There are a lot of prepositions in the
English language. The rules on these many prepositions can overlap with another
preposition so getting familiar with the basic rules on each preposition will be
a very good advantage. Remember that prepositions are needed in writing and
speaking as well. With them, the sentence is complete and properly
“illustrated”. Now, here are twenty different prepositions that are commonly
used in the English language together with their usage and examples:
source: http://www.ieltsexamstips.com/2013/09/prepositions-ielts-exam-tips.html
1. IN
The preposition in can be used as a time preposition:
• centuries, years, months, seasons
• parts of the day
Examples:
In the 18th century, the Philippines lived in fear under the Spanish regime.
I was born in 1985 in the month of October.
In winter, a lot of people go to ski resorts.
I always love having a cup of coffee in the afternoon.
In can also be used to show that something is within an area of something.
Examples:
I found my flash drive in the bag.
The horses are running in the yard.
2. ON
As a time preposition, on can be used in the following:
• days and dates
• special holidays and days
Examples:
On Friday, the boy scouts are having their camping.
She was born on October 20th.
We usually give gifts on Christmas Day.
As a preposition of place, on is used to show that something is against a surface of another thing.
Examples:
A huge poster is placed on the wall.
There are several bags on the table.
3. AT
At is used in time to show:
• Specific time and with noon, midnight, breakfast, lunch, dinner, sunrise, sunset
Examples:
I have a meeting at 4pm with the board of directors
The fire happened at midnight.
We also use AT to make a reference point in places.
Examples:
I am at the building. (You are not inside the building but around the area of the building)
She is at school now.
4. Since – from a certain period of time
Examples:
I have been waiting for you since 3pm. I am so exhausted!
The students have been studying grammar since they were eight years old.
5. For – over a period of time
Examples:
The man has been standing there for three hours. I wonder who he is waiting for.
I have had this car for 3 years. I cannot afford to buy a new one.
6. Ago – a certain time in the past. This is usually used in the simple past tense.
Examples:
Three years ago, I lived in Berlin with my boyfriend.
She was here a few minutes ago.
7. By, Next to, Beside – when something or somebody is placed on the left or right side of something
Examples:
The old man is standing by the window waiting for her wife.
She is sitting next to the kid who was killed yesterday.
8. Under – on the ground or to show that something or someone is placed lower than something
Examples:
The bogeyman hides under the bed and terrifies children.
We saw a lot of fish under the sea.
9. Above – to show that something is higher than something else
Examples:
Due to the thickness of the clouds, the plane flew above them.
There is a small bridge above the lake.
10. Across – to show getting to the other side or something or someone is on the other side
Examples:
A barber shop is located across the school.
The swimmers swam across the raging current of the river.
11. Into – a movement from outside to inside
Examples:
The students went into the rooms holding their partners.
We jumped into the pool wearing nothing.
12. Onto – movement on top of something
Examples:
He placed his feet onto the table.
We jumped onto the table when we saw a big rat running across the room.
13. From – to show where someone or something is from
Examples:
I got a gift from Tammy.
She is from Canada.
14. From…to… - to show the start and end of time or place
Examples:
The teachers work from 12 to 9 pm.
We walked from the plaza to the cinema.
15. During – during the course or duration of something
Examples:
The children slept during the mass.
During the summer, we usually go to our cabin in the woods.
16. Before – earlier than
Examples:
The proposal has to be submitted before the deadline.
We have to leave before 5.
17. Behind – at the back of
Examples:
I saw John hiding behind the curtains.
There is a hook behind that door. Hang your scarf there.
18. Over – in or at a position higher or above than something
Examples:
There is a sign over the door saying that minors are not allowed to come in.
The campers saw an eagle flying over the hills.
19. Through – in and out of something
Examples:
The birds flew through the window.
Cars have to go through the tunnel to reach the river.
20. Between – in the middle position
Examples:
There is a fan between the desk and the fridge.
I am standing between two tall men.
These are only
the commonly used prepositions in the English language. Understand and be
familiar with the usage to avoid future mistakes.
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