Prepositions
A preposition shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word, often in time or place.
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A preposition shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word, often in time or place.
- Examples are in, on, under and between
- A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition
- Never end sentences with them in formal writing
🧠 Quick quiz
Three questions. Score 2 or more to complete the topic.
What is Prepositions?
Within English, which covers grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, poetry, drama and the skills for clear communication, this topic explains Prepositions. English topics help you read closely and write with purpose, so each one here explains a skill and shows how it works in a model text.
Check that you can explain Prepositions in your own words and give one example from everyday life. If you can do that, you have understood the core idea.
Understanding Prepositions helps you read texts more closely and write with more control, which earns marks in both reading and writing papers.
Prepositions in detail
Prepositions show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word, usually in terms of place, time, direction or manner: on the table, after lunch, through the tunnel, by bus. A prepositional phrase includes the preposition and its object.
Common prepositions include in, at, on, under, between, beside, during, for and with. Some words need particular prepositions, as in "interested in" or "afraid of". A common rule says not to end a sentence with a preposition, though in informal writing it is natural. Prepositions give sentences precise detail about position and time.
How the interactive helps you understand Prepositions
Click a card to flip it and reveal the answer, then move on to the next one.
Before you change anything, predict the result. Then change one value at a time and check whether your prediction was right. This is a quick way to build a correct mental model of Prepositions.
Real-life uses and examples
- Plan an essay paragraph by linking the technique to the reader’s response.
- Spot Prepositions when you read a poem, story or speech, then explain the effect it creates.
- Use Prepositions to make your own writing more precise and vivid.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Quoting a long passage instead of picking a short, precise phrase.
- Naming a technique without explaining its effect on the reader.
- Learning the definition without testing it. Use the quiz and the interactive to check that you can apply the idea.
Frequently asked questions about Prepositions
What is Prepositions?
A preposition shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word, often in time or place.
What are the most important points about Prepositions?
The main points are: Examples are in, on, under and between; A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition; Never end sentences with them in formal writing.
Why is Prepositions useful?
Understanding Prepositions helps you read texts more closely and write with more control, which earns marks in both reading and writing papers.
How can I practise Prepositions?
Open the interactive at the top of this page and change the controls one at a time. Predict the result before each change, then take the three-question quiz. A score of two or more marks the topic as complete on this device.
Which topics are related to Prepositions?
Related topics in English include Parts of Speech Overview, Clauses and Phrases, Direct and Indirect Speech.