Prepositions
a preposition denotes (or shows) the position and/or relationship of one object, action or idea to another. That it is a word that is 'positioned' or 'placed' before another word. Therefore, the word "preposition" literally derives from... pre = meaning, 'before' and position = meaning, 'place.’ Prepositions show the position and/or relationship of one object, action or idea to another.
Learning prepositions can cause many difficulties for learners of the English language.
It does help to learn what prepositions are -- and how they are used -- but more importantly, you need to know the word combinations that you'll find them in.
It's a fact, some words just go together and all you can do is learn them 'by heart.'
There are no specific reasons why-- well, at least not obvious ones -- and students often find this particular item of the English language difficult to master.
In fact, speaking as someone who has taught English as a foreign language for twenty years, I would say that prepositions have caused my students the most difficulties.
That said, it pays to take a look at some of the pages in this site as you'll find plenty of useful and practical information regarding prepositions and the best way, or ways, to learn them.
What are prepositions?
Well, they are words that show the relationship between other words in the sentence. They come before nouns and pronouns and sometimes, (rarely) before other words. Plus, they don't change form with gender or case differences as do other words.
Example: What are you doing after school today? (time)
Example: What did you do that for? (why did you do that?)
Example: I grew up next to, or beside, the school. (place, right next door)
Example: What did you do that for? (why did you do that?)
Example: I grew up next to, or beside, the school. (place, right next door)
As can be seen from the examples above, there are prepositions of place, time and reason.
Preposition Definitions
Place (over, near, beside, in, on, under, etc.)
“The book is on the desk.”
Time (at, in, on, etc.)
“Class starts at five o'clock.”
Direction (toward, into, through, to, etc.)
“The ball went through the window.”
Agent (by)
“This painting was done by a famous painter.”
Instrument (by, with)
“I heard about this place by word of mouth. (Communication)
“He came by train.” (Transportation)
“He opened his car door with an electronic key.” (Instrument or tool)
Possession (of)
“She broke the clasp of her necklace.”
Measure (by, of)
“We should by cereal by bulk... it's cheaper.”
Capacity (as)
“John worked as a chef until he retired.”
Similarity (like)
“Mari sings like an angel.”
“The book is on the desk.”
Time (at, in, on, etc.)
“Class starts at five o'clock.”
Direction (toward, into, through, to, etc.)
“The ball went through the window.”
Agent (by)
“This painting was done by a famous painter.”
Instrument (by, with)
“I heard about this place by word of mouth. (Communication)
“He came by train.” (Transportation)
“He opened his car door with an electronic key.” (Instrument or tool)
Possession (of)
“She broke the clasp of her necklace.”
Measure (by, of)
“We should by cereal by bulk... it's cheaper.”
Capacity (as)
“John worked as a chef until he retired.”
Similarity (like)
“Mari sings like an angel.”
Preposition Definitions - SPECIAL NOTE 1
We never use for + verb + ing to express purpose.
Example:
“He went to the mall for buying some new jeans.”
This is wrong usage!
Preposition Definitions - SPECIAL NOTE 2
We use by + no article when talking about communication and transportation.
Example:
by radio, by phone, by bus, by car, by boat etc.
Finally...
The definition of the word preposition is... "a word that shows the relationship between a noun, pronoun, and / or other words in a sentence.
Prepositions of Groups
Learning prepositions of groups is similar to learning other prepositions.
I recommend looking over the list then doing the exercise that follows to check your knowledge.
AGAINST = A. contrary to something B. not give support
A. Why are you against everything she tries to do?
B. Most Republicans are against abortion.
BEHIND = A. give support to ideologically B. give financial support to, provide for
A. Are you behind the farmers' strike?
B. The unions were behind the candidates that won the election.
CONTRARY TO = the opposite of
His ideas are contrary to the lifestyle he leads.
FOR = A. to be in favor of doing something B. for someone's benefit
A. Well, I'm for turning back. It's too dangerous to go mountain climbing in this weather.
B. Come on, won't you please do it for Daddy?
FOR THE SAKE OF = for benefit of someone (usually someone else)
For the sake of keeping the peace she agreed to go with her family.
IN FAVOR OF = be in agreement
I'm in favor of the proposed tax cuts by the government.
IN SUPPORT OF = for the benefit of
Some people are protesting outside in support of the Prime Minister.
OPPOSITE TO = not be in agreement with
Most of my students have political views opposite to those I hold.
WITH = to be in agreement (with a person or idea)
Taking a vacation is a good idea... I'm with you all the way.
. Many unhappy couples stay together ___ their children
2. ____ popular opinion, if you want to lose weight you have to eat less.
3. Her opinions on this subject are totally ___ mine. We'll never agree.
4. He was ____ the news leak so the company fired him.
5. She was ____ the measure but it didn't pass the Parliament.
6. Are you for or ___ capital punishment?
7. Those who are against capital punishment but ____ abortion are illogical.
8. If you run for President I'm ___ you all the way.
9. She said she was protesting ____ a ban on hand guns.
10. His wife held political views ___ his own.
Compound Prepositions
Compound prepositions are also known as complex prepositions and are, as the name implies, made up of more than one word.
For example, 'because of' and 'in between' are prepositions using two words while 'in front of' and 'on behalf of' are complex prepositions using three words.
EXAMPLES:
He didn't go to university because of his grades.
I accept this on behalf of my business partner.
Some of the more common compound prepositions are used frequently in the English Language and they will always (or, most probably) be found together.
Prepositions of Comparison
The prepositions of comparison help us to separate, or distinguish, between two or more ideas, people, things, etc., and so on.
The list below contains samples for a better understanding. I recommend looking over the list and doing the exercise that follows.
AFTER = similar or comparable to
This artist’s work is after the style of the cubists' movement.
AGAINST = A. contrasting with B. compared with
A. That picture would look better against a dark background.
B. Look at this schedule against last year’s; it was so much better last year.
BELOW = less, or fewer, than
That shop is going out of business, they are selling things below cost.
BESIDE = compared with
Beside her sister she's not the least bit talented.
BETWEEN = differentiating
She cant tell the difference between blue and green because She's color-blind.
LIKE = similar to
You've gotten so tan, you look like an Egyptian.
NEAR = approaching / similar to
No one can come near him when it comes to Math's.
OVER = more than, a greater number or amount, than
He's got over ten thousand coins in his collection.
UNDER = less, or fewer, than
The Communist Party got under a thousand votes in the election.
UNLIKE = not similar to
That puppy looks unlike either of its parents.
You've gotten so tan, you look like an Egyptian.
NEAR = approaching / similar to
No one can come near him when it comes to Math's.
OVER = more than, a greater number or amount, than
He's got over ten thousand coins in his collection.
UNDER = less, or fewer, than
The Communist Party got under a thousand votes in the election.
UNLIKE = not similar to
That puppy looks unlike either of its parents.
1. This artist's work is ___ the great masters of the Renaissance.
2. We feed ____ three thousand pupils every day at lunchtime.
3. ___ you, I did my homework for all of our classes.
4. You were fooled again? No one comes ___ your naivety.
. ____ great poets, your work is not that bad.
6. Some children have difficulties learning ___ right and left.
7. You won't pass if you get ____ 65% on your exam.
8. ___ last year's numbers; we are doing much better this year.
9. He won the race easily, no one was even ___ him.
10. With that long hair, he looked ___ a woman.
Prepositions of Direction
Prepositions of direction are few in number but they are also important to note.
They include those found below and are best learned and understood in context.
Study the examples below carefully and then do the exercise that follows. You can check your answers to see how well you know these prepositions of direction.
AROUND = in a circular direction
I've driven around this neighborhood three times and I still can’t find their house.
AT = in the (general) direction of
The little boy threw a stone at the little girl.
AWAY FROM = leaving a place, a person or an object
She ran away from home when she was sixteen.
DOWN = descending motion
Raindrops ran down the windscreen making it difficult to see the road.
DOWN TO = descending motion expressing a final destination
The child fell down to the ground.
FOR = having the view or destination of
The Israelites set out for The Promised Land when they left Egypt.
INTO= a destination within something
The frightened deer disappeared into the forest.
ONTO= a destination on something
He put the plate onto the table and began to eat his dinner.
Study the examples below carefully and then do the exercise that follows. You can check your answers to see how well you know these prepositions of direction.
AROUND = in a circular direction
I've driven around this neighborhood three times and I still can’t find their house.
AT = in the (general) direction of
The little boy threw a stone at the little girl.
AWAY FROM = leaving a place, a person or an object
She ran away from home when she was sixteen.
DOWN = descending motion
Raindrops ran down the windscreen making it difficult to see the road.
DOWN TO = descending motion expressing a final destination
The child fell down to the ground.
FOR = having the view or destination of
The Israelites set out for The Promised Land when they left Egypt.
INTO= a destination within something
The frightened deer disappeared into the forest.
ONTO= a destination on something
He put the plate onto the table and began to eat his dinner.
OUT OF = a destination outside of something
He ran out of the room as if he were on fire.
TO = in the specific direction of
To the hospital, please. And hurry! This is an emergency.
Could you give this DVD to Jill, please?
TOWARDS = in the general direction of
We were driving towards the city center when we had an accident.
UP = ascending, in a general motion
The smoke from the fire went up into the sky.
UP TO = ascending, expressing specific destination
You'll be able to reach the cat if you climb up to the top of the tree.
He ran out of the room as if he were on fire.
TO = in the specific direction of
To the hospital, please. And hurry! This is an emergency.
Could you give this DVD to Jill, please?
TOWARDS = in the general direction of
We were driving towards the city center when we had an accident.
UP = ascending, in a general motion
The smoke from the fire went up into the sky.
UP TO = ascending, expressing specific destination
You'll be able to reach the cat if you climb up to the top of the tree.
Set phrases for Prepositions of Direction
He couldn't wait for his vacation to get away from it all.
The cost of a new car brought him down to earth.
When situations worsen we say we go from out of the frying pan, into the fire.
** Special Note **
When you shout at someone. (You are angry)
When you shout to someone. (You want to attract their attention.)
You throw the ball at someone. (You want to hit them with the ball.)
You throw the ball to someone. (You want them to have it, you give it to them.)
1. I'm upset because my mother shouted ___ me again. That's the second time today!
2. The deer ran ____ the woods and into the road before we hit it.
3. John ran _____ his responsibilities as a parent and left his family.
4. They were throwing darts ____ the target on the wall when I saw them.
5. He got ____ the top rung of ladder and was too scared to come down.
6. The snow fell ____ the ground and seemingly covered it in a thick white blanket.
7. We were traveling ____ Athens when the earthquake occurred.
8. He ran ____ the room shouting FIRE! FIRE!
9. He set the open book ____ the desk and asked the child to read.
10. We walked all ___ the city center but couldn't find the store.
Prepositions of Groups
Learning prepositions of groups is similar to learning other prepositions.
I recommend looking over the list then doing the exercise that follows to check your knowledge.
AGAINST = A. contrary to something B. not give support
A. Why are you against everything she tries to do?
B. Most Republicans are against abortion.
BEHIND = A. give support to ideologically B. give financial support to, provide for
A. Are you behind the farmers' strike?
B. The unions were behind the candidates that won the election.
CONTRARY TO = the opposite of
His ideas are contrary to the lifestyle he leads.
FOR = A. to be in favor of doing something B. for someone's benefit
A. Well, I'm for turning back. It's too dangerous to go mountain climbing in this weather.
B. Come on, won't you please do it for Daddy?
FOR THE SAKE OF = for benefit of someone (usually someone else)
For the sake of keeping the peace she agreed to go with her family.
IN FAVOR OF = be in agreement
I'm in favor of the proposed tax cuts by the government.
IN SUPPORT OF = for the benefit of
Some people are protesting outside in support of the Prime Minister.
OPPOSITE TO = not be in agreement with
Most of my students have political views opposite to those I hold.
WITH = to be in agreement (with a person or idea)
Taking a vacation is a good idea... I'm with you all the way.
I'm in favor of the proposed tax cuts by the government.
IN SUPPORT OF = for the benefit of
Some people are protesting outside in support of the Prime Minister.
OPPOSITE TO = not be in agreement with
Most of my students have political views opposite to those I hold.
WITH = to be in agreement (with a person or idea)
Taking a vacation is a good idea... I'm with you all the way.
1. Many unhappy couples stay together ___ their children
2. ____ popular opinion, if you want to lose weight you have to eat less.
3. Her opinions on this subject are totally ___ mine. We'll never agree.
4. He was ____ the news leak so the company fired him.
5. She was ____ the measure but it didn't pass the Parliament.
6. Are you for or ___ capital punishment?
7. Those who are against capital punishment but ____ abortion are illogical.
8. If you run for President I'm ___ you all the way.
9. She said she was protesting ____ a ban on hand guns.
10. His wife held political views ___ his own.
Prepositions of Movement Passing Through
Prepositions of movement passing through are used like all other prepositions. The list that follows contains definitions and idiomatic uses.
ACROSS = to go from one side to the other (usually on surface)
We took two days to get across Lake Superior.
**BUT** The dog jumped across the small stream.
ALONG = to pass the length of something
They went along Fifth Avenue and stopped at Central Park.
DOWN (UP) = The whole length of something
She walked [ up / down ] the road to the corner and then went out of site.
PAST = A. to pass from one side to the other (laterally) B. to avoid someone or something (idiomatic)
A. I saw our cat's shadow go past a window in the darkness.
B. I don't know what her problem is; she walked past me as though I had the plague.
THROUGH = between the parts of sth
I didn't think Id get the car through that narrow gate.
OVER = Go from one side to the other (similar to across, but usually above)
I flew over Canada on the way to England.
AFTER = following as in pursuit
The kitten ran after its mother looking for someone to play with.
AHEAD OF = preceding, going before
The army scout ran ahead trying to locate the enemy.
BEHIND = following
By lagging behind the others you'll miss what the guide is saying.
IN FRONT OF = preceding, coming before
Run on in front of the group and get a photo of us please.
Prepositions of Movement - SET PHRASES
Pace up and down a room (similar to back and forth)
Pace up and down a street
Pace up and down a cage
1. The boy ran ____ the field.
2. The boy ran ____ the tunnel.
3. The boy ran ____ the river bank.
4. The boy ran ____ the road.
5. The boy ran ____ the bridge.
6. The boy ran ____ the road to the other side.
7. The boy ran ____ the shops on his way to school.
8. The boy ran ____ the alley after seeing the policeman.
9. The boy ran ____ the alley to avoid the policeman.
10. The boy ran ____ the woods chasing his dog.
1. I hate going anywhere with you, you're always one step ____ .
2. You have some good ideas but someone is always ___ you.
3. The dog chased _____ the squirrel but didn't catch it.
4. The car ____ mine suddenly stopped. I couldn't avoid hitting it.
5. My watch is three minutes ___ yours so I'm never late.
6. How did you arrive here ____ ?
7. The tourists entered the museum ____ .
8. I always feel more tired ____ .
9. Don't fall _____ it will be hard to catch up.
10. He allowed her to cut in line ___ .
Some English prepositions are even used in mathematics.
For instance, to 'divide by,' the preposition 'by' is being used in a mathematical sense -- having a similar meaning to 'with.'
BESIDES = as well as; in addition to
I've got three daughters, besides my son.
DIVIDED BY = used only in mathematics
Fifteen divided by three is five.
IN ADDITION TO = as well as, besides, additionally
In addition to a raise, the workers want to work less hours.
MINUS = A. without B. mathematics - subtraction only
A. He returned home minus the twenty dollars he had been given for a haircut and without having gotten his hair cut!
B. Ten minus eight equals two.
PLUS = A. as well as B. mathematics - addition
A. The whole family came with him, plus his two cats.
B. Three plus three equals six.
TIMES = multiplication
Three times five equals fifteen.
TOGETHER WITH = working in co-operation with something
Her brains, together with her beauty, make for the ideal candidate.
I've got three daughters, besides my son.
DIVIDED BY = used only in mathematics
Fifteen divided by three is five.
IN ADDITION TO = as well as, besides, additionally
In addition to a raise, the workers want to work less hours.
MINUS = A. without B. mathematics - subtraction only
A. He returned home minus the twenty dollars he had been given for a haircut and without having gotten his hair cut!
B. Ten minus eight equals two.
PLUS = A. as well as B. mathematics - addition
A. The whole family came with him, plus his two cats.
B. Three plus three equals six.
TIMES = multiplication
Three times five equals fifteen.
TOGETHER WITH = working in co-operation with something
Her brains, together with her beauty, make for the ideal candidate.
The Object of a Preposition
The object of a preposition is usually the noun that immediately follows the preposition. As noted below pronouns, gerunds, and even noun clauses can be the object of a preposition as well.
Ex. She told her mother that she would be in the library. ('library' (noun) is the object of the preposition 'in')
Ex. She threw it behind her as she boarded the bus. (her (pronoun) is the object of the preposition 'behind')
Ex. She handed in the test without finishing. (finishing (gerund) is the object of the preposition 'without')
Ex. She talked about what she was going to do in Hollywood. ('what she was going to do in Hollywood' is a clause and the object of the preposition 'about')
Sometimes the object of a preposition can be more than one noun. For instance, in the following sentence the object of the preposition 'on' is blue curtains and white carpet.
Ex. The decorator insisted on blue curtains and white carpet.
The word 'whom' is the objective case of 'who' and can sometimes cause confusion.
Ex. Steve saw the terrorists, all of whom were armed, through the smoke.
('whom' is the object of the preposition 'of')
Ex. To whom did you complain? It seems as nothing has changed.
('whom' is the object of the preposition 'to')
What are Prepositional Phrases?
Prepositional phrases are made up of a preposition and what we call the object of the preposition.
The object of the preposition can be a noun, pronoun, gerund, or even a clause.
The objects of the preposition can also have modifiers to help describe it and give additional information.
Example: The ball is behind the white car.
'Behind the white' car is a prepositional phrase where 'behind' is the preposition and car acts as the object of the preposition. The adjective 'white' acts as a modifier giving additional information about the object of the preposition which is the noun, 'car.'
If the above seems a little complicated, don't worry, what follows is meant to help clarify any confusion you might have about this particular grammar item.
It might help to know that prepositional phrases basically act as adjectives or adverbs in a sentence.
When essentially functioning as adjectives, they answer the question, 'which object?'
Example: The gloves on the radiator are wet from making a snowman.
Which object? The gloves on the radiator.
Example: The bags in the kitchen are filled with groceries.
Which object? The bags in the kitchen.
When functioning as adverbs, prepositional phrases answer the questions; where, when, and how?
Example: Feeling adventurous, we rode the corkscrew roller coaster at the amusement park.
Where did we feel adventurous? At the amusement park.
Example: After school, Jane asked me for a ride home.
When did Jane ask? After school.
Example: Terry is sore from yesterday's workout.
How did Terry get sore? From yesterday's workout.
Basic patterns for prepositional phrases are as follows:
Preposition + noun, pronoun, gerund, or clause
Preposition + modifiers + noun, pronoun, gerund, or clause
Prepositions of Place
Prepositions of place show the positional relationships that different objects have.
Most below are self explanatory and easy to understand, however, there are some that are used idiomatically.
Look over the list and then do the exercise that follows to check your knowledge.
AGAINST = touching something directly; having contact
Don't leave your bicycle leaning against the car again!
ALONG = placed by the side of something
In case of accidents there are emergency telephones all along the tunnel.
ALONGSIDE = a position next to something
The two runners ran alongside each other as they approached the finish line.
AROUND = near; in the vicinity
There’s a pub around here somewhere I seem to recall.
AT = A. exact position B. approximate position
A. Turn right at the next street.
B. He runs a stall at the beach during summers.
ACROSS = past a certain or imaginary boundary
You can see across the field to the forest.
AFTER = a position following
Shut the door after you, it's cold out.
BEFORE = A. a position preceding B. In the presence of
A. Your name should come before your address on the envelope.
B. The criminal must come before the judge for sentencing.
BEHIND = a position further back
There's a vicious dog behind you. Quick, run!
FACING = Looking towards, or at, something
We got a room facing the sea for our vacation.
IN FRONT OF = a position further ahead, or forward
My wife seems to spend time a lot of time in front of the mirror.
OPPOSITE = Looking towards something (very similar to facing)
There's a new hospital going up opposite our house. It's going to spoil our view!
OVER = on the opposite side of
The bank is over the road from the post office.
You can see across the field to the forest.
AFTER = a position following
Shut the door after you, it's cold out.
BEFORE = A. a position preceding B. In the presence of
A. Your name should come before your address on the envelope.
B. The criminal must come before the judge for sentencing.
BEHIND = a position further back
There's a vicious dog behind you. Quick, run!
FACING = Looking towards, or at, something
We got a room facing the sea for our vacation.
IN FRONT OF = a position further ahead, or forward
My wife seems to spend time a lot of time in front of the mirror.
OPPOSITE = Looking towards something (very similar to facing)
There's a new hospital going up opposite our house. It's going to spoil our view!
OVER = on the opposite side of
The bank is over the road from the post office.
BESIDE = at the side of
Cotton has been cultivated beside the Nile river for centuries.
BY = in the region of
He lives in a cottage by Lake Michigan.
ON THE LEFT / RIGHT OF = immediately next to; on one side or the other.
These are our wedding pictures. My brother's on the left of my dad in this picture.
NEAR = in the vicinity, or area, of
We live very near the airport.
NEXT TO = close; almost touching
She bought a house next to the cemetery because she wanted quiet neighbors.
TOWARDS = close to; near
Towards the end of the journey I got really tired.
Cotton has been cultivated beside the Nile river for centuries.
BY = in the region of
He lives in a cottage by Lake Michigan.
ON THE LEFT / RIGHT OF = immediately next to; on one side or the other.
These are our wedding pictures. My brother's on the left of my dad in this picture.
NEAR = in the vicinity, or area, of
We live very near the airport.
NEXT TO = close; almost touching
She bought a house next to the cemetery because she wanted quiet neighbors.
TOWARDS = close to; near
Towards the end of the journey I got really tired.
ON = having contact with the surface of something
There's a big pot of chili on the stove.
ON TOP OF = like on above, used for height or emphasis
Put your books on top of the desk, not in it.
OVER = as above, but the object is closer
They're building a new bridge over the river. Have you seen it?
TO = used to express subordinate rank
The Economics Minister is second only to the Prime Minister.
UNDER = like below, but the object is closer
Our city is planning to build a tunnel under the sea.
UNDERNEATH = like under
I caught her underneath the miseltoe and gave her a kiss.
UP = like down, but opposite
We moved further up the river to see if we could catch some fish.
2. He grew up ____ the city, not in it.
3. Their house was _____ a factory that smelled really bad.
4. John's mother will be ____ the lake this weekend.
5. He felt melancholic ____ the end of his month long journey.
6. He walked ____ his wife as they strolled down the boardwalk.
7. My school is ____ the hospital. We often hear sirens.
8. There house is ____ somewhere. We can't be that lost.
9. He works ____ the big lake.
10. Wine is cultivated here ___ the river.
1. She has a shop ___ the phone company.
2. He could see ____ the river to the village on the other side.
3. She came walking down the road with three children _____ her.
4. Mother will be gone this weekend so everyone must pick up ____ themselves.
5. He had to go ____ the disciplinary board to get his license back.
6. He finds it hard to sing ____ people.
7. My room is ____ the hospital's emergency room, so it's kind of noisy.
8. He stood ____ the door waiting to scare her when she came in.
9. There’s a natural border here; we’re in Michigan but ____ the river it’s Canada.
10. To get to town from here is easy; the bus stop is just ___ the road.
Prepositions of Time
Prepositions of time, like other prepositions, are few in number but play an important role.
ABOUT = approximate time
I’ll meet you about 4.30 outside the gym, the game is scheduled to start at 4:45.
AROUND = approximate time
We should arrive around seven o’clock, depending on traffic.
AT = 1. exact time 2. special days or occasions
The bus leaves at 8.30 am sharp, so don't be late!
We usually have a two weeks' school holiday at Christmas.
IN = parts or periods of a day, a season or a year
No shops are open here in the winter.
INSIDE = defined period, used similar to 'within'
They finished building that house inside a month.
ON = names of days, specific days
I will start my new job on Monday.
WITHIN = defined periods of time
Don't worry, I’ll be back within a week.
ABOUT = approximate duration
The trip will last about ten days.
AS FROM / AS OF = unknown duration from a given time
The new tax law will be in force as from 31 January.
As of today, I'm on a diet.
BETWEEN = from one specific time to another
I often go for a coffee between my morning and afternoon classes.
DURATION = A. period, or length, of time B. event within a certain period
The weather was horrible during our holiday; it rained everyday.
He twisted his ankle during the game and walks with crutches now.
FOR = duration, or a given length of time
He taught English for 25 years before he retired.
FROM... TILL = duration between two given points
From the time he wakes up till the time he goes to bed he's on the move
IN = specified duration
Wait a minute, will you? I’ll be back in just a few minutes.
SINCE = duration from a given time until the present
That bakery has been in business since 1947.
THROUGHOUT = from the beginning to the end
Throughout his life, Gandhi advocated peaceful resistance.
TILL = duration to a given point
She lived her till 1985, then she moved to Chicago.
UNTIL = same as till
Until the day he died, the prisoner insisted he was innocent.
UP TO = same as till
Up to now, I've visited four shoe stores looking for new shoes.
WITHIN = specified duration
The train will arrive within the next few minutes.
Prepositions of Time - Set Phrases
In time (you have some time to spare)
On time (at the exact given time)
On the dot (precisely on time)
1. We expect our cousins to arrive ___ 3:00 this afternoon.
2. We expect our cousins to arrive ___ Monday.
3. We expect our cousins to arrive ___ the next hour.
4. We expect our cousins to arrive ___ four o’clock. (approximately)
5. We expect our cousins to arrive ___ Easter.
6. We expect our cousins to arrive ___ the hour.
7. We expect our cousins to arrive ___ May.
8. We expect our cousins to arrive ___ the next fiften minutes.
9. We expect our cousins to arrive ___ time.
10. We expect our cousins to arrive ___ time for dinner.
1. The American Revolution started ___ the reign of King George III.
2. I will be at the school ___ two o'clock ___ five this afternoon.
3. I will be at the school ___ two o'clock and five this afternoon.
4. I will be at the school ___ three hours this afternoon.
5. I will be at the school ___ the hour.
6. I will be at the school ___ the afternoon.
7. ___ right now, I will no longer smoke.
8. I will be at the school ___ Saturday, then I'm leaving.
9. ___ his accident, He has lost his voice.
10. He repeatedly missed classes ___ the semester.
Prepositions of Ways and Means
The prepositions of ways and means show how, why, with what and what for. They are those little words that play a big role in communication and understanding.
Showing LIKE or HOW
AS = in the capacity of someone's profession/ habit
He takes over as managing director next month.
BY = by degrees
“Inflation is growing fast, isn't it?” “Yes, it's getting higher by the day”.
LIKE = behavior; in the manner of
She always acts like a child when she doesn't get her way.
WITH = having a quality of manner
He ran the race with spirit and enthusiasm.
* Showing WHAT FOR or PURPOSE
FOR = the express purpose
This machine is used for making computer screens and televisions.
IN = a part of a process
These chemicals are used in the film developing process.
TOWARDS = to do something for a specific purpose or reason
I'm putting this money towards a new a car.
Showing WHAT WITH or BY WHAT
BY = A. instrument (human or object) B. means C. agent (in the passive) D. author / creator
A. He was killed by a falling boulder.
B. You'll have to come by air if you want to get here before Thursday.
C. The new shopping mall was built by a private company.
D. Have you read the new book by Stephen King?
BY MEANS OF = means (more formal than by)
The winner was chosen by means of a secret ballot.
VIA = by way of
We flew via Brussels is to go to Athens from New York.
WITH = instrument (usually object with a human subject)
The man robbed the bank with a fake revolver.
1. Wood pulp is used ___ the production of paper products.
2. How should we vote for class president? ___ a show of hands.
3. My parents put some money ____ my university education.
4. Stop acting ___ such a fool. Sit up and pay attention.
5. How will you go to New York? ___ Paris I think.
6. After he heard the news he just stood ___ a bowed head.
7. He was hit ___ a bottle thrown from the crowd.
8. He worked ___ a janitor before he went into acting.
9. He was assaulted ___ a knife as he went through the park.
10. He has been doing it ___ a hobby for 15 years.
Resources FUN WITH PREPOSITIONS (THE PRIMARY RESOURCE BOOK FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS ) by LEWIS&SLATTERY.M
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