Prepositions

Prepositions are the words which are used to connect the different nouns, pronouns and phrases
in a sentence. It functions to introduce or precede the word or phrase to be connected, called the
object of the preposition. The prepositional phrase as a whole can also be used as a noun, adverb
or adjective.
He found the book on the table.
Here the preposition is on as it shows the relation in place between the book and the
table.
The prepositional phrase is on the table which is acting as an Adverb telling where the
book was found.

She went to sleep early.

In this sentence the preposition is to which is introducing where or in what state had the
noun gone into.

Her house was beside a steep hill.

The preposition here is beside which is telling the place where the house was.
The prepositional phrase is beside a steep hill which is acting as an adverb.
Kinds of Prepositions Simple Prepositions
- These prepositions are constructed by only one word like -On, at, about, with, after, for, etc.
- He found the book about dogs on the table, in the bedroom.
Double Prepositions
- These prepositions are formed by combining two words or two Simple Prepositions-Into, within, upon, onto, etc.
- The dog jumped onto the bed and left marks upon the sheets.
Compound Prepositions
- These prepositions are two word prepositions.
-According to, because of, next to, due to etc.
- He was upset because of his son's behaviour.
Participle Prepositions-

- Participles are actually verbs that end with -en or -ing. As these verbs were
commonly and very popularly used as prepositions by the people, these verbs have been
given a special status as prepositions.
-Considering, during, given, including etc.
-Considering what he had to work with, he did a pretty good job.
Phrase Prepositions
- These prepositions are a combination of the preposition + a modifier
(optional) + the object. They are used to modify the nouns, verbs or sentences and also
complete clauses.
- At home, in time, with me, from my father, under the blanket,etc.
- The clothes left on the bed have been ironed and kept back.
These classifications are based on the construction of the prepositions themselves. Apart from
this, prepositions are also categorized based on their use in a sentence as

Prepositions of Place
Prepositions of Time
Prepositions of Movement
List of Prepositions
Prepositions can only be learnt by memory; unfortunately there is no method or particular way
to recognize and learn them. To help you with memorizing the different prepositions, here is a
list of common prepositions.
Simple
Prepositions

Double
Prepositions

Compound
Prepositions

Participle
Prepositions

Phrase
Prepositions

For

Into

Across

Concerning

At high speed

By

Onto

Along

Notwithstanding

By all means

At

Upto

Beside

Pending

For a change

On

From Behind

Behind

During

Of

From
Beneath

Before

Given

In accordance
with

Without

Failing

Inside

Excluding

Off
To

Out Of
Upon

On a journey
Out of curiosity
To the best of