Parts of Speech | 23 June 2025 | 10 Min

Prepositions: Definition and Examples

Your umbrella has been left behind. Isn’t it natural to wonder where your umbrella is? This sentence feels unfinished without context. Prepositions play a crucial role in clarifying the relationships between different elements in a sentence. They help to transform vague statements into precise information.

In this blog, we will discuss the meaning, definition, and various uses of prepositions in English. You will find illustrative examples that demonstrate how prepositions function in different contexts. So, let’s learn this essential part of speech!

What is a preposition?

“Have you completed the assignment, Max?”

“No, when is it due?”

“On Friday, where are you living? Under the rock!”

The conversation above contains some prepositions. They tell us where or when something is in relation to something else. When assignment is due, it’s good to have these special words to tell us when the assignment was supposed to be submitted. Does Max have to complete it today? Or, he can procrastinate and leave it till Thursday? Probably, he must be doing it right now to submit it in a few hours.

In all cases prepositions like on, till, in, etc., have something the object. You can also find other prepositions in the above dialogue. Can you identify them?

Preposition Definition

In Merriam Webster, preposition is defined as a function word that typically combines with a noun phrase to form a phrase which usually expresses a modification or predication.

According to this definition, there must be some noun present in the sentence. So, let’s have a look at all some preposition examples to elaborate this further.

The rose water is in a spray bottle. You can find it on my side table.
Your cat was hiding behind the curtains all this time.
We went shopping despite the hot weather.
I have watched all the movies and seasons during the covid times.
There is a coffee shop next to my patisserie.

Types of Prepositions

Prepositions can tell you exactly about a time, place, or direction of the object. So, we will be dividing them according to these four factors.

Prepositions of Time

These prepositions help us specify when an event occurs. Common examples include on, at, and in.

On is used with specific days:

I have a meeting on Tuesday.
We will celebrate on New Year’s Day.
At is used with precise times:

The concert starts at 8 p.m.
Let’s meet at midnight.
In is used for longer periods, such as months, years, or seasons:

She enjoys skiing in winter.
The project will be completed in 2025.

Extended Time

To express time durations, we use prepositions like since, for, by, from—to, and during. You can refer to the following examples for better understanding.

She has lived here since 2010. (From 2010 until now.)
I will be traveling for three weeks. (A duration of three weeks.)
The exhibition runs from May to August. (Beginning in May and ending in August.)
The lights will stay on from dusk until dawn. (Beginning at dusk and ending at dawn.)
We like to go hiking during the summer. (For some period in summer.)
You should submit your report within a month. (No longer than a month.)

Prepositions of Place

These indicate the location of an object. Common examples include in, inside, on, and at:

In is used for something contained:

The dog is in the garden.
I have left a sandwich in the refrigerator for you.
Inside specifies a more exact location:

Look inside the drawer.
You can find something to eat inside the refrigerator.
On indicates a surface:

The book is on the shelf.
She carefully placed the mug on the table.
At denotes a general location:

She is waiting at the bus stop.
I was at the farm house yesterday.

Prepositions of Direction

These prepositions describe movement towards a destination. It includes to, toward, and into as used in the following.

The cat ran to its caretaker. (Movement toward the caretaker.)
He walked toward the door. (Direction of movement toward the door.)
She jumped into the pool suddenly. (Movement entering the pool.)

Higher Position

To express something positioned higher than a reference point, we use over and above.

The plane flew over the mountains. (Higher and across the area of the mountains.)
The clock hangs above the fireplace. (Positioned higher than the fireplace.)

Lower Position

To indicate something lower than a reference point, we use under, beneath, and below.

The cat is sleeping under the bed. (Below the general point of the bed.)
The shoes are hidden beneath the couch. (Specifically, below the couch.)
The temperature dropped below freezing. (Lower than the freezing point.)

Proximity of Object

These prepositions describe an object’s closeness to another point. They include words like near, by, next to, and between.

The park is near my house. (Close to the house.)
The bakery is by the grocery store. (Very close to the grocery store.)
There’s a bench next to the fountain. (Beside the fountain.)
The school is between the library and the post office. (Sandwiched by these two locations.)

Prepositions Introducing Objects of Verbs

These prepositions add specificity to the action that is taking place. They are used directly after certain verbs.

At is used with verbs like look, laugh, and smile.

She smiled at her friend.
They all fell laughing at his joke.
Of is used with verbs like approve, consist, and belong.

They approved of the new policy.
An egg consists of all the vitamins except Vit C.
For is used with verbs like wait, hope, and look.

We are waiting for the bus.
What are you looking for?
Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

Preposition with Multiple Words

Sometimes, multiple words are used as a phrasal preposition. They are used in combination of verbs to express physical or abstract relationships. Such prepositions are according to, on top of, due to, because of, in addition to, in place of, next to, due to, with regard to, in terms of, for the sake of, by means of, and more.

We can use these multi-word prepositions in complete sentences.

Instead of cleaning the house, he was watching TV.
As a result of heavy rain, the freshly paved road was ruined.
The restaurant ran out of spring onions.
Her dress designs were represented in front of the officials.
He received the medal on behalf of his brother.

Can a Sentence End in a Preposition?

In old times, it was said that a sentence cannot be ended with a preposition. However, it is not true, especially in today’s world. Prepositions can be used at the end of a sentence in a natural way. Look at the following examples.

There is no one to rely on.
I can rely on nobody.
There is nobody on whom I can rely.

All these sentences have used the preposition at different parts but all are correct. They have incorporated the word ‘on’ naturally. Let’s go through other such examples.

Where is this light coming from?
It’s chilly, come inside.
He is hiding something behind.
What are you scared of?
Don’t put your feet in the sand, there is something underneath.

Last Words

Prepositions are used in the English language to specify where and when the action is taking place. This could be a single word with the verbs or a combination of multiple prepositions. In either case, these words can be used in different ways. And, using them correctly requires both practice and attention.

If you want to accurately utilize prepositions in your written English, you can employ the grammar checker for free. This grammar tool is specifically designed to rectify slip ups and common writing errors instantly. Just run your text through the grammar checking tool and it will help you to correct all mistakes.

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