English Grammar By Regularjobalert.com
What is Preposition ?
A preposition is a word that is Implemented 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
types of Prepositions
Based on the different uses and functions of prepositions, they can be divided into four main types. Given below:
Prepositions of Time – used to show when something is happening.
For example:
- He arrived here at half past ten.
- The book fair continued still Friday.
- Can you come after some time?
- You can see the doctor between 8 am and 12 noon
- 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:
- He is standing on the balcony.
- She is sitting behind me.
- He hung a calendar over the fireplace.
- Can you place the red roses in between the white daisies?
- He was waiting in front of the college.
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.
- Kate jumped into the river to help his sister.
- Madhu passed the book to Sili.
- When will Monika be returning from America?
- Hitesh 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:
- Ashish sat leaning against the wall.
- The circus was stationed opposite the children’s park.
- Cat sat beneath the trees.
- He is sitting by my side.
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.
Examples of Prepositions Used in Sentences
- He lives in Bapuji nagar.
- Haridwar is on the Ganges
- He hid his face under the bed-clothes
- He must be below sixty years of age.
- He walk along the road.
- The priest stood before the alter.
- He is sailing against the wind
List of Most Popular Prepositions for Everyday Communication
Example Of Preposition |
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On | at | in | Over |
Around | Through | Along | In front of |
Behind | Under | Opposite to | Above |
Below | Out | Beside | Before |
Up | Across | With | After |
Near | Among | From | Between |
Toward | By | Until | To |