English Prepositions For Cadet College

Preposition

A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun/pronoun and another word in the sentence. It tells us where, when, how, or why something happens.

Examples:

• The cat is on the bed. (shows place)
• We will meet after school. (shows time)

Prepositional Phrase

A preposition is always followed by a noun or pronoun. Together, the preposition and its object form a prepositional phrase.

Example:

In the garden, children are playing.

• Preposition: in
• Object: the garden
• Phrase: in the garden

Types of Prepositions

A. Prepositions of Place (Where?)
Show location or position.
Words: at, on, in, under, over, between, among, beside, near, behind
Example: The ball is under the table.

B. Prepositions of Direction/Movement (Where to?)
Show movement from one place to another.
Words: to, into, onto, towards, across, through, along, up, down
Example: She walked into the room.

C. Prepositions of Time (When?)
Show time or date.
Words: at, on, in, after, before, since, for, during, until
Example: We go to the park on Sundays.

D. Prepositions of Cause/Reason
Explain why something happened.
Words: because of, due to, owing to, on account of
Example: The match was canceled because of rain.

E. Prepositions of Means/Instrument
Show how or with what something is done.
Words: by, with, via, through
Example: He cut the paper with scissors.

F. Prepositions of Comparison/Contrast
Show similarity or difference.
Words: like, as, unlike, in spite of, despite
Example: Unlike his brother, he is very quiet.

G. Prepositions of Possession
Show ownership.
Words: of, to
Example: The keys to the house are missing.

Rules for Using Prepositions

A preposition is always followed by a noun or pronoun, never a verb.
Correct: He is good at playing cricket.
Incorrect: He is good at play cricket.

Prepositions are part of a phrase, not used alone.
Correct: I am looking for my pen.
Incorrect: I am looking for.

Some prepositions are fixed with certain words (collocations).

• interested in
• good at
• angry with