Prepositions
A preposition is a word used before a noun or pronoun to denote a relation with other parts of the sentence.
Example: The ball is in the box. Here, "in" is the preposition that shows the relationship between the noun "ball" and the noun "box."
NOTE: Prepositions are usually placed before nouns and pronouns, but not always.Types of Prepositions
Prepositions can be classified based on:
Confusing Pairs of Prepositions
Here are some confusing pairs of prepositions:
Between - Among | Beside - Besides |
For - Since | Across - Through |
On - Upon | On - Over |
In - Into | In - Within |
By - With | Before - In front of |
At - In | In spite of - Despite |
Some of the most frequently used prepositions and their differences:
1. Between - Among
- Between - Used in reference to the association of two.
- Among - Used in reference to the association of more than two, or usually in a group or collective sense.
2. Beside - Besides
- Beside - Means next to or at the side of.
- Besides - Means in addition to or apart from.
3. For - Since
- For - Denotes period of time.
- Since - Denotes point of time.
4. Across - Through
- Across - Moving from one side to the other side.
- Through - Moving into one side and out the other side via a medium.
5. On - Upon - Over
- On - Place in contact.
- Upon - In motion.
- Over - Motion or position higher but not in physical contact.
6. In - Into - Within
- In - Locate inside or within.
- Into - Indicate entry or insertion.
- Within - Inside limits or boundaries (often more formal).
7. At - In
- At - Used with a relatively smaller place.
- In - Used with a relatively bigger place.
8. Time
- Exact time(hour) - at
- Month - in
- Year - in
- Day - on
- Date - on
9. In spite of - Despite
- Both mean “although” or “even though.” They are interchangeable, with despite being slightly more formal.
Phrasal Preposition
Phrasal Prepositions are a group of two or more words that function as a single preposition.
Here are some important phrasal prepositions:
| Phrasal Preposition | Meaning |
|---|---|
| According to | As stated by |
| Because of | Due to |
| By means of | Through the use of |
| In addition to | Besides |
| In case of | If there is |
| In spite of | Despite |
| On account of | Because of |
| With regard to | Concerning |
| In front of | Ahead of |
| In accordance with | Following a rule |
| For the sake of | For the benefit of |
| In lieu of | Instead of |
| On behalf of | Representing someone |
| With reference to | Regarding |
| By virtue of | Because of authority/right |
| In place of | As a substitute for |
| With a view to | With the intention of |
| In favor of | Supporting |
| In relation to | Connected with |
| Owing to | Because of |
Tips and Tricks for Using Prepositions Well
- Prepositions show time, place, and direction relationships.
- Use at for exact time or place (e.g., at 5 PM, at the door).
- Use in for inside spaces or longer periods (e.g., in July, in the room).
- Use on for surfaces or specific days (e.g., on the table, on Monday).
- Prepositions come before nouns or pronouns.
- Some verbs combine with prepositions to form special meanings (phrasal verbs).
- Avoid ending sentences with prepositions in formal writing.
Also Check:
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