Prepositions

A preposition is a word or group of words that function as a connective. The preposition connects its object(s) to some other word(s) in the sentence.

Some of the most common prepositions are: about, above, across, after, against, among, around, before, behind, below, beneath, beside, between, beyond, but, by, despite, down, for, from, in, into, like, near, of, off, on, over, past, to, toward, under, until, upon, with...

Some prepositions are composed of more than one word and are made up from other parts of speech: according to, ahead of, along with, as far as, as well as, aside from, back of, because of, in spite of, instead of, in front of, together with...


TYPES OF PREPOSITIONS

There are five types prepositions: simple prepositions, compound prepositions, double prepositions, participle prepositions, and phrase prepositions.

[1] Simple prepositions

Simple prepositions are words like in, on, at, about, over, under, off, of, for, to, etc.
  •  She sat on the sofa.
  •  The book is in the drawer.
  •  He looks at me strangely.

[2] Compound prepositions

Compound prepositions are words like without, within, inside, outside, into, beneath, below, behind, between, etc.
  •  He fell into the river.
  •  She sat between her kids.
  •  He sat beside her.

[3] Double prepositions

Double prepositions are words like outside of, out of, from behind, from beneath, etc.
  •  Suddenly he emerged from behind the curtain.
  •  He walked out of the room.

[4] Participle prepositions

A participial preposition is a participle (an -ed or -ing verb) that functions as a preposition. Some of the most common examples are: assuming, barring, considering, during, given, notwithstanding, provided, regarding, and respected.   •  There was little chance of success, notwithstanding they decided to go ahead.
  •  You did the job well, considering your age and inexperience.
  •  I could not find another source concerning this matter.
  •  Considering that you’re here, maybe you can clear up something for me.

[5] Phrase prepositions

Phrase prepositions are phrases like because of, by means of, with regard to, on behalf of, instead of, on account of, in opposition to, for the sake of, etc.
  •  I am standing here on behalf of my friends and colleagues.
  •  The match was cancelled because of the rain.
  •  He succeeded by means of perseverance.


USES OF PREPOSITIONS

[1] Preposition of place 

The common preposition of place are: at, on, in, under, underneath, over, above, beside, next, in front of, behind, inside, outside, ... For examples,
  •  She is at the hospital now.
  •  The book is on the table.
  •  Our plane will fly over the Atlantic.

[2] Preposition of time 

The common preposition of time are: at, in, on, past, during, by, before, until... For examples,
  •  Please meet here at 7 o'clock tomorrow.
  •  You can come to see him in the afternoon.
  •  We've canceled our party on Sunday.
  •  You need to finish your homework by next week.

[3] Preposition of direction 

The common preposition of directions are: after, down, along, through, toward, on, at, from, of ... For examples,
  •  The cat chased after the mouse.
  •  He walks toward the museum.
  •  The robber pointed the gun at her.

[4] Prepositions with special uses 

Many prepositions are used in other ways. Here are some of them.

OF
  •   I bought a kilo of sugar.
  •   I need three pieces of paper.
  •  That is very kind of you.

FOR
  •  I've made this coffee for you.
  •  We are going for a meeting.
  •  What is this table for?

WITH
  •  The man wrote the letter with his blood.
  •  Please, mix the white with red wines.
  •  She looks pretty with a new dress.
  •  Would you like to come with us?

EXCEPT and INSTEAD OF
  •  I like all kinds of fruits except dragon fruit.
  •  I decide to study English instead of Economics.

LIKE, AS, and THAN
The words like, as and than are used to compare things.
  •  She looks like her sister.
  •  Is this durian the same as another one?
  •  This car is more expensive than another one.


PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES

A prepositional phrase is a phrase that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun phrase. It functions as adjective or adverb in a sentence.  For examples,

  •  We can have dinner at the new restaurant. [adverb]
  •  We will be back in a few days. [adverb]
  •  The lion was killed by the hunter.  [adverb]
  •  The article on corruption drew a lot of criticism. [adjective]
  •  I had an argument with my brother. [adjective]
  •  Mary is the girl in the red dress.  [adjective]