Mastering prepositions is crucial for achieving fluency in English. It’s important to note that the correct use of prepositions often depends on the specific context of the sentence.
Preposition-Definition:
Prepositions are words that show relationships between nouns (or pronouns) and other words in a sentence. They indicate direction, location, time, manner, or possession.
She walked towards the park.
The keys to the car are missing.
The cat is on the table.
He spoke to her with kindness.
We’ll meet at 3 PM.
Examples:
- Direction: She walked towards the park.
- Location: The cat is on the table.
- Time: We’ll meet at 3 PM.
- Manner: He spoke to her with kindness.
- Possession: The keys to the car are missing.
Types of Prepositions
Prepositions can be categorized in several ways based on their usage and meaning. Here are some common types of prepositions:
1. Simple Prepositions:
Single-word prepositions that indicate relationships of place, time, direction, etc.
- Examples: in, on, at, by, under, over, above, below, between, among, through, beside, behind, etc.
2. Compound Prepositions:
Prepositions are formed by combining words.
- Examples: in front of, on top of, because of, due to, instead of, in spite of, etc.
3. Double Prepositions:
Prepositions are formed by combining two simple prepositions.
- Examples: into, upon, onto, within, without, etc.
4. Participle Prepositions:
Prepositions ending in ‘-ing’, ‘-ed’, or ‘-en’ that function as adjectives.
- Examples: concerning, considering, given, excluding, including, etc.
5. Prepositional Phrases:
Phrases consist of a preposition, its object, and any modifiers.
- Examples: on the table, in the park, with a smile, at the store, etc.
6. Prepositions of Time:
Prepositions indicate when something happens.
- Examples: before, after, during, while, since, until, etc.
7. Prepositions of Place:
Prepositions indicate where something is located.
- Examples: here, there, nearby, far, abroad, upstairs, downstairs, etc.
8. Prepositions of Direction:
Prepositions indicate the direction of movement.
- Examples: across, along, through, toward(s), into, onto, out of, etc.
9. Prepositions of Agent:
Prepositions indicate the ‘doer’ of an action.
- Examples: by, with, through, etc.
10. Prepositions of Purpose:
Prepositions indicating the reason or purpose.
- Examples: for, to, in order to, so that, etc.
11. Prepositions of Comparison:
Prepositions are used to compare one thing with another.
- Examples: like, unlike, then, etc.
12. Phrasal Prepositions:
Prepositions are formed by combining a verb and an adverb.
- Examples: look up to (respect), run into (meet unexpectedly), get away with (escape punishment), etc.
Example sentences:
- It is expected that the sequel will be the next Indian movie in the Rs 1000-crore club after Dangal, RRR, KGF Chapter 2, Pathaan, Jawan, and Baahubali 2.
- Harleen Deol hoped to stamp herself at No.3 in a position India has struggled to fill.
- Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have released the answer key for the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) recruitment examination.