Prepositions: Introduction to Prepositions with Clear Examples and Visual Explanation

Prepositions are one of the most fundamental parts of English grammar, yet they are often misunderstood by learners. A preposition shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence. This relationship can describe position, direction, time, manner, or even abstract connections.

This comprehensive guide from CodeLucky.com explains prepositions in simple language, enriched with interactive examples and visual diagrams for easy understanding.

What Is a Preposition?

A preposition links a noun or pronoun to another word in the sentence. It usually indicates where things are (place), when things happen (time), or how things are related (direction, purpose, etc.).

Example:

• The cat is under the table.
• I will meet you at the park.
• She walked through the tunnel.

In the above example, “under” is the preposition showing the relationship between “cat” and “table.”

Types of Prepositions with Examples

1. Prepositions of Place

They show the location or position of something.

• The book is on the table.
• The dog is in the garden.
• The picture is above the bed.

2. Prepositions of Time

They tell when something happens.

• We will meet at 5 PM.
• He was born in 1995.
• Let’s go out on Sunday.

“At” is for specific times, “on” for days and dates, and “in” for months, years, or long periods.

3. Prepositions of Direction

These indicate movement or direction toward a place.

• She is going to school.
• The ball rolled towards the goal.
• The child ran across the street.

4. Prepositions of Manner

They describe how something is done.

• He spoke with confidence.
• She solved the problem by reasoning.
• They won through determination.

5. Prepositions of Agent or Instrument

Used to indicate ‘who’ or ‘what’ performs an action or the tool used.

• The picture was painted by Leo.
• The door was opened with a key.

Understanding Prepositional Phrases

A prepositional phrase includes a preposition, its object, and any words related to that object.

For example:

• The keys are on the table near the door.
• She hid under the bed.

In “on the table near the door,” the preposition is “on,” and the phrase gives full positional detail.

Common Mistakes with Prepositions

Prepositions are tricky because they don’t always translate directly between languages. Some common mistakes include:

• Incorrect: She is good in singing.
  Correct: She is good at singing.
• Incorrect: He depends in you.
  Correct: He depends on you.

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