Preposition – Definition & Types

Preposition – Definition & Types

Preposition: indicates the relationship between a noun and the other words of a sentence. They explain relationships of sequence, space, and logic between the object of the sentence and the rest of the sentence. They help us understand order, time connections, and positions.

Example:

• • He is going to School.
  • John threw a ball into the pond.
  • The gift is inside the box.
  • she has gone out of the town.

Types of Prepositions

• • Prepositions of Time
  • Prepositions of Place and Direction
  • Prepositions of Agents or Things
  • Phrasal Prepositions

Prepositions of time: show the relationship of time between the nouns to the other parts of a sentence. On, at, in, from, to, for, since, ago, before, till/until, by, etc. are the most common preposition of time.

Example:

• • It started working at 10 AM.
  • The agenda meeting is on 12th December.
  • Exams are in March.
  • she starts work from Monday.

Prepositions of Place and Direction: Prepositions of place show the relationship of place between the nouns to the other parts of a sentence.

On, at, in, by, from, to, towards, up, down, across, between, among, though, in front of, behind, above, over, under, below, etc. are the most common prepositions of place/direction.

Example:

• • It is at home.
  • She came from Poland
  • The water tank broke into the house.
  • It is across the river.

Prepositions of Agents or Things:  indicate a causal relationship between nouns and other parts of the sentence.

Of, for, by, with, about, etc. are the most used and common prepositions of agents or things.

Example:

• • This article is about prepositions.
  • Most of the students have left.
  • she will always be here for you.
  • she is playing with his brothers.

Phrasal Prepositions: is not a prepositional phrase, but they are a combination of two or more words which functions as a preposition.

Along with, apart from, because of, by means of, according to, in front of, contrary to, in spite of, on account of, in reference to, in addition to, in regard to, instead of, on top of, out of, with regard to, etc.

Example:

• • They came along with their luggage. 
  • According to the new rules, you are penalised.
  • In spite of being a good brother, he was beaten by his own sister.
  • It is located out of the town.