What Is a Preposition? Types & List of Prepositions

Introduction

Every day, we talk about where things are, when something happens, and how one thing is connected to another. For example, we say:

• The book is on the table.
• I go to school in the morning.
• She sat next to her friend.

In all these sentences, the highlighted words are prepositions.
So, even though prepositions are small words, they play a big role in English.

Moreover, without prepositions, our sentences would sound confusing or incomplete. Therefore, learning prepositions is an important step for anyone who wants to speak, read, and write English clearly and confidently.

In this lesson, you will learn what a preposition is, its types, rules, examples, and even enjoy fun activities designed especially for beginners and kids.

What Is a Preposition? (Simple Meanings)

Let us understand the meaning of a preposition in very easy ways.

Simple Definition

A preposition is a linking word that explains where, when, or how a noun fits into a sentence.

Even Simpler Explanation

A preposition tells us:

• Where something is
• When something happens
• How something happens
• The direction of something

One-Line Trick

A preposition is a small word that tells where a noun is in a sentence.

Example

• The cat is under the chair.
  Here, under shows the position of the cat.

How Prepositions Work (Step by Step)

Now, let us break it down slowly and clearly.

Step 1: Find the Noun

Prepositions usually come before a noun or pronoun.

• on the table
• in the bag
• with him

Step 2: See the Relationship

Ask questions like:

• Where?
• When?
• How?
• In which direction?

Step 3: Understand the Prepositional Phrase

A preposition + noun forms a prepositional phrase.

Example:

• in the room
• under the bed
• after the match

Types of Prepositions (With Clear Explanations)

Now, let us explore the main types of prepositions, one by one.

A. Prepositions of Place

They show where something is.

Common words: in, on, under, behind, between, near, above

Example:

• The ball is under the table.

B. Prepositions of Time

They show when something happens.

Common words: in, on, at, before, after, during

Example:

• I wake up at 6 a.m.

C. Prepositions of Direction

They show movement or direction.

Common words: to, into, onto, toward, across

Example:

• She ran into the room.

D. Prepositions of Manner / Means

They show how something is done.

Common words: by, with, using

Example:

• He wrote with a pen.

E. Prepositions of Cause or Reason

They show why something happens.

Common words: because of, due to, for

Example:

• The match was canceled because of rain.

List of Prepositions (20+ Examples)

Type	Preposition	Example Sentence
Place	on	The book is on the desk.
Place	under	The dog is under the chair.
Place	between	She sat between her friends.
Time	at	School starts at 8 a.m.
Time	in	I was born in July.
Time	on	The party is on Sunday.
Direction	to	He went to the park.
Direction	into	The boy jumped into the pool.
Direction	across	She walked across the road.
Manner	by	I travel by bus.
Manner	with	He cut it with a knife.
Cause	because of	The game stopped because of rain.
Place	near	The school is near my house.
Time	after	We eat after school.
Place	behind	The cat hid behind the sofa.
Direction	toward	The dog ran toward me.
Time	before	Finish homework before dinner.
Place	above	The fan is above the bed.
Manner	using	She opened it using a key.
Cause	for	He was punished for cheating.

Rules & Patterns of Prepositions

Here are some easy rules to remember:

Basic Rules

• A preposition is usually placed before a noun or pronoun
• Do not use a verb directly after a preposition
• One sentence can have more than one preposition

Common Patterns

• Preposition + Noun
  → in the room
• Verb + Preposition
  → listen to music
• Adjective + Preposition
  → afraid of dogs

Why Prepositions Matter in Real Life

Prepositions help us:

• Give clear directions
• Talk about time correctly
• Describe places accurately
• Speak naturally like native speakers

Without prepositions, communication becomes confusing. Therefore, mastering them improves confidence, fluency, and clarity.

Common Mistakes (And Fixes)

❌ I am good in math.

✅ I am good at math.

❌ She is married with him.

✅ She is married to him.

❌ He discussed about the problem.

✅ He discussed the problem.

Tip: Learn prepositions with phrases, not alone.

Exercises Section (20 Questions)

A. Fill in the Blanks

1. The cat is ___ the table.
2. I go to bed ___ 10 p.m.
3. She walked ___ the room.
4. The book is ___ my bag.
5. We play cricket ___ Sunday.
6. He came ___ bus.
7. The fan is ___ the ceiling.
8. I will call you ___ dinner.
9. The pen is ___ the box.
10. He sat ___ me.

B. Choose the Correct Preposition

11. She is afraid (of / in) dogs.
12. The train arrives (at / on) 6 a.m.
13. He jumped (into / on) the river.
14. The keys are (under / between) the table.
15. I was born (in / on) May.

C. Make Your Own Sentences

16. Use on
17. Use in
18. Use under
19. Use after
20. Use with

Answer Key

1. under
2. at
3. into
4. in
5. on
6. by
7. on
8. after
9. in
10. near
11. of
12. at
13. into
14. under
15. in

(Answers 16–20: student’s own sentences)

Mini Quiz (10 Questions)

1. A preposition shows relationship. (True/False)
2. “In” is a preposition of time. (True/False)
3. Prepositions come after nouns only. (True/False)
4. “Under” shows place. (True/False)
5. “By” can show means. (True/False)
6. “At” is used for exact time. (True/False)
7. “Into” shows movement. (True/False)
8. “Because of” shows reason. (True/False)
9. Prepositions are long words. (True/False)
10. Prepositions help make sentences clear. (True/False)

Creative Activity: Story Builder for Kids

Create a Mini Story
Use at least 5 prepositions from this list:
in, on, under, after, with

Example:
The cat slept on the mat. After lunch, it played with a ball in the garden.

Summary

Prepositions are small but powerful words. They help us talk about time, place, direction, and reason. By learning their types, rules, and patterns, you can speak and write English more clearly and confidently.