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Master the usage of prepositions of time, place, direction, and relations, including tricky prepositional combinations.
A preposition is a word placed before a noun or a pronoun to show in what relation the person or thing denoted by it stands in regard to something else. The word 'preposition' literally means 'placed before'. The noun or pronoun which follows a preposition is called its object, and it is always in the objective case.
Prepositions are classified based on their meaning and context. Prepositions of place (such as in, on, at, under) indicate where an entity is located. Prepositions of time (such as on, in, at, during, since) indicate when an event occurs. Prepositions of direction or motion (such as to, into, toward, through) show movement. There are also compound prepositions (according to, because of) and participial prepositions (concerning, regarding).
According to CBSE board grammar tests and the Cambridge curriculum, one of the most challenging aspects of English is learning appropriate prepositions. Prepositions must be used in specific collocations (fixed expressions). For instance, one is 'interested in' something, 'good at' an activity, and 'accused of' a crime. Developing an intuitive understanding of these relationships through reading and practice is essential for producing natural-sounding English.
All 8 grammar rules for Prepositions
Use 'at' for precise times (hours). Use 'on' for days and dates. Use 'in' for longer periods like months, years, seasons, and centuries.
Use 'at' for a specific point or address. Use 'on' for a surface. Use 'in' for an enclosed space, city, state, or country.
Use 'to' to show destination. Use 'into' to show movement entering an enclosed space. Use 'onto' to show movement to a surface.
Use 'since' with a specific point in past time (when the action began). Use 'for' with a duration or length of time.
Use 'between' when naming distinct, individual items (often two items). Use 'among' when items are part of a group, crowd, or mass.
Do not confuse 'beside' (by the side of, next to) with 'besides' (in addition to, apart from).
Certain verbs require specific prepositions. Do not substitute these with other prepositions.
Certain adjectives must be paired with specific prepositions to be grammatically correct.
8 worked examples with analysis
The train arrived at the platform exactly on time.
'At' indicates the specific point of arrival (the platform), and 'on' is part of the idiom 'on time' (meaning punctual).
She poured the hot water into the ceramic mug.
'Into' is a preposition of movement, indicating the water is entering the enclosed space of the mug.
They walked through the forest to reach the old cottage.
'Through' shows movement within a three-dimensional space (the forest), and 'to' indicates destination.
The negotiations failed because of a dispute between the two nations.
'Between' is correct because we are referring to the relationship between two specific countries.
We sat beside the lake and watched the birds swim.
'Beside' is a preposition of place meaning next to the edge of the lake.
He has been absent from school since last Tuesday.
'Since' specifies the exact starting point of his absence in the past.
She is married to a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon.
'To' is the fixed preposition that collocates with the adjective/participle 'married'. (Do not use 'with').
The kids climbed up the ladder and slid down the slide.
'Up' and 'down' are prepositions of direction showing movement along the path of the ladder and slide.
5 common mistakes students make — and how to fix them
He is married with my cousin.
He is married to my cousin.
They entered into the classroom.
They entered the classroom.
I have been writing this essay since two hours.
I have been writing this essay for two hours.
Besides the table stood an old rocking chair.
Beside the table stood an old rocking chair.
The three brothers fought between themselves.
The three brothers fought among themselves.
15 practice questions — fill-blank, MCQ, transform & more
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition of time.
My birthday falls ______ 14th August.
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition of place.
He lives ______ London.
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition of motion.
The frog jumped ______ the pond.
Fill in the blank with since or for.
He has been learning piano ______ three years.
Fill in the blank with beside or besides.
Who was standing ______ you in the line?
Fill in the blank with between or among.
The secret was shared ______ the three conspirators.
Fill in the blank with the correct fixed preposition.
He is good ______ playing chess.
Fill in the blank with the correct fixed preposition.
You must abstain ______ eating oily food.
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition of time.
The stars shine ______ night.
Identify the preposition in this sentence.
We drove past the old church.
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition.
The books are scattered ______ the floor.
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition.
She is suffering ______ malaria.
Fill in the blank with since or for.
We have lived in this town ______ 2012.
Identify the prepositional phrase in the sentence.
The child hid behind the curtain.
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition.
He died ______ cancer after a long battle.
Fill in the blank: 'He is very good ______ mathematics.'
10 key revision points for quick review before exams
A preposition shows the relationship of a noun/pronoun to other words.
Prepositions are categorized into time, place, direction, and fixed collocations.
Use 'at' for specific times, 'on' for days/dates, 'in' for months/years.
Use 'at' for specific points, 'on' for surfaces, 'in' for areas/enclosures.
'Into' and 'onto' show movement; 'in' and 'on' show static positions.
Use 'since' for starting points and 'for' for durations of time.
Use 'between' for distinct/individual items; 'among' for groups or collective items.
'Beside' means next to; 'besides' means in addition to.
Learn fixed prepositions (e.g., afraid of, good at, listening to, married to) as single vocab items.
Avoid redundant prepositions like saying 'enter into the room' or 'discuss about the matter'.
Frequently asked questions about Prepositions