The words which are used to show connection or relation between two things, people etc. are called Prepositions.
Types of Prepositions
1. Prepositions of time
• At – to show a definite point of time
Ex. Let us meet at 7 pm.
• On – to show more general period of time
Ex. I met her on Friday.
• In – to mention months, year, seasons or parts of the day or to mention the period of time in future when some action will happen
Ex. I saw a newly bloomed flower in the morning.
Ex. We usually visit new places in summer.
Ex. They come to India in December every year.
Ex. I will finish reading this book in a week.
• By – to show a point of future time at which an action will be over.
Ex. The work will be submitted by Monday morning.
• For – to show the duration of action for mostly an incomplete action
Ex. I have been working here for the last few years.
• Since – to indicate the starting point of an action which has continued till the point of speaking
Ex. I’m working with this firm since 2010.
• From – to show the starting point of the action started in the past and is over now
Ex. He started working with us from 2015.
• Other Prepositions of time: After, during, till, before, between etc.
2. Prepositions of position / place
• In – to indicate a large space, big town or cities and countries
Ex. I stay in Mumbai
• At – to indicate smaller spaces or small towns, villages or suburbs of a city
Ex. I am waiting for you at the gate.
• Among – to show the position surrounded by many
Ex. She’s standing among the students.
• Above – to show the position higher than something
Ex. To get distinction in the examination, you need to score above 75%.
• Over – to indicate the vertically above position
Ex. The lamp was hanging over his head.
• Below – to show the position lower than something
Ex. He got hurt below the knees.
• Under – to indicate the vertically below position
Ex. The box lying under the table.
• Other Prepositions of place / position: between, from, to etc.
3. Prepositions of direction
• To – to show the destination
Ex. They went to the station.
• Towards – to show the direction
Ex. He pointed towards the tree.
• Into – to show movement towards interior
Ex. The train was going into the tunnel.
• Out of – to show movement away from the interior
Ex. He took the books out of the cupboard.
• At – to indicate the point of aim
Ex. Don’t throw stones at the dog.
• For - to show the direction of the movement
Ex. He left for Delhi in the morning.
• Against – to show two surfaces where one is using the other for support
Ex. Keep the ladder against the wall.
• Off – to show separation from a surface
Ex. He fell off the roof.
Other types of prepositions
a. Prepositions of agency or medium
• At – She wanted to buy that bungalow at any cost.
• By- We went by bus.
• Through – We got the booking done through the app.
• with – He opened the lock with a pin.
• Without – He managed the work without any help.
b. Prepositions of manner
• By – He achieved success by working hard.
• With – They worked together with great determination.
c. Prepositions of reason or purpose
• For – She is working for a good cause.
• Of – They were tired of his excuses.
• From – She felt sick from tiredness.
• Through – They achieved success through hard work.
d. Prepositions of possession
• On – She is on our side.
• Of – This statue is of 15th century.
• With – He worked with great enthusiasm.
