Prepositions

Prepositions

Definition  

Prepositions are words normally placed before nouns or pronouns or noun phrases to show direction, time, place, location, spatial relationships or to introduce an object. A sentence would not make sense without the use of a preposition. 

Some examples of prepositions are words like in, at, on, of, to etc.,

Types of Prepositions

Based on the construction of prepositions themselves, they are of four different kinds.

• Simple Prepositions

• Double Prepositions

• Compound and Phrase Prepositions

Simple Prepositions:

Simple prepositions are words like at, for, in, off, on, over and under. These common prepositions can be used to describe a location, time or place. 

• The Sun is above the clouds.

• She lives near her workplace.

• I walked down the street.

Double Prepositions:

Double prepositions are two simple prepositions used together, often indicating direction. 

• She never leaves without her phone.

• The caterpillar turned into a butterfly.

• I was unable to get out of the room.

Compound and Phrase Prepositions:

Compound prepositions consists of two or more words, usually a simple preposition and another word, to convey location. Some examples are in addition to, on behalf of, in the middle of.

• I attended the meeting on behalf of my company.

• We were in the middle of the sea.

• I parked the car in front of the park.

• I congratulated him on his success.

• They will attend the wedding on time.

• We met to discuss the project before class.