English Prepositions: Master These Tricky Words with Clear Examples

Prepositions are among the most challenging aspects of English for language learners. These small but mighty words show relationships between other words in a sentence, indicating position, direction, time, and many other concepts. This comprehensive guide explores the most common and confusing English prepositions, providing clear explanations, practical examples, and effective learning strategies to help you use these tricky words with confidence.

 

Understanding Prepositions in English

Before diving into specific prepositions, it's helpful to understand what these words do and why they can be so challenging.

What Are Prepositions?

Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence. They typically indicate:

1. Location: at home, on the table, in the box
2. Direction: to school, toward the park, through the tunnel
3. Time: at noon, on Monday, in January
4. Manner: with care, by hand, without effort
5. Purpose: for sale, with this goal
6. Possession: of mine, with handles
7. Agent: by Shakespeare, from the company

Common English prepositions include: in, on, at, by, for, with, about, between, among, through, during, before, after, to, toward, from, of, and many others.

Why Prepositions Are Challenging

Prepositions present several difficulties for English learners:

1. No direct translation: Prepositions often don't translate directly between languages
2. Multiple meanings: The same preposition can have many different uses
3. Idiomatic usage: Many prepositional phrases are fixed expressions that must be memorized
4. Subtle distinctions: The difference between prepositions like "in," "on," and "at" can be difficult to grasp
5. Collocation patterns: Certain words naturally pair with specific prepositions

Prepositions of Place and Location

These prepositions indicate where something is positioned or located.

In, On, At: The Basic Location Prepositions

These three prepositions form the foundation of location expressions in English, but their usage follows specific patterns:

In

Use "in" for enclosed spaces, areas with boundaries, or being surrounded by something:

• In a container: in a box, in a drawer, in a bag
• In a building: in a house, in a hospital, in a restaurant
• In a room: in the kitchen, in the bedroom, in the office
• In a geographical area: in France, in California, in the Sahara Desert
• In a city: in London, in Tokyo, in Cairo
• In a liquid or substance: in water, in the air, in space

Examples: - "The keys are in my pocket." - "She lives in Paris." - "The fish swim in the lake."

On

Use "on" for surfaces, or when something is touching or attached to something else:

• On a surface: on the table, on the floor, on the wall
• On a line: on the border, on the equator, on the coast
• On public transport: on a bus, on a train, on a plane (but in a car)
• On a floor of a building: on the first floor, on the ground floor
• On a street: on Main Street, on Fifth Avenue
• On an island: on Manhattan, on Fiji

Examples: - "The book is on the shelf." - "There's a stain on your shirt." - "The painting hangs on the wall."

At

Use "at" for specific points, positions, or locations viewed as a point rather than an area:

• At an address: at 123 Main Street
• At a specific position: at the corner, at the entrance, at the back
• At a location for a purpose: at the airport, at the station, at the doctor's
• At an event: at a concert, at a meeting, at a party
• At a specific point on a scale: at zero degrees, at the boiling point

Examples: - "I'll meet you at the entrance." - "She's waiting at the bus stop." - "The conference is at the Hilton Hotel."

Other Important Location Prepositions

Above vs. Over

• Above: Indicates higher position without implying directly over something
  • "The airplane is flying above the clouds."
  • "The shelf is above the desk."
• Over: Indicates directly above, covering, or across something
  • "She held the umbrella over her head."
  • "The bridge goes over the river."
  • "He put a blanket over the sleeping child."

Below vs. Under

• Below: Indicates lower position without implying directly beneath
  • "The temperature is below freezing."
  • "We live in the apartment below yours."
• Under: Indicates directly beneath or covered by something
  • "The cat is hiding under the bed."
  • "She wore a sweater under her coat."
  • "The document is under that pile of papers."

Between vs. Among

• Between: Used for two distinct items or entities
  • "The ball rolled between the two chairs."
  • "The meeting is between you and me."
• Among: Used for three or more items where the distinction is not clear
  • "The house is hidden among the trees."
  • "The issue was discussed among the committee members."

Inside vs. Outside

• Inside: Within the boundaries of something
  • "It's warm inside the house."
  • "The documents are inside the folder."
• Outside: Beyond the boundaries of something
  • "The children are playing outside the house."
  • "He waited outside the office."

Near, By, Next to, Beside

• Near: In close proximity but not necessarily adjacent
  • "There's a park near my house."
  • "The restaurant is near the theater."
• By: Close to, beside
  • "The cat is sitting by the fireplace."
  • "The hotel is by the beach."
• Next to: Directly adjacent, with nothing in between
  • "The library is next to the post office."
  • "She sat next to me during the concert."
• Beside: At the side of, next to
  • "He stood beside her at the ceremony."
  • "The river flows beside the path."

Across vs. Through

• Across: From one side to the other of a surface or area
  • "We walked across the bridge."
  • "The boat sailed across the lake."
• Through: From one side to the other of a three-dimensional space or medium
  • "The train goes through the tunnel."
  • "Light shines through the window."
  • "We walked through the forest."

Prepositions of Movement and Direction

These prepositions indicate where something is going or how it is moving.

To, Toward, Into, Onto

To

Indicates movement in the direction of a specific destination: - "We're going to the store." - "She drove to work." - "Send the letter to this address."

Toward/Towards

Indicates movement in the direction of something but not necessarily reaching it: - "The ship sailed toward the horizon." - "We walked toward the mountain." - "He took a step toward the door."

Into

Indicates movement from outside to inside an enclosed space: - "She walked into the room." - "Pour the milk into the bowl." - "The car crashed into a tree."

Onto

Indicates movement to a position on a surface: - "The cat jumped onto the table." - "He climbed onto the roof." - "She spilled coffee onto her dress."

From, Off, Out of

From

Indicates the starting point or origin: - "The train departs from platform 3." - "She comes from Canada." - "This wine is from France."

Off

Indicates movement away from or separation from a surface: - "He fell off the ladder." - "Take your feet off the table." - "The paint peeled off the wall."

Out of

Indicates movement from inside to outside an enclosed space: - "She took the books out of her bag." - "The bird flew out of its cage." - "We ran out of the burning building."

Along, Around, Past, Beyond

Along

Indicates movement following a line or path: - "We walked along the river." - "Drive along this road for two miles." - "The parade moved along Main Street."

Around

Indicates movement encircling or on all sides of something: - "We drove around the city center." - "The children ran around the playground." - "The Earth revolves around the Sun."

Past

Indicates movement beyond or to the other side of something: - "Walk past the supermarket and turn right." - "The parade marched past the reviewing stand." - "Time flew past us quickly."

Beyond

Indicates movement or position further than a specific point: - "The trail continues beyond the forest." - "Their influence extends beyond national borders." - "The mountain peak was visible beyond the clouds."

Prepositions of Time

These prepositions indicate when something happens or the duration of events.

At, On, In: The Basic Time Prepositions

At

Use "at" for specific times and precise moments:

• Specific times: at 3 o'clock, at noon, at midnight
• Precise moments: at that moment, at the beginning, at the end
• Holiday periods viewed as points: at Christmas, at Easter
• Specific age: at the age of 21

Examples: - "The meeting starts at 9 AM." - "She arrived at midnight." - "We exchange gifts at Christmas."

On

Use "on" for days and dates:

• Days of the week: on Monday, on Tuesday
• Dates: on June 15th, on New Year's Day
• Specific day + morning/afternoon/evening/night: on Monday morning
• Special days: on my birthday, on Independence Day

Examples: - "I have an appointment on Friday." - "The party is on the 20th of July." - "They got married on Valentine's Day."

In

Use "in" for longer periods of time:

• Months: in January, in February
• Seasons: in summer, in winter
• Years: in 2023, in the 1990s
• Centuries: in the 21st century
• Parts of the day (general): in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening
• After a period of time: in an hour, in three days, in six months

Examples: - "We go skiing in winter." - "She was born in 1995." - "I'll call you back in ten minutes."

Other Important Time Prepositions

Before vs. After

• Before: Earlier than a specific time or event
  • "We'll meet before lunch."
  • "She arrived before the movie started."
• After: Later than a specific time or event
  • "Let's talk after the meeting."
  • "The reception will be held after the ceremony."

During vs. Throughout

• During: Within the time period of an event or activity
  • "Please don't talk during the performance."
  • "It rained during our vacation."
• Throughout: Continuously from beginning to end of a period
  • "The noise continued throughout the night."
  • "The species can be found throughout the year."

For vs. Since

• For: Indicating a duration or period of time
  • "I've studied English for five years."
  • "They've been married for a decade."
• Since: Indicating the starting point of an action that continues to the present
  • "I've lived here since 2015."
  • "She's been waiting since noon."

By vs. Until

• By: Not later than a specific time (emphasizes the deadline)
  • "Please submit your assignment by Friday."
  • "The package will arrive by next week."
• Until/Till: Up to a certain time (emphasizes the continuation)
  • "The store is open until midnight."
  • "I'll wait until you return."

From...to/until

Indicates a span of time with specific start and end points:

• "The conference runs from Monday to Wednesday."
• "The museum is open from 9 AM until 5 PM."
• "She worked there from 2010 to 2015."

Prepositions of Manner, Means, and Instrument

These prepositions indicate how something is done or the method used.

With vs. Without

• With: Indicates accompaniment, instrument, or manner
  • "She cut the paper with scissors."
  • "He spoke with enthusiasm."
  • "The cake is made with chocolate."
• Without: Indicates the absence of something
  • "He left without saying goodbye."
  • "She completed the task without help."
  • "Coffee without sugar, please."

By vs. In

• By: Indicates method or means of doing something
  • "We traveled by train."
  • "The novel was written by Hemingway."
  • "You can pay by credit card."
• In: Indicates the manner or language used
  • "She spoke in a soft voice."
  • "The instructions are written in French."
  • "He replied in anger."

Through vs. By means of

• Through: Indicates the method or channel used to achieve something
  • "We solved the problem through cooperation."
  • "She got the job through a friend."
  • "The message was delivered through an intermediary."
• By means of: Indicates the specific tool or method used (more formal)
  • "The research was conducted by means of surveys."
  • "They communicated by means of secret codes."

Prepositions of Cause, Purpose, and Reason

These prepositions indicate why something happens or is done.

For vs. Because of

• For: Indicates purpose or benefit
  • "I bought this book for my studies."
  • "She's saving money for a new car."
  • "This medicine is for headaches."
• Because of: Indicates reason or cause
  • "The flight was delayed because of bad weather."
  • "He missed the meeting because of traffic."
  • "We stayed home because of the storm."

Due to vs. Owing to

• Due to: Indicates cause or reason (often used after the verb "to be")
  • "The cancellation was due to unforeseen circumstances."
  • "His success is due to hard work."
• Owing to: Indicates cause or reason (more formal)
  • "Owing to the rain, the match was postponed."
  • "The delay was owing to technical difficulties."

In order to vs. So as to

• In order to: Indicates purpose (more formal)
  • "She studied hard in order to pass the exam."
  • "We left early in order to avoid traffic."
• So as to: Indicates purpose (slightly formal)
  • "He spoke clearly so as to be understood."
  • "They took notes so as to remember the details."

Prepositional Phrases and Expressions

Many prepositions appear in fixed expressions that must be learned as units.

Common Prepositional Phrases

At phrases

• at risk
• at random
• at last
• at least
• at once
• at present
• at a glance
• at all costs

In phrases

• in advance
• in brief
• in common
• in detail
• in fact
• in favor of
• in general
• in particular
• in practice
• in private
• in public
• in secret
• in short
• in time
• in touch
• in vain

On phrases

• on average
• on behalf of
• on business
• on demand
• on display
• on fire
• on purpose
• on sale
• on schedule
• on time
• on the contrary
• on the other hand

Other common phrases

• by accident
• by chance
• by heart
• by mistake
• by surprise
• for certain
• for good
• for sale
• for sure
• out of control
• out of date
• out of order
• under control
• under pressure
• without doubt

Idiomatic Prepositional Expressions

Some prepositional phrases have meanings that cannot be deduced from their individual words:

• Break into: Enter forcibly
  "Someone broke into our house last night."
• Come across: Find by chance
  "I came across an old photo album in the attic."
• Get over: Recover from
  "It took her months to get over the illness."
• Look after: Take care of
  "Could you look after my dog while I'm away?"
• Put up with: Tolerate
  "I can't put up with this noise anymore."
• Run out of: Have no more of something
  "We've run out of milk."
• Take after: Resemble
  "She takes after her mother."
• Look forward to: Anticipate with pleasure
  "I'm looking forward to seeing you."

Prepositions with Verbs, Adjectives, and Nouns

Many words in English are followed by specific prepositions, forming collocations that must be learned.

Verb + Preposition Combinations

• Agree with (a person) / Agree to (a proposal) / Agree on (a topic)
  • "I agree with you on this issue."
  • "She agreed to the terms of the contract."
  • "We couldn't agree on a restaurant."
• Apply for (a job, loan) / Apply to (a school, organization)
  • "He applied for the position of manager."
  • "She applied to several universities."
• Believe in (have faith in)
  • "Do you believe in ghosts?"
  • "I believe in your abilities."
• Belong to (ownership)
  • "This book belongs to me."
  • "She belongs to the chess club."
• Care about (be concerned with) / Care for (like, look after)
  • "I care about the environment."
  • "She doesn't care for spicy food."
  • "He cares for his elderly parents."
• Concentrate on (focus attention)
  • "You need to concentrate on your studies."
  • "The company is concentrating on developing new products."
• Depend on/upon (rely on)
  • "You can depend on me for help."
  • "The success of the project depends on everyone's cooperation."
• Listen to (hear attentively)
  • "Listen to the instructions carefully."
  • "She likes to listen to classical music."
• Participate in (take part in)
  • "How many students participated in the competition?"
  • "She participates in community service activities."
• Wait for (expect, stay until arrival)
  • "I'm waiting for the bus."
  • "Don't wait for me; I'll be late."

Adjective + Preposition Combinations

• Afraid of (fearful of)
  • "She's afraid of heights."
  • "Don't be afraid of making mistakes."
• Angry with (a person) / Angry about (a situation)
  • "I'm angry with you for lying."
  • "He's angry about the unfair treatment."
• Aware of (conscious of)
  • "Are you aware of the consequences?"
  • "She wasn't aware of his presence."
• Capable of (able to do)
  • "I believe you're capable of better work."
  • "The software is capable of processing large amounts of data."
• Different from (not the same as)
  • "His opinion is different from mine."
  • "The final product was different from what we expected."
• Familiar with (knowledgeable about)
  • "Are you familiar with this author's work?"
  • "She's not familiar with the local customs."
• Interested in (curious about)
  • "I'm interested in learning more about your project."
  • "He's not interested in politics."
• Responsible for (in charge of, causing)
  • "Who's responsible for organizing the event?"
  • "The faulty wiring was responsible for the fire."
• Similar to (resembling)
  • "Your handwriting is similar to your father's."
  • "This situation is similar to what happened last year."
• Worried about (concerned about)
  • "I'm worried about the exam tomorrow."
  • "She's worried about her son's health."

Noun + Preposition Combinations

• Advantage of (benefit of)
  • "Take advantage of this opportunity."
  • "The advantage of digital cameras is instant results."
• Attitude toward/towards (opinion about)
  • "His attitude toward work has improved."
  • "What's your attitude towards environmental issues?"
• Cause of (reason for)
  • "The cause of the accident is still unknown."
  • "Stress is a major cause of illness."
• Damage to (harm to)
  • "The storm caused significant damage to the crops."
  • "There was extensive damage to the building."
• Increase in (rise in)
  • "There has been an increase in the number of applications."
  • "We've seen a steady increase in sales."
• Reason for (explanation for)
  • "What's the reason for your decision?"
  • "She gave no reason for her absence."
• Solution to (answer to)
  • "We need to find a solution to this problem."
  • "Education is the solution to many social issues."

Common Preposition Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Understanding typical errors can help you use prepositions more accurately.

Preposition Omission Errors

Sometimes English requires a preposition where your native language might not:

• Incorrect: "She's listening music."
• Correct: "She's listening to music."
• Incorrect: "I'm waiting you."
• Correct: "I'm waiting for you."
• Incorrect: "He's married my sister."
• Correct: "He's married to my sister."

Unnecessary Preposition Errors

Sometimes English doesn't use a preposition where your native language might:

• Incorrect: "We discussed about the problem."
• Correct: "We discussed the problem."
• Incorrect: "She entered into the room."
• Correct: "She entered the room."
• Incorrect: "I'll call to you tomorrow."
• Correct: "I'll call you tomorrow."

Wrong Preposition Errors

Using the incorrect preposition is a common mistake:

• Incorrect: "I'm good in math."
• Correct: "I'm good at math."
• Incorrect: "It depends of the weather."
• Correct: "It depends on the weather."
• Incorrect: "She's married with my brother."
• Correct: "She's married to my brother."

Strategies for Learning Prepositions

Mastering prepositions requires specific approaches beyond general vocabulary learning.

Context-Based Learning

Understanding prepositions in their natural environment:

1. Read extensively: Expose yourself to authentic English through books, articles, and websites
2. Notice patterns: Pay attention to preposition usage in native speaker speech and writing
3. Study in context: Learn prepositions within sentences or paragraphs, not as isolated words
4. Use corpus tools: Explore how prepositions are used in large collections of texts

Visualization Techniques

Creating mental images to understand spatial prepositions:

1. Picture the relationship: Visualize what "in the box" versus "on the box" looks like
2. Draw diagrams: Sketch simple pictures showing prepositional relationships
3. Use physical objects: Demonstrate prepositions with real items (put the pen in/on/under the book)
4. Watch videos: Find tutorials that visually explain prepositional differences

Practice Strategies

Effective approaches to incorporate prepositions into your language:

1. Prepositional phrase notebooks: Record new prepositional expressions with example sentences
2. Gap-fill exercises: Complete sentences with appropriate prepositions
3. Error correction practice: Identify and fix preposition errors in sample sentences
4. Collocation focus: Learn which prepositions naturally pair with specific verbs, nouns, and adjectives
5. Production activities: Use prepositional phrases in your own speaking and writing

Memory Aids

Techniques to help remember challenging prepositions:

1. Grouping: Organize prepositions by meaning (time, place, manner)
2. Mnemonic devices: Create memory aids for difficult prepositions
3. Flashcards: Use spaced repetition to review prepositional phrases
4. Songs and rhymes: Learn prepositions through music and rhythm
5. Prepositional stories: Create short narratives using multiple prepositions

Conclusion: Mastering English Prepositions

Prepositions may be small words, but they play a crucial role in precise and natural English communication. While they present significant challenges for language learners, systematic study and consistent practice can help you master these essential elements of English.

Remember that learning prepositions is a gradual process. Focus first on the most common prepositions and their basic uses, then gradually expand to more complex and idiomatic expressions. Pay special attention to prepositional phrases and fixed expressions that don't translate directly from your native language.

With time and practice, you'll develop an intuitive feel for which preposition sounds right in a given context. Your preposition usage will become more natural and accurate, bringing you closer to native-like fluency in English.

Additional Resources

• Cambridge Dictionary Prepositions - Comprehensive reference with examples
• English Club Prepositions - Clear explanations with practice exercises
• Perfect English Grammar - Detailed guides to specific preposition usage
• Using English Prepositions - Extensive collection with usage notes
• Purdue OWL Prepositions - Academic writing focus on preposition usage