Prepositions — Overview

1. Definition & Core Meaning

A preposition is a word placed before a noun or pronoun to show its relationship to another word in the sentence.

Structure: Preposition + Object (noun/pronoun) = Prepositional Phrase

Example: on (preposition) + the table (object) → "on the table"

What is it?
A linking word showing time, place, direction, cause, manner, and more.

2. Use Cases

Prepositions are divided into 9 types based on the kind of relationship they express:

1. Prepositions of Time — when (at, on, in, since, for…)
2. Prepositions of Place — where (in, on, at, under, above…)
3. Prepositions of Direction — where to (to, into, across, through…)
4. Prepositions of Agent/Instrument — who/what (by, with, without)
5. Prepositions of Manner — how (with, by, in, like, as)
6. Prepositions of Purpose — why (for, to, because of)
7. Prepositions of Possession — belonging (of, with)
8. Prepositions of Measure — quantity/comparison (by, of, than)
9. Fixed Collocations — set phrases (depend on, good at, afraid of…)

Select any type card from the list to study it in detail.

3. When to Use It (Time Expressions/Signals)

[!NOTE]
Choose a preposition based on the TYPE of relationship: location, time, direction, manner, or purpose.

4. How to Use It (Rules)

• A preposition is always followed by a noun or pronoun (the object)
• Together they form a prepositional phrase
• Prepositional phrases work as adjectives (modifying nouns) or adverbs (modifying verbs)
• Avoid ending formal sentences with a preposition