Rules for each kind of preposition—time, place, direction, cause, manner, accompaniment, etc.—with the most common prepositions used in each category.
1. Prepositions of Time
Prepositions of time show when something happens, how long it happens, or when an event is expected.
Common Prepositions of Time:
- at
- on
- in
- by
- for
- since
- during
- until
- before
- after
Rules:
At is used for specific times or holidays:
- Example: The meeting is at 10 AM.
- Example: She arrived at Christmas.
On is used for days and dates:
- Example: We meet on Monday.
- Example: His birthday is on July 5th.
In is used for long periods of time (months, years, seasons) and for specific locations:
- Example: We are going in January.
- Example: She was born in 1995.
- Example: The children play in summer.
By is used to express a deadline (no later than a specific time):
- Example: Please submit the report by Friday.
For is used for a duration of time (how long something lasts):
- Example: I lived in Spain for two years.
Since is used to refer to a point in time (a starting point):
- Example: I’ve been here since 9 AM.
During is used for a period of time within which something happens:
- Example: I read the book during the flight.
Until is used to indicate up to a specific time:
- Example: I will wait until you arrive.
Before is used to show earlier than a specific time:
- Example: We must leave before noon.
After is used to show later than a specific time:
- Example: We can go out after the meeting.
2. Prepositions of Place
Prepositions of place describe where something is located.
Common Prepositions of Place:
- at
- in
- on
- under
- above
- below
- next to
- behind
- between
- in front of
Rules:
At is used for a specific point or location (often for places like points of arrival):
- Example: She is at the door.
- Example: I’m waiting at the bus stop.
In is used for enclosed spaces (rooms, buildings, countries, etc.):
- Example: She is in the room.
- Example: He lives in New York.
On is used for surfaces:
- Example: The book is on the table.
- Example: The painting is on the wall.
Under is used to indicate beneath or below something:
- Example: The cat is under the chair.
Above is used to indicate higher than something:
- Example: The lamp is above the desk.
Below is used to indicate lower than something:
- Example: The basement is below the ground floor.
Next to indicates something is beside or very close to another thing:
- Example: The bank is next to the supermarket.
Behind indicates something is at the back of another thing:
- Example: The car is parked behind the house.
Between is used when something is in the middle of two things:
- Example: The ball is between the shoes.
In front of indicates that something is ahead of or facing something else:
- Example: There is a statue in front of the building.
3. Prepositions of Direction or Movement
Prepositions of direction indicate movement or where something is going.
Common Prepositions of Direction:
- to
- into
- onto
- towards
- through
- across
- up
- down
Rules:
To indicates movement towards a specific destination:
- Example: She is going to the store.
Into indicates movement toward the inside of something:
- Example: He walked into the room.
Onto indicates movement toward a surface:
- Example: She climbed onto the roof.
Towards indicates movement in the direction of something:
- Example: They are walking towards the park.
Through indicates movement inside a space or from one side to another:
- Example: She walked through the door.
Across indicates movement from one side to another, often over a flat surface:
- Example: The dog ran across the street.
Up indicates movement toward a higher position:
- Example: He climbed up the ladder.
Down indicates movement toward a lower position:
- Example: She jumped down from the platform.
4. Prepositions of Cause, Reason, or Purpose
These prepositions indicate the reason or purpose of an action.
Common Prepositions of Cause:
- for
- because of
- due to
- thanks to
- out of
Rules:
For indicates the purpose or intended recipient:
- Example: This gift is for you.
Because of and due to are used for reasons related to something that causes an action:
- Example: The flight was delayed because of weather conditions.
- Example: The event was canceled due to rain.
Thanks to is used to indicate something positive or beneficial as a cause:
- Example: The team won thanks to hard work.
Out of is used to indicate a cause or motivation (often emotional):
- Example: He did it out of kindness.
5. Prepositions of Manner, Instrument, or Means
These prepositions describe how something is done, or the tools used.
Common Prepositions of Manner/Instrument:
- by
- with
- in
- on
Rules:
By is used to indicate means or method (often for transportation or action):
- Example: I traveled by car.
- Example: The letter was sent by post.
With is used to indicate the instrument or tool used to do something:
- Example: He cut the paper with scissors.
In indicates the manner or method in which something is done:
- Example: He solved the problem in silence.
On is used to indicate the medium or surface used:
- Example: He wrote the report on paper.
6. Prepositions of Accompaniment
These prepositions show who or what is with someone or something.
Common Prepositions of Accompaniment:
- with
- without
Rules:
With indicates being accompanied by someone or something:
- Example: She came with her friend.
Without indicates absence or lack of someone or something:
- Example: I can't live without music.
7. Prepositions of Comparison
These prepositions are used to show comparison between two things.
Common Prepositions of Comparison:
- like
- as
- than
Rules:
Like is used to show similarity between two things (commonly followed by a noun or pronoun):
- Example: He runs like a cheetah.
As is used to show the role or function of something, or comparison between actions (commonly followed by a verb):
- Example: She works as a teacher.
- Example: He behaves as if he were the boss.
Than is used in comparative sentences to indicate differences between two things:
- Example: She is taller than her brother.