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DDD.1 Learn how to use prepositions

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What are prepositions?

Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word in the sentence. They often tell us about location, direction, or time.

Examples:
  • “The cat is under the table.”
  • “We walked to the park.”
  • “She ate lunch after recess.”
Helpful hint

Ask yourself: “Where? When? In what direction?” A preposition often answers one of these questions.

Why do writers use prepositions?

Prepositions make writing clear and precise. They help readers picture where something is, when something happens, or how things relate to each other.

Example Sentences:
  • Without prepositions: “The dog ran. The yard. The ball.” (unclear)
  • With prepositions: “The dog ran across the yard to the ball.” (clear and logical)
Helpful hint

Prepositions add detail. Without them, sentences may sound choppy or confusing.

Common prepositions

Writers use many prepositions to show relationships. Here are some common ones you will see in second grade:

Preposition List:
  • in
  • on
  • under
  • over
  • to
  • from
  • after
  • before
  • with
  • at
Helpful hint

Remember: A preposition usually comes before a noun or pronoun and forms a phrase, like “under the desk” or “after school”.

Using prepositional phrases

A prepositional phrase includes a preposition and the noun or pronoun that follows it. These phrases add important details to sentences.

Examples:
  • “The book is on the desk.”
  • “We played after school.”
  • “She sat under the tree.”
Helpful hint

Prepositional phrases tell us more about the action. Try adding one to make your sentences stronger.

Putting it all together

Prepositions and prepositional phrases make writing more descriptive and clear. They show how words and ideas connect, helping the reader visualize the sentence.

Examples:
  • “The dog slept in the basket by the door.”
  • “We walked through the park after lunch.”
  • “She placed the flowers on the table with care.”
Helpful hint

Always check: Does my sentence tell clearly where, when, or how something happens? If not, a preposition may help!