend.
behind
The car is parked behind the house.
in front of
The statue stands in front of the temple.
near / close to
The shop is near the railway station.
2. Prepositions of Time
Preposition
Example Sentence
at
The train arrives at 6 p.m.
on
The festival is celebrated on Sunday.
in
We met in June.
since
She has been studying since morning.
for
I have lived here for ten years.
by
Complete the assignment by Monday.
during
He fell asleep during the lecture.
from…to…
The office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
within
Please submit your work within a week.
until / till
The shop is open until 9 p.m.
3. Prepositions of Direction / Movement
Preposition
Example Sentence
to
She is going to the market.
from
He came from the city.
into
The cat jumped into the box.
onto
He climbed onto the roof.
out of
They walked out of the classroom.
towards
He walked towards the beach.
through
The train passed through the tunnel.
along
They strolled along the riverbank.
across
The bridge goes across the river.
around
We walked around the park.
4. Prepositions of Cause, Reason, or Purpose
Preposition
Example Sentence
because of
The match was canceled because of rain.
due to
The flight was delayed due to technical problems.
for
This present is for you.
on account of
He missed school on account of illness.
5. Prepositions of Means or Agent
Preposition
Example Sentence
by
The novel was written by her.
with
He cut the paper with scissors.
via
We sent the documents via email.
through
She succeeded through hard work.
6. Prepositions of Comparison / Concession
Preposition
Example Sentence
like
He runs like a professional athlete.
as
She works as a teacher.
than
This bag is heavier than that one.
unlike
Unlike his brother, he is very quiet.
in spite of / despite
He succeeded in spite of difficulties.
7. Prepositions of Place in Relation to Time / Condition