PREPOSITIONS

The words at, in, of, on and to are examples of prepositions. A word such as a noun,
pronoun or gerund following a preposition is said to be the object of the preposition. As
pointed out previously, a personal pronoun following a preposition must be in the
objective case.
A phrase beginning with a preposition can be referred to as a prepositional phrase. The
prepositional phrases in the following examples are underlined.

e.g. He owns the house on the corner.

We are waiting for her.
She has read many books about flying.

In the first example, the noun corner is the object of the preposition on. In the second
example, the personal pronoun her is the object of the preposition for. It can be seen
that the personal pronoun her is in the objective case. In the third example, the gerund
flying is the object of the preposition about.

A preposition serves to connect its object with the rest of a sentence. In doing so, a
preposition indicates the relationship of the idea expressed in the prepositional phrase to
the ideas expressed In the rest of the sentence.
For instance in the sentence He owns the house on the corner, the preposition on
indicates that the words the corner express the location of the house referred to in the
rest of the sentence. Similarly, in the sentence We are waiting for her, the preposition for
indicates that the word her expresses the reason for the action of waiting referred to in
the rest of the sentence.

Although there are fewer than one hundred English prepositions, although prepositions
do not take endings, and although the structure of most prepositional phrases is simple,
the use of English prepositions is very complex. The reasons for this are that most
prepositions have more than one meaning, many prepositions can also be used as
adverbs, prepositions are used in hundreds of idioms, many adjectives, nouns, and verbs
must usually be followed by certain prepositions, and there are hundreds of phrasal
verbs formed from combinations of verbs with adverbs and prepositions.
It should also be noted that the use of prepositions varies somewhat among the different
dialects of English. For instance, as illustrated in the following example, there are some
differences between British and North American English in the use of prepositions.

e.g. British Usage: There is a fence about the garden.

American Usage: There is a fence around the garden.

1. The meanings of prepositions

The table below gives the most usual meanings of English prepositions. Each meaning is
illustrated by an example.

About
On the subject of: This is a story about elephants.
Approximately: He is about ten years old.

Above
Higher than; over: The plane flew above the clouds.
Earlier on a page: There is a heading above each diagram.

Across
1. From one side to the other: We walked across the field.
2. On the other side of: There is a store across the street.

After
Later in time: after ten o'clock; after lunch
Later in a series: Q comes after P in the alphabet.
In pursuit of: The dog ran after the cat.

Against
In opposition to: Theft is against the law.
Touching; supported by: I leaned my bicycle against the wall.

Along
Following the length of: We walked along the road.

Among
Within a group: The money was shared among three people.

Around
Circling something: We walked around the block.
Surrounding: There is a fence around the garden.
In different parts of: I looked around the house for the keys.
In the other direction: We turned around and went back home.
Approximately: He is around six feet tall.

At
A specific location: at 23 Chestnut Street; at the park
A point in time: at 5 o'clock; at Christmas
A condition: at peace; at war; at rest
An activity: at work; at school; at play
Towards: Look at someone; wave at someone

Before
Earlier in time: before two o'clock; before Christmas
Earlier in a series: S comes before T in the alphabet.

Behind
At the back of: The little girl hid behind her mother.
Late: I am behind in my work.
Cause; origin: Who was behind that idea?

Below
Lower than; under: below freezing; below sea level
Later on a page: Footnotes are provided below the text.
Beneath
1. Lower than; below: beneath the earth
Beside
1. Next to; at the side of: I sit beside her in class.

Besides
1. Also; as well as: We study other languages besides English.

Between
An intermediate location: Toronto lies between Montreal and Vancouver.
An intermediate time: between Christmas and New Years Day
Intermediate in a series: B comes between A and C in the alphabet.
An intermediate amount: between five and ten people
Within a group of two: The money was shared between two people.

Beyond
Farther than: The mountains lie beyond the horizon.
Further than; exceeding: That was beyond my expectations.

But
Except: I have read all but the last chapter.
Note: But is used more often as a conjunction than as a preposition.

By
Near: a house by the sea
Past: He waved as he drove by the house.
Not later than: Try to finish the work by next week.
In units of: cheaper by the dozen; sold by weight
Through the means of: travel by plane; written by him
Note: By is often used in combination with verbs in the Passive Voice.

Concerning
Connected with; about: He studies everything concerning trees.

Despite
In spite of: We walked downtown despite the rain.

Down
To a lower position: The ball rolled down the hill.
Further along: H e li ves down the street.

During
Throughout a period: She works during the day.
Sometime within a period: An accident occurred during the night.

Except
Not including: I have visited everyone except him.

For
Duration of time: We walked for two hours.
Distance: I walked for five kilometers.
Purpose: I bought this jacket for you.
In the direction of: She left for New York.
In favor of: We are for the proposal.
Considering: The boy is clever for his age.

From
Place of origin: We left from Boston; he comes from Mexico
Start of a period of time: from now on; from yesterday until today
Start of a range: From 20 to 30 people were present.
Cause: He suffers from nervousness.
Source: I first heard the story from you.

In
Place thought of as an area: in London; in Europe
Within a location: in the room; in the building
Large units of time: That happened in March, in 1992.
Within a certain time: I will return in an hour.
By means of: write in pencil; speak in English
Condition: in doubt; in a hurry; in secret
A member of: H e is in the orchestra; in the navy
Wearing: the boy in the blue shirt
With reference to: lacking in ideas; rich in oil

Inside
1. Within: They are inside the house.

Into
To the inside of: We stepped into the room.
Change of condition: The boy changed into a man.

Like
Resembling: That looks like him.
Appearing possible: It looks like rain.
Be in a suitable mood for: I feel like going swimming.

Near
Close to: near the school; near the ocean
Location: east of here; the middle of the road
Possession: a friend of mine; the sound of music
Part of a group: one of us; a member of the team
Measurement: a cup of milk; two meters of snow
Not on; away from: Please keep off the grass.
At some distance from: There are islands off the coast.
Touching the surface of: on the table; on the wall
A certain day: That happened on Sunday, on the 6th of June.
A certain street: on South Street
About: a book on engineering
A state or condition: on strike; on fire; on holiday
By means of: live on a pension; shown on television

onto
To a position on: The child climbed onto the table.

opposite
Facing: The library is opposite the fire station.

out of
To the outside of: She went out of the room.
From among: We won two games out of three.
Motive: We spoke to them out of politeness.
Material: The bridge is made out of steel.
Beyond: out of control; out of danger

outside
On the outer side of: outside the house
Beyond the limits of: outside my experience

over
Above; higher than: There are cupboards over the sink.
Covering: We spread an extra blanket over the bed.
Across: I jumped over a puddle.
More than: It cost over ten dollars; it took over an hour
During: I saw him several times over the past week.
By means of: We made plans over the telephone.

Past
Up to and beyond: I walked past the house.
After (in time): It was past 2 o'clock; half past two
Beyond: past belief

Per
1. For each: 60 kilometers per hour; price per liter

Plus
1. With the addition of: Six plus four equals ten.

Since
From a specific time in the past: I had been waiting since two o'clock.
From a past time until now: I have been waiting here since noon.
I have known him since January.

Through
Across; from end to end of: the main road through town
For the whole of a period: I slept through the night.
By means of: Skill improves through practice.
Throughout
In every part of: throughout the world
For the whole of a period: throughout the winter

Till
Note: Till can be used instead of until. However, at the beginning of a sentence, until is
usually used.

To
In the direction of: Turn to the right.
Destination: I am going to Rome.
Until: from Monday to Friday; five minutes to ten
Compared with: They prefer hockey to soccer.
With indirect object: Please give it to me.
As part of infinitive: I like to ski; he wants to help.
In order to: We went to the store to buy soap.

Toward (or Towards)

In the direction of: We walked toward the center of town.
Near; just before (time): It rained towards evening.

Under
Beneath: under the desk; under the trees
Less than: Under 100 people were present.
In circumstances of: under repair; under way; under discussion

Underneath
1. Below, under: underneath the carpet

Until
1. Up to a certain time: She will stay until Friday; until 5 p.m.

Upon
Note: On and upon have similar meanings. Upon may be used in certain expressions, as
in once upon a time, and following certain verbs, as in to rely upon someone.

Up
To a higher place: We went up the stairs.
In a higher place: She li ves up the hill.

Up to
As far as: up to now; I have read up to page 100.
Depending on: The decision is up to you.
As good as; ready for: His work is up to standard.

Versus
1. Against (sports, legal): The next game is England versus Australia.

Via
1. By way of: He went to Los Angeles via San Francisco.
With
Accompanying: He came with her; I have my keys with me.
Having; containing: Here is a book with a map of the island.
By means of; using: I repaired the shoes with glue.
Manner: with pleasure; with ease; with difficulty
Because of: We were paralyzed with fear.

Within
1. Inside of: within twenty minutes; within one kilometer

Without
1. Not having: Do not leave without your coat; without money

PREPOSITIONS - SEMINAR
1. Paying attention to the meanings of the prepositions, fill in the blanks with the
most appropriate prepositions chosen from those given in brackets. For example:
She made a speech the future of the school. (about, around)
She made a speech about the future of the school.

D comes C and E in the alphabet. (between, beyond)

D comes between C and E in the alphabet.

1. This train travels from London Paris. (at, to)

2. We stood at the back the theater. (of, on)
3. She went to Rome France. (versus, via)
4. The store is open daily Monday to Friday. (for, from)
5. I took my hat the table. (of, off)
6. He looks his brother. (despite, like)
7. The children ran the school. (of, out of)
8. He opened the box a screwdriver. (at, with)
9. I will work five o'clock. (until, up)
10. We walked the restaurant. (despite, past)
11. At three o'clock we reached the top the hill. (of, off)
12. You have delivered all of the papers this one. (between, but)
13. The bank is the school. (opposite, out of)
14. the danger, he decided to climb the mountain. (despite, except)
15. The treasure was hidden the earth. (under, up to)
16. A comes B in the alphabet. (before, behind)
17. I went to work my umbrella. (out of, without)
18. When it is heated, water changes steam. (in, into)
19. Nocturnal animals usually sleep the day. (during, underneath)
20. The squirrel ran the wall. (along, among)

2. Paying attention to the uses of the prepositions among, at, beside, besides,
between, for, in, on and since, fill in the blanks with the correct prepositions
chosen from those given in brackets. For example:
They live 359 Southdale Avenue. (at, on)
 They live at 359 Southdale Avenue.

The meeting will take place Tuesday. (at, on) The

meeting will take place on Tuesday.
We have been traveling several days. (for, since) We
have been traveling for several days.

She has been working six o'clock this morning. (for, since)
She has been working since six o'clock this morning.

1. He lives 19 Tower Road. (at, on)

2. We will be gone two days. (for, since)
3. Tom and his friend will divide the money themselves. (among,
between)
4. They will be returning November. (in, on)
5. I have known him three years. (for, since)
6. Many foods milk contain calcium. (beside, besides)
7. I will arrive six o'clock. (at, in)
8. He has been gone Friday. (for, since)
9. The store is located North Street. (at, on)
10. She is leaving five minutes. (at, in)
11. Bridget, Leslie and Sarah will discuss the matter themselves.
(among, between)
12. I have known her last year. (for, since)
13. We expect them Wednesday. (in, on)
14. The cat was sitting the stove. (beside, besides)
15. The play begins seven thirty. (at, on)
16. We waited fifteen minutes. (for, since)
17. Columbus crossed the Atlantic 1492. (at, in)
18. There are many possibilities the ones I have mentioned. (beside,
besides)
19. She will call us half an hour. (at, in)
20. His birthday is the 8th of January. (in, on)

3. Fill in the blanks with the missing prepositions. For example:

She wants to leave once.
She wants to leave at once.

I brought the wrong book mistake. I

brought the wrong book by mistake.

1. Since the restaurant is usually crowded, it is advisable to make reservations

advance.
2. Because we have no car, we go everywhere foot.
3. I was breath after running up the long flight of stairs.
4. We walked out of the room tiptoe, so as not to disturb the sleeping baby.
5. Inside your passport, you should write the name of your next kin.
6. We made out the report triplicate.
7. Citrus fruits, example oranges and lemons, require a long growing season.
8. The movie seemed to go on forever, but last it was over.
9. She is so busy, she always seems to be a hurry.
10. Many people believe birds are incapable of reasoning, but fact, some birds
are quite intelligent.
11. Since he is not very trustworthy, I advise you to take what he says a
pinch of salt.
12. I went to the library, but the book I wanted was out loan.
13. To save money, we usually buy flour and rice bulk.
14. Since he could offer us no proof, we had to take his story trust.
15. She knows hundreds of poems heart.
16. Since we cannot find a place to live, the time being, we are staying at a
cheap hotel.
17. Little little, the clouds dispersed and the sun became brighter.
18. Because of its importance, we studied the report detail.
19. All of the clothes sold in this store were made hand.
20. At an intersection, pedestrians usually have the right way.

4. For each underlined word or phrase, substitute an idiom containing the preposition
indicated in brackets. For example:
She came punctually. (on) She came
on time.

His remarks were brief and relevant. (to) His

remarks were brief and to the point.

1. Incidentally, I heard that there is a sale at the bookstore. (by)

2. What do you do as a profession? (for)
3. The boy left his books at school deliberately. (on)
4. There is a great deal to be won or lost. (at)
5. Before long, the ship had cast off and was moving. (under)
6. The violin strings are not at the correct pitch. (out of)
7. Her paintings are being exhibited at the library. (on)
8. The university operates with a very small amount of money. (on)
9. Occasionally we have a picnic by the river. (in)
10. There are no job openings in the company now. (at)
11. We have a large variety of produce available. (on)
12. I want to speak to you not in front of other people. (in)
13. Under those circumstances, we should proceed cautiously. (at)
14. Gradually, we began to unravel the mystery. (by)
15. At the beginning, it was not obvious what to do. (at)
16. When looking back over past events, we can see that important changes have
taken place. (in)
17. The two friends sat beside one another. (by)
18. I could see immediately that something was wrong. (at)
19. I see her occasionally. (from)
20. Does the store have any paint brushes available? (in).
5. Paying attention to the nouns which are usually followed by certain prepositions,
fill in the blanks with the correct prepositions chosen from the pairs given in
brackets. For example:
Do you have any objection my plan? (on, to)
Do you have any objection to my plan?

She has a good attitude her job. (of, toward) She

has a good attitude toward her job.

1. We played a joke him. (of, on)

2. Who else has access the computer files? (of, to)
3. I have no recollection the event. (of, on)
4. Missing the bus is no excuse being late. (for, of)
5. I have confidence his ability. (for, in)
6. That is only one example what I mean. (in, of)
7. Pay close attention the traffic signals. (for, to)
8. She takes an active interest community events. (in, of)
9. Do you have any proof that? (of, to)
10. You should make allowances their lack of experience. (for, on)
11. There is a lack information on this subject. (for, of)
12. The report should shed some light the situation. (for, on)
13. He has a talent putting people at ease. (for, with)
14. I received no reply my letter. (on, to)
15. We soon took command the situation. (of, with)
16. They are constantly finding fault other people. (of, with)
17. I have faith their good intentions. (in, to)
18. She has a reputation having the ability to deal with any situation. (for, of)
19. People often make fun what they do not understand. (of, to)
20. We will take a survey the participants. (of, on)

6. Paying attention to the adjectives which are usually followed by certain

prepositions, fill in the blanks with the correct prepositions chosen from the pairs
given in brackets. For example:
We were curious what they were doing. (about, for) We
were curious about what they were doing. (about, for)

The design of most computers is based binary arithmetic. (for, on)

The design of most computers is based on binary arithmetic.

1. We are ready anything. (for, to)

2. I was anxious her. (about, to)
3. Photographic film is sensitive light. (of, to)
4. Seals are adapted life in the water. (at, to)
5. He is descended Mary, Queen of Scots. (from, of)
6. Cotton is more resistant fire than nylon is. (for, to)
7. After the show, the radio station was besieged telephone calls. (from,
with)
8. She was praised her achievements. (for, to)
9. The public library is accessible everyone. (to, with)
10. Are you familiar the procedures? (for, with)
11. They were overjoyed the news. (at, to)
12. We are proud our accomplishments. (for, of)
13. I was pleased the results. (of, with)
14. Are you aware the risks involved? (of, with)
15. Lack of exercise can be detrimental one's health. (of, to)
16. We are satisfied the arrangement. (for, with)
17. She is interested animals. (for, in)
18. He is well qualified the job. (for, to)
19. Young children are often suspicious strangers. (of, to)
20. A knowledge of mathematics is essential an engineer. (to, with)

7. Paying attention to the verbs which are usually followed by certain prepositions,
fill in the blanks with the correct prepositions chosen from the pairs given in
brackets. For example:
He likes listening music. (on, to) He
likes listening to music.

They cooperated one another. (of, with) They

cooperated with one another.

1. Heat and light radiate the sun. (from, of)

2. Where the event will be held depends the weather. (of, on)
3. She loves to quote Shakespeare's plays. (from, to)
4. You need to concentrate what you are doing. (into, on)
5. The students protested the high student fees. (against, from)
6. A balanced meal consists vitamins, minerals, proteins and
carbohydrates. (of, with)
7. Twenty people applied the job. (for, with)
8. She likes to participate extracurricular activities. (in, with)
9. He paid the meal. (for, on)
10. We do not approve that type of behavior. (of, in)
11. He subscribes four magazines. (of, to)
12. The dog barked the mailman. (at, to)
13. Please refrain smoking. (from, to)
14. Do you concur my conclusions? (for, with)
15. The problem stems a lack of proper training. (for, from)
16. We apologized our absence. (for, to)
17. He is engaged starting a business. (in, on)
18. The two children stared each other. (at, to)
19. They registered the course. (for, of)
20. We rely the city bus service. (on, with)