by Dr. Radut

A Comprehensive List of Prepositions with Examples

Prepositions are essential components of the English language, serving as connectors that establish relationships between words in a sentence. They can indicate location, time, direction, and various other relationships, which are crucial for conveying clear and precise meanings. Understanding how to use prepositions effectively can enhance your writing and speaking skills, helping you to communicate your thoughts and ideas more clearly. Below is a categorized list of prepositions, along with examples to illustrate their usage.

Location Prepositions

Location prepositions indicate a specific location or place. They help to describe where something is located, making it clear to the reader or listener. Here are some examples:

  • at: She is sitting at the table.
  • in: The cat is hiding in the closet.
  • on: The book is on the shelf.

Time Prepositions

Time prepositions indicate a specific time or duration. They are essential for conveying when something happens, helping to clarify timelines. Examples include:

  • at: We will meet at 3 o'clock.
  • during: I will be busy during the day.
  • for: I will be gone for a week.

Direction Prepositions

Direction prepositions indicate a direction or movement. They are used to describe the path or orientation of movement, helping to understand where someone or something is heading. Examples are:

  • to: She is going to the store.
  • from: The package is coming from the post office.
  • towards: He is walking towards the park.

Other Prepositions

There are many other types of prepositions that don't fit into the categories above. These prepositions can be used in various contexts to convey different meanings. Here are some examples:

  • of: This is a picture of my family.
  • with: I am going to the store with my friend.
  • by: The house is located by the river.

Reason/Purpose Prepositions

Reason or purpose prepositions indicate the reason or purpose for something. They help clarify intentions or motivations. Here are some examples:

  • for: I am doing this for fun.
  • because of: She is late because of the traffic.
  • due to: The event was cancelled due to the storm.

Comparison Prepositions

Comparison prepositions are used to compare two things, highlighting differences or similarities. Examples include:

  • than: He is taller than his sister.
  • as: She sings as well as her sister.
  • like: The dress looks like the one in the picture.

Possession Prepositions

Possession prepositions indicate possession or ownership. They help express relationships of ownership. Examples are:

  • of: The book is mine.
  • by: The house is owned by my aunt.
  • with: She is coming with her dog.

Concession Prepositions

Concession prepositions indicate a contrast or exception, often highlighting unexpected circumstances. Here are some examples:

  • although: Although it is raining, I am going for a walk.
  • despite: Despite his illness, he went to work.
  • even though: Even though I don't like vegetables, I will try them.

Prepositions of Agency

Prepositions of agency indicate the person or thing that causes something to happen. They clarify who or what is responsible for an action. Examples include:

  • by: The picture was drawn by my friend.
  • through: He got the job through an agency.
  • with: The recipe was made with just a few ingredients.

Prepositions of Association

Prepositions of association indicate a connection or relationship between two things. They help describe relationships or links. Examples are:

  • among: The prize was divided among the winners.
  • between: The dispute was settled between the two parties.
  • with: He is friends with many people.

Prepositions of Separation

Prepositions of separation indicate a separation or distance between two things, clarifying spatial relationships. Examples include:

  • from: The cat ran away from the dog.
  • by: She lives by the beach.
  • away: He is moving away from the city.

Prepositions of Movement

Prepositions of movement indicate movement from one place to another, helping to describe actions involving relocation. Examples are:

  • to: He is going to the store.
  • into: She walked into the room.
  • onto: The cat jumped onto the couch.