Grammar Basics: Prepositions, Types of Prepositions and Examples

In this article, we explore the basics of prepositions and the various types of prepositions with examples.

Prepositions:
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Prepositions are the words that link nouns, pronouns and phrases to other words in a sentence. The word or phrase that the preposition introduces is called the object of the preposition.
Example: The book is on the table.

A prepositional phrase is made up of the preposition, its object and any associated adjectives or adverbs. A prepositional phrase can function as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb.
Example: At home, in time.

Types of Prepositions
  • Preposition for Time:
    Prepositions used for time of different natures are: "in, on, at" etc.
    Example: He was born in 1945.
  • Preposition for Place: 
    Prepositions "in, on or at" are usually used for different places.
    Example: Students study in library.
  • Preposition for Directions: 
    Prepositions like: "to, towards, through, into" are used to describe the direction.
    Example: She went to the library.
  • Preposition for Agent: 
    Preposition for agent is used for a thing which is the cause of another thing in the sentence. Such prepositions are: "by, with" etc.
    Example: This book is written by Shakespeare.
  • Preposition for Instrument: 
    Different prepositions are used by different devices, instruments or machines. E.g.: "by, with, on" etc. 
    Example: She comes by bus daily.

    NOTE: A preposition is always followed by a "noun". It is never followed by a verb.

Uses of prepositions
Prepositions are used for the following purposes:
A. To show where something/someone is
Example:
  1. A CD is lying on the slab.
  2. Chinki was playing in the lawn.
B. With time words
Example:  at noon, on Sunday, in the year 2015
C. After some nouns
Example:
  1. We had fun with the new toy.
  2. There is some trouble with the switch.
D.  After some adjectives
Example:
  1. We are excited about the new project.
  2. The Champagne region is renowned for its wines.
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E. After some verbs
Examples:
  1. They are listening to the recording.
  2. Julienne has waited for her mother for 2 hours.
F. In some phrases
Examples:
  1. Our plane landed in the end.
  2. They reached late for the show.
Prepositions: Key Learning
  • Practice will help you to master the rules of Prepositions.
  • Follow the simple tips given in the article and solve as many questions as you can.
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