What are Prepositions?
Prepositions are referred to as the words that are generally used to define the relationship between two things thus, is considered as connecting word. The word preposition when divided is known to be a combination of the word pre and position that means placing before.
Basically, the prepositions are placed before nouns, pronouns, or noun phrases and are used to represent time, direction, place, location, or for introducing an object.
Example: Kane is standing in the first row.
In the above sentence, ‘Kane’ is a noun whereas ‘in’ is used to represent the location or position of a noun at a specific place thus here ‘in’ is the preposition.
Use of Prepositions
Here we will discuss the usage of prepositions in a sentence according to the specification.
Prepositions of Time: These are used to denote one specific point in time and majorly are used on ‘when’ factor of any event. In, on, at, before, and after are the prepositions that are used for time reference. The preposition ‘in’ is used for non-specific timing such as for months, years, etc.
Examples
- He is going to catch the bus in the evening.
- She reaches office sharp at 10:00 am.
- Suzan is habitual of skipping breakfast on weekdays.
- Jassica has decided to leave the party before 11 pm.
- Philips will come after George.
Whenever there is a need to deal with extended time durations then prepositions like since, for, by, during, etc. are used.
Examples
- Liza is working in ABC company for 5 years now.
- She is living in Jammu since 1990.
- Aman works in an ice-cream parlor during his summer vacations.
- This memory card contains official data from July to December 2001.
- The couple will reach the venue by 8 pm today.
Preposition of Location: When the position or location is required to be denoted then prepositions like in, on, or at are used. ‘In’ is used in reference to an area, ‘at’ for a specific point, and ‘on’ for surface or region.
Examples
- Peter is currently living in the US.
- He will meet his friend at the park.
- She is sitting on a chair.
When the location or the position is required to be defined relatively at a higher or lower point then prepositions such as over, above and below, beneath, under, etc. are used.
Examples
- The kid is hiding under the table.
- The boxes are placed one above the other.
- The birds are flying over the sea.
When something is required to be defined relatively at close proximity then prepositions like by, near, between, next to, etc. are used.
Example
- She has currently shifted her house near the post office.
- He is standing between the two buildings.
- The banyan tree is next to the mango tree in the forest.
This also includes preposition of direction and are mainly used in reference to something that illustrates the way or direction such as to, into, of, from, etc.
Examples
- She went to the park.
- Andrew is from France.
- She decided to climb up the mountains.
Complex Prepositions
The prepositions that follow verbs or adjectives are sometimes considered as complex prepositions and are as follows:
For: It is used with verbs such as hope, account, look, wish, search, allow, etc.
1. She has given her exam very well, rest hope for the best.
2. I’m searching for a motivational book.
3. His teacher allowed him for revisions before the class test.
Of: This is used with verbs such as consist, smell, etc.
1. This book consists of various important topics.
2. The smell of this perfume is quite amazing.
About/Of: It is used with verbs think, dream, read, complain, worry, etc.
1. She read about the news in today’s newspaper.
2. She is complaining about the gifted dress.
3. I was thinking about you.
4. She is dreaming of finishing this course by this year.
At: It is used with verbs such as laugh, look, arrive, etc.
1. She is looking at the door.
2. His dog arrived at the main gate to welcome him.
3. She started laughing at the man doing mischievous things.
With: It is used with verbs like agree, disagree, deal, argue, etc.
1. I do not agree with you.
2. She dealt with the thieves quite bravely.
3. Liza’s mother slapped her because she was arguing with an old man.
To: This is used with verbs like belong, refer, contribute, lead, etc.
1. She belongs to the notorious group of the class.
2. He is leading to get the fruits of his hard work.
3. John is giving his contribution to Laurel in the school project.
Here we have discussed some major prepositions. However, we cannot say this is all about prepositions because these are quite large in number and are used according to the situations.