Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun (or a pronoun) and other words in a sentence. They often indicate location, direction, time or relationships between different elements in a sentence.
There are various kinds of prepositions:
These are the prepositions that consist of only one word. They help indicate location, time, direction and other relationships between elements in a sentence.
Prepositions |
Usage |
above |
Above the towering cliffs, a solitary eagle soared majestically against the backdrop of the vivid sunset. |
across |
The determined explorer ventured across treacherous terrain and vast deserts. |
after |
The aspiring astronauts will explore the uncharted depths of outer space after completing their rigorous training program. |
against |
Sussan decided to speak out against the controversial policy during the class discussion. |
along |
Along the winding, cobblestone streets of the historic city, one can discern the intricate tapestry of cultural amalgamation. |
among |
Among the myriad challenges, mitigating climate change, and fostering global economic stability stand out as pivotal imperatives for sustainable development. |
around |
Innovative solutions are emerging as countries work collaboratively around the globe. |
at |
Mary was surprised to find herself excelling at the challenging mathematics problems. |
before |
She meticulously conducted a series of experiments before the scientist could unveil the groundbreaking discovery. |
behind |
Behind the historical events, lies a rich narrative of cultural evolution. |
below |
The explorers persevered, venturing into the treacherous terrain below the towering peaks. |
These are the prepositions which consist of two or more than two words. They may be written like one word or more than one separate word.
Compound Prepositions |
Usage |
in front of |
The ancient artefact was carefully displayed in front of the illuminated exhibit. |
on top of |
Finally, he found a cosy spot on top of the highest building, enjoying a panoramic view of the cityscape below. |
by means of |
The scientist successfully conducted the intricate experiment by means of a cutting-edge apparatus. |
in addition to |
Students earn praise from teachers for their diverse talents in addition to their outstanding academic achievements. |
on account of |
The cancellation of the outdoor event was on account of the inclement weather. |
in spite of |
In spite of the torrential rain and relentless thunderstorms, those people forged ahead through the dense to reach the elusive ancient temple. |
with regard to |
The scientific community has conducted extensive research with regard to the intricate interplay of genetic factors and environmental influences. |
on behalf of |
Jack decided to organise a charity event on behalf of his school. |
by virtue of |
The success of the experiment was achieved by virtue of planning and unwavering dedication. |
in lieu of |
The school decided to implement a digital learning platform in lieu of traditional textbooks. |
These are the prepositions formed by combining two simple prepositions.
Usage |
Explanation |
The leopard jumped over onto the tree. |
double preposition: over + onto |
That wild rabbit darted through into the mysterious passage. |
double preposition: through + into |
The detective examined the evidence, placing each item up against the wall to recreate the sequence of events. |
double preposition: up + against |
The adventurous explorer ran across beyond the field. |
double preposition: across + beyond |
The truth lies within. |
double preposition: with + in |
We strolled around past the old church. |
double preposition: around + past |
The ship sailed beneath through the arch. |
double preposition: beneath + through |
The hikers trekked up over the mountain. |
double preposition: up + over |
The intricate problems without a thorough understanding, can’t be solved. |
Double preposition: with + out |
They descended from onto the rooftop. |
Double preposition: from + onto |
These are the prepositions where words ending with ‘-ing’ or ‘-ed’, also act as prepositions.
Participle Prepositions |
Usage |
following |
Following their agreement, the boss decided to raise the salary. |
considering |
Considering her tough time, she's up and about in no time and doing just fine. |
regarding |
I'm looking into your matter, regarding the talk we had earlier. |
given |
Given her age, she is a fantastic yoga instructor. |
including |
Shelly has a diverse range of interests, including astronomy, literature, and robotics. |
notwithstanding |
Notwithstanding the persistent challenges posed by the global economic downturn, the innovative spirit of entrepreneurs remains unwavering. |
These are the prepositions that include an object, as well as the object's modifier.
Prepositional Phrases |
Usage |
in the middle |
The girl in the middle is the best dancer of all. |
across town |
The grocery store across town has a great produce selection. |
near the lake |
The park near the lake has an off-leash dog area. |
behind the |
Behind the school is a library where you can find all kinds of books. |
after the |
After the movie is the perfect time to get dinner. |
during the |
During the flight is a good time to catch up on work. |
behind my |
I like to go grocery shopping at the Whole Foods behind my house. |
1. At, In, On
→ “At” is used to refer to a particular point of time.
→ “In” is used to refer to a period.
→ “on” denotes dates or days.
In the quaint little village, nestled on the edge of the lush forest, a mysterious treasure was hidden at the bottom of an ancient well.
2. Above, Over, On
→ “Above” is used when there isn’t any contact between the objects or things.
→ “Over” can be used when there is a possibility of contact between two surfaces.
→ “On” implies actual contact between two surfaces or things.
The mysterious ancient artefact was carefully placed on the ornate pedestal above the intricately carved map, over which a delicate, glowing light hovered, revealing hidden symbols and secrets.
3. By, With
→ “By” is generally used to refer to the doer. It is also used to connote not later than, alone, using.
→ “With” denotes instruments and in the company of.
The intricate piece of art was created by the renowned artist with meticulous attention to detail and textures inspired by nature.
4. Upon
→ While on and upon can be used interchangeably, upon is usually used for things at rest and upon is used for things in motion.
The success of the scientific experiment hinged upon the meticulous calibration of the instruments and skilled researchers.
5. After, Behind
→ These are generally used to indicate time and position or place.
After finishing her challenging race, Taylor quickly dashed behind the school building to catch her breath.
6. Before, Within
→ “Within” refers to no later than.
→ “Before” is used to suggest a particular point of time or a particular day.
Before embarking on the challenging journey of mastering advanced mathematics, students need to review and consolidate their foundational knowledge within basic arithmetic and algebraic concepts.
7. Since, For, From
→ “Since” is used to indicate duration from a particular point in time.
→ “For” is used to imply a period of time.
→ “From” is also used to denote a point or a span of time but it can be preceded by a verb.
Since embarking on his scientific journey, the dedicated researcher has, for decades, drawn inspiration from the great minds of the past.
Fill in the blanks with the correct options:
CREST Olympiads has launched this initiative to provide free reading and practice material. In order to make this content more useful, we solicit your feedback.
Do share improvements at info@crestolympiads.com. Please mention the URL of the page and topic name with improvements needed. You may include screenshots, URLs of other sites, etc. which can help our Subject Experts to understand your suggestions easily.