Prepositions

A preposition is a word that links a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase to some other part of the sentence.

For English learners, prepositions might be challenging. There is no set formula or rule for selecting a preposition. When reading or listening in English, you should try to identify a preposition and recognise its usage when you are first learning the language.

Examples,
• In the room
• Into the pond
• To the school
• With a knife
• On the table

A preposition is used to show direction, location, or time, or to introduce an object.

Uses of some important prepositions:

With:
• In the company or presence of somebody/something.
E.g. I have a client with me right now.

• Using something
E.g. You can cut it with a knife.

To:
• In the direction of something.
E.g. He is going to Paris.

From:
• To show the time or point in time when something starts.
E.g. The show starts from Monday.

Off:
• Used to denote ‘down or away from a place or at a distance in space or time’.
E.g. We are getting right off the subject.

Through:
• From one end or side of something/somebody to the other.
E.g. The bullet went straight through him.

Across:
• From one side to the other side of something.
E.g. A grin spread across her face.

Before:
• Used to say that somebody/something is in a position in front of somebody/something.
E.g. Your name is before mine on the list.

Below:
• At or to a lower level or position than somebody/something.
E.g. Skirts will be worn below the knee.

Within:
• Before a particular period of time has passed.
E.g. You will receive a reply within seven days.

• Inside the range or limits of something.
E.g. We are now within the range of enemy fire.

Beneath:
• Under somebody/something.
E.g. They found the money buried beneath a pile of leaves.

Exercise

Complete the given sentences with the most suitable option.

1. There was a big clock ______ the painting.
a. at
b. beneath
c. below
d. besides

2. There was a free phone ______ the car.
a. with
b. beneath
c. at
d. across

3. The men were standing _____ the roof.
a. in
b. on
c. from
d. along

4. The metro station is right _______ the airport.
a. on
b. over
c. off
d. beneath

5. He took a handkerchief _____ his pocket.
a. from
b. on
c. at
d. with

6. They were still 100 metres _____ the summit.
a. across
b. off
c. over
d. with

7. I asked someone the way _____ the town centre.
a. off
b. within
c. to
d. on

8. They walked slowly ________ the forest.
a. at
b. over
c. beneath
d. through

9. I enjoyed my three years ______ university.
a. at
b. with
c. from
d. to

10. When I reached the river, I simply swam _______.
a. beneath
b. across
c. below
d. in

Answers

1. C
2. A
3. B
4. D
5. A
6. B
7. C
8. D
9. A
10. B