Mastering prepositions in English: A comprehensive guide with examples

Prepositions are the “connective tissue” of the English language. Though they are often just a few letters long, these powerful words establish the relationship between nouns, pronouns, and other parts of a sentence. Without them, we wouldn’t know if the cat is under the table, on the table, or jumping over it.

In this guide, you will learn the different types of prepositions, see them in action through clear examples, and discover how to avoid common grammatical pitfalls.

What is a preposition?

A preposition is a word used to link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words within a sentence. They function to connect people, objects, time, and locations. While prepositions are usually short words placed directly in front of nouns, they can also appear at the end of sentences in certain questions or informal constructions.

Types of prepositions with examples

To master English grammar, it helps to categorize prepositions based on the type of relationship they express.

Pro tip: Keep a physical reference guide on your desk for quick checks. The English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy is the world’s best-selling grammar book for a reason—its preposition charts are incredibly clear.

1. Prepositions of time

These indicate when something happens.

2. Prepositions of place and spatial relationship

These describe the position of a person or thing.

• In: Used for enclosed spaces (e.g., “She is sitting in the garden.”)
• On: Used for surfaces (e.g., “The book is on the table.”)
• At: Used for specific points or locations (e.g., “I’ll see you at the bus stop.”)
• Under/over: Used to show relative height (e.g., “The keys fell under the couch.”)

3. Prepositions of direction and movement

These show where something is going or how it is moving.

• To: “We are going to the beach.”
• Through: “The hiker walked through the forest.”
• Across: “She ran across the bridge.”
• Toward: “He took a step toward the door.”

4. Prepositions of manner and agent

These explain “how” something is done or “who” did it.

• By: Used for transportation or passive voice (e.g., “He traveled by train” or “The cake was baked by Sarah.”)
  • Note: We say by car/train/bus, but on foot (for walking)
• With: Used to indicate tools or accompaniment (e.g., “She wrote the note with a pen.”)

Important grammar rules for using prepositions

Understanding prepositional phrases

A prepositional phrase includes a preposition, its object, and any modifiers. For example, in the phrase “in the big blue house,” in is the preposition and house is the object.

Prepositions with verbs and adjectives

Many words in English are “glued” to specific prepositions. These are often called dependent prepositions.

• Wait for: “I am waiting for the bus.”
• Agree with: “I agree with your point.”
• Interested in: “She is interested in art history.”

Can you end a sentence with a preposition?

One of the most persistent myths in English grammar is that you cannot end a sentence with a preposition. While older, formal standards discouraged it, the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) confirms that modern English accepts this construction in both spoken and written forms.

• Informal: “Who are you talking to?” (Perfectly acceptable)
• Formal: “To whom are you talking?” (Sounds stiff in casual conversation)

Common mistakes to avoid

1. “In” vs. “on” for time

Use on for specific days (on Tuesday) and dates (on October 5th). Use in for months, years, and general times of day (in the morning, in the afternoon).

• Incorrect: I’ll see you in Monday.
• Correct: I’ll see you on Monday.
• Note: While we say “in the morning,” we say “at night.”

2. Unnecessary prepositions

Avoid adding “at” to the end of “where” questions.

• Incorrect: Where are you at?
• Correct: Where are you?

In standard English, a preposition is only necessary if it provides additional information about a relationship between words. If the sentence is complete and its meaning is clear without the preposition, adding one is considered a “dangling” or “redundant” preposition.

While “Where are you at?” is incorrect in formal writing and standardized tests (like the SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS), it is very common in:

1. African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and certain Southern American dialects.
2. Idiomatic expressions: In some contexts, “at” changes the meaning. For example, “Where are you at with the project?” is a common way to ask about progress rather than physical location.

3. Confusing phrasal verbs

Words like “off,” “up,” and “out” often look like prepositions but are actually part of a phrasal verb.

• Example: “Please turn off the light.” In this case, “off” is a particle, not a preposition.

Mastered these rules? If you want to move from “good” to “expert” English, working through The English Grammar Workbook for Adults is the fastest way to cement these preposition rules into your daily speech.

The phrasal verb cheat sheet: Understanding the difference

Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb + a particle (which looks like a preposition). The trick is that the particle often changes the entire meaning of the verb.

Frequently asked questions about prepositions

More English grammar resources

• Prepositions for giving directions: Learn how to use “past,” “across,” and “next to.”
• Advanced prepositions of position: A deep dive into “outside,” “alongside,” and “beneath.”
• The ultimate list of prepositions: A downloadable PDF of 100+ English prepositions.
• The “Gold Standard” Dictionary: For deep dives into usage and origin, the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (12th Edition) is the essential authority for every home library.
• The Deep Dive: For specialized practice, check out The Preposition Book, which focuses entirely on mastering these tricky “connective tissues.”

A video explaining prepositions

Test your knowledge: The ultimate preposition quiz

Check your understanding of English prepositions with these 20 practice questions.

Section 1: Multiple choice

Choose the best preposition to complete each sentence.

1. We are planning to meet ______ noon on Saturday.a) inb) onc) atd) within
2. My keys were hiding ______ the sofa cushions.a) amongb) betweenc) throughd) over
3. She has been working as a teacher ______ 2015.a) forb) sincec) duringd) until
4. The train passed ______ the tunnel at high speed.a) acrossb) throughc) overd) under
5. I am very interested ______ learning more about history.a) onb) withc) aboutd) in
6. He walked ______ the beach to watch the sunset.a) alongb) inc) atd) between
7. Please don’t lean ______ the freshly painted wall.a) inb) againstc) tod) by
8. We usually go on vacation ______ the summer.a) atb) onc) ind) for
9. The bridge goes ______ the river.a) throughb) overc) underd) beside
10. Who is the person ______ that photograph?a) onb) atc) ind) by

Section 2: Fill in the blank

Complete the sentence with the correct preposition of time, place, or direction.

1. The cat is sleeping ________ the table. (Location: underneath)
2. I will see you ________ Tuesday morning.
3. They walked ________ the stairs to the second floor.
4. He apologized ________ being late to the meeting.
5. We drove ________ the city to get to the countryside.
6. She is sitting ________ her two best friends. (Location: middle)
7. The milk is ________ the refrigerator.
8. I am looking forward ________ meeting you next week.
9. He traveled to London ________ plane.
10. The store is located ________ the corner of 5th and Main.

Conclusion: Mastering the small stuff

Prepositions might be the smallest words in your vocabulary, but they carry the heaviest load. They are the difference between being on time and in time, or standing by someone versus against them. While the rules can feel like a maze, remember that even native speakers occasionally trip over a “dangling” preposition or a tricky phrasal verb.

Now it’s your turn! Which prepositional rule always trips you up? Or better yet, is there a “rule” (like never ending a sentence with a preposition) that you love to break? Drop a comment below and let’s discuss the quirks of the English language together!