English prepositions
Online language lessons with native teachersSkype teachers
Free trial lesson
Flexible appointments
English prepositions
In this chapter the prepositions in English will be explained. Prepositions are used to define a relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in the sentence.
Lesson Outline
HideWhat is a preposition?
A preposition is a word that defines a relationship between words in a sentence. It can describe for example the time, the position or the movement of something.
Prepositions in English examples:
- I have sent a postcard to my grandmother.
- We were waiting for him in front of the church.
- He came into the kitchen, when we were cooking.
They can also accompany a verb, forming the phrasal verbs. These are combinations of a verb and a preposition. The meaning of the phrasal verb is different from the original one.
Examples:
- They broke up two months ago.
- He doesn't agree with you on this subject.
Placement of prepositions
The prepositions can be placed in two different positions in the sentence:
-
Before the noun in affirmative sentences.
Example: I am walking to the supermarket. -
At the end of the sentence in questions with interrogative pronouns (who, what, where, when, why)
Example: Where are we going to?
Types of prepositions in English
There are approximately 150 different prepositions in English. There are different types of prepositions, but the three main categories are shown in the following table:
| Type of prepositions | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Prepositions of time | These prepositions indicate the time of a certain event or situation. |
|
| Prepositions of place | These prepositions indicate the position of something or someone. |
|
| Prepositions of movement | These prepositions indicate the movement of something or someone. |
|
English preposition 'about' with noun and 'about' with infinitive
Some prepositions in English do not belong to one of the categroes as described above. Below you can find an example of one of those prepositions:
'About' is used to talk about a specific topic. The table below shows the usage of 'about'.
| Form | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| About + noun | Used to describe what the subject of something is or what someone is talking about. |
|
| About + infinitive | Used to say that something is going to happen soon. |
|
Prepositions 'in', 'at', or 'on' in English
The three English prepositions 'in', 'at' and 'on' can be used in different ways, not just for a place.
- She is not interested in buying a car.
- We will meet at 3 o'clock.
- The house is on fire.
Verbs and prepositions in English
Some English verbs are followed by prepositions, because this important for the meaning of the verb in a sentence.
- She borrowed a jacket from her mother.
- They participated in a contest.
- We dream of becoming a famous band.
Prepositions with adjectives in English
Some English adjectives need to be combined with a preposition, because it is essential for the meaning of the adjective.
- The Netherlands is famous for its windmills.
- Julia is interested in playing volleyball.
- My mother is married to my father.
Take a look at the subchapters of this chapter to learn more about the prepositions in English, including a list of common prepositions used in English.
Next lessons
Practise with a private teacher on Skype!
4.5/5 from 3 reviews
- Private Skype lessons
- Learn any topic
- Flexible appointments
German lessons and learning materials included
I speak: German, English, French, Italian I teach: German, English, French
My name is Christina and I provide fun German and French language lesson for children and adult beginners or intermediate who want to... strengthen their language skills, improve the grammar knowledge, enrich the vocabulary and get into the German culture! I can teach in English or French! I had experince in teaching German, English and French to foreign people so I do have a lot of useful learning material I can provide you to make it easier! Read more
Great choice! Students book in average more than 10 lessons!
Very experienced teacher!
This teacher is one of our premium members. A premium teacher is very motivated to provide an excellent learning experience.
Very experienced teacher!
This teacher is one of our premium members. A premium teacher is very motivated to provide an excellent learning experience.
17.00€ / h
Response time: less than a few hours
TÖMER LECTURER ***Turkish lessons with a native speaker
I speak: English, Turkish I teach: English, Turkish
Hello Turkish Learners! I am a professional Turkish Teacher and a translator with a master degree.I have visited so many countries to research... cultures and Turkish Dialects. Since I was a child, my dream was to travel to Asia and learn all the other Turkish Languages such as Kyrgyz Turkish, Kazak Turkish, Tatar Turkish, Tuva Turkish) as well as to research the similarities and differences between Modern Turkish and other Turkish languages. In the past, I worked as a lecturer in the School of Foreign Languages of Turkish Education at Kyrgyzstan Turkey Manas University for 3 years. During my appointment, I have taught all levels of Modern Turkish to the students who are from different nationalities such as Americans, Russians, English, German, Kazaks, Kyrgyz, Tatars, Mongol, Tuvas, Uighur Turk. I am also very fluent in Kyrgyz Turkish and Kazak Turkish. Currently, I am living in Turkey.I believe that with my experiences and love for languages, I can surely help you to speak up. As a patient and concise teacher, I: - develop and implement individual lesson plans for structured and conversational sessions. - use a variety of written and audio materials, primarily Elementary Turkish in 2 Volumes by Kurtuluş Öztopçu.- assign homework and provide regular feedback to students. - clarify complex grammar questions through examples from everyday conversations-make the language learning process less theoretical and more practical. Let me know your motivations and needs, and I will prepare an individual lesson plan for you.Just dream,you can learn language easily!Aysegul Read more
This teacher is one of our premium members. A premium teacher is very motivated to provide an excellent learning experience.
16.00€ / h
Response time: longer than 2 days
Italian, English, Bulgarian Teacher and Translator
I speak: Bulgarian, English, Italian I teach: Bulgarian, English, Italian
Hello! My name is Deborah! I am a language instructor. I teach Italian, English and Bulgarian. I have more than 10 years teaching... experience, both face-to-face and online to individual as well as to small and large groups. At the moment I am teaching Italian in a private school in Sofia, Bulgaria- where I lived for more than 10 years. I teach English to students ready to move to English speaking countries for work, and to students who need Еnglish for their career. I also prepare students for exams (KET, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE), and I offer language courses for communication and travelling purposes. I attended the College (tourism) in Lucca-Italy. I have a diploma in Secretarial and Business Administration from the South Kensington and Chelsea Collage in London- (I lived in London few years ago). I have a TEFL certificate -grade A. and an ECL certificate in Bulgarian C1 with 96/100. Therefore, I have a good knowledge of how languages work and I can provide my students with helpful insight. Teaching is my passion, and I am constantly in search for new methods to help my students to get through the challenges and the difficults when learning a new language. I am an enthusiastic, dedicated and adaptable teacher. I always use the communicative method in my teaching and I try to make my students feel comfortable by creating a funny and relaxed environment. I hope to see you soon in one of my classes! Read more
Great choice! Students book in average more than 10 lessons!
This teacher is one of our premium members. A premium teacher is very motivated to provide an excellent learning experience.
This teacher is one of our premium members. A premium teacher is very motivated to provide an excellent learning experience.
14.50€ / h
Response time: less than a few hours