Preplositions. Types of prepositions.
Plan:
1. What Is a Preposition?
2. Prepositions of Time
What Is a Preposition?
A preposition is a short word that is employed
in sentences to show the
relationship nouns, pronouns or phrases have with other parts within the respective
sentences. Prepositions are normally found positioned in the latter part of the
sentence, but before a noun or pronoun.
Definition of a Preposition
A preposition is defined as “a
word that connects a noun, a noun phrase, or a
pronoun to another word, esp. to a verb, another noun, or an adjective”, according
to the Cambridge Dictionary. The Oxford Learner’s
Dictionary says that a
preposition is “a word or group of words, such as
in, from, to, out of
and
on behalf
of
, used before a noun or pronoun to show place, position, time or method.”
The Collins Dictionary defines a preposition as “a word such as ‘by’, ‘for’, ‘into’,
or ‘with’ which usually has a noun group as its object.” The Merriam Webster
Dictionary provides a slightly different definition. According to it, a preposition is
defined as “a function word that typically combines with a noun phrase to form a
phrase which usually expresses a modification or predication.”
Uses of Prepositions
Prepositions are seen to show some key characteristics
and perform some vital
functions when used in sentences. Let us look at the various uses of prepositions in
English.
They are used to show the direction of something.
They can refer to the time of something happening.
They can be used to denote the position or location of an object in the sentence.
They are also used to represent spatial relationships.
Prepositional phrases, in particular, can be used to do all of these when used in
sentences.
Types of Prepositions
Based on the different uses and functions of prepositions, they can be divided into
four main types. They are as follows:
Prepositions of Time – used to show when something is happening.
For example:
We will be meeting on Friday.
The supermarket will be closed from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.
Can you come after some time?
We have been asked to work from home until the end of May.
The whole country was asked to stay home during the
pandemic to ensure safety
and well-being.
Prepositions of Place – indicate the place or position of something.
For example:
I have kept the book I borrowed from you on the table.
Henry hid behind the door.
The dog jumped over the fence.
Can you place the red roses in between the white daisies?
He was waiting in front of the EB office.
Prepositions of Direction – used to denote the direction in which something travels
or moves.
For example:
The girl ran toward her father the moment she saw him.
Jerry jumped into the river to help his sister.
Veena passed the book to Priya.
When will Salvia be returning from London?
Neena lives across the street.
Prepositions of Location – employed to denote the location of a particular object.
For example:
Kenny would be staying at his cousin’s place for the weekend.
Make sure you keep all the toys back in its place after you play.
I lay on the floor for a really long time.
Prepositions of Spatial Relationship – used to denote an object’s movement away
from the source and towards a source.
For example:
Navya sat leaning against the wall.
The circus was stationed opposite the children’s park.
Lakshmi sat beneath the trees.
Shankar sat beside the stairs.
We spent the evening walking around the lake.
Prepositional Phrase – a combination of a preposition and a noun(the object it is
affecting).
For example:
See to it that you reach the venue on time.
The medicines you asked for are out of stock.
Why don’t we try taking classes outside for a change.
Make sure you fill in all the forms at once.
Salmaan was able to finish it only with the help of his friends.
Examples of Prepositions Used in Sentences
To know how exactly prepositions
can be used in sentences, check out the
following sentences.
I will be going to church in the morning.
She placed the plates on the dining table.
Baskar found the cat hiding under the bed.
Will you be with Raimy or Mazeeka?
I love sitting on the beach at night.
Rachel met Phoebe by the lake.
Finn stood opposite Lisa.
The grocery store is right in front of the bus stop.
My brother climbed onto the roof.
It feels great to sit beneath the trees and read.
Now that you know what prepositions are and how they are used in sentences, try
working
out preposition exercises, preposition of time exercises, preposition
exercises for class 10, preposition exercises for class 7 and preposition
exercises
for class 8.
List of Most Popular Prepositions for Everyday Communication
Given below is an extensive list of prepositions that you can make use of in your
daily communication.