Preposition

A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence. Prepositions often indicate direction, location, time, or introduce an object.

✅ Think of prepositions as connecting words that tell us where, when, or how something happens in relation to something else.

Definition

A preposition is a word placed before a noun or pronoun to show its relationship with another word in the sentence.

Examples:

The book is on the table. (shows position)
She went to the market. (shows direction)
He was born in July. (shows time)

Types of Prepositions

1. Prepositions of Place/Position

These show the position of something.

Preposition	Example
in	The keys are in the drawer.
on	The book is on the table.
under	The shoes are under the bed.
above	The clock is above the mirror.
behind	She hid behind the curtain.

2. Prepositions of Direction/Movement

They show movement from one place to another.

Preposition	Example
to	She is going to school.
into	He walked into the room.
onto	The cat jumped onto the roof.
out of	They ran out of the building.
from	I got a gift from my friend.

3. Prepositions of Time

These indicate time relationships.

Preposition	Example
at	The train arrives at 5 PM.
on	Her birthday is on Monday.
in	We met in June.
before	Finish your homework before dinner.
after	Let's meet after lunch.

4. Prepositions of Cause, Reason, Purpose

Preposition	Example
because of	The game was cancelled because of rain.
due to	The delay was due to traffic.
for	He was praised for his honesty.

5. Prepositions of Manner, Instrument, Agent

Preposition	Example
by	The novel was written by Tagore.
with	He cut the paper with scissors.
like	She sings like a professional.

6. Prepositional Phrases

Sometimes, a group of words act together as a preposition.

Examples:

in front of – The car is parked in front of the gate.
in spite of – He succeeded in spite of difficulties.
according to – According to the report, sales increased.

Common Mistakes with Prepositions

Incorrect: She is married with a doctor.
Correct: She is married to a doctor.
Incorrect: He discussed about the topic.
Correct: He discussed the topic. (No preposition needed)
Incorrect: I prefer tea than coffee.
Correct: I prefer tea to coffee.

Quick Tips

Use “at” for specific times and small places: at 5 pm, at the station
Use “on” for days and dates: on Monday, on 5th May
Use “in” for months, years, centuries, and large places: in June, in 2024, in India
Use “to” with movement and destinations: go to school, travel to Delhi

Practice Questions

Q1. Fill in the blank:

He arrived ___ the airport at 7:00 AM.

A) at
B) in
C) on
D) into

Answer: A) at
Explanation: “At” is used for specific locations and times — “at the airport”, “at 7:00 AM”.

Q2. Choose the correct sentence:

A) He is good in English.
B) He is good at English.
C) He is good on English.
D) He is good by English.

Answer: B) He is good at English.
Explanation: The correct preposition with “good” for subjects/skills is “at”.

Q3. Fill in the blank:

The cat jumped ___ the table and knocked over the lamp.

A) on
B) onto
C) in
D) into

Answer: B) onto
Explanation: “Onto” implies movement towards a surface — the cat jumped onto the table.

Q4. Choose the correct preposition:

He has been working here ___ 2018.

A) since
B) for
C) from
D) in

Answer: A) since
Explanation: “Since” is used with a point in time (specific year/date).

Q5. Fill in the blank:

The child was hiding ___ the sofa.

A) above
B) in
C) under
D) over

Answer: C) under
Explanation: “Under” is used when something is below or beneath another thing.

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