Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word in a sentence. They often tell us about direction, place, time, cause, or manner.
A preposition always comes before its object, which is usually a noun or pronoun.
Prepositions connect words and ideas by showing how one word relates to another. They often answer questions like where?, when?, or how?
Prepositions are always part of a phrase, called a prepositional phrase (preposition + object of the preposition).
Here are some of the most common prepositions you will use in reading and writing:
Memorizing common prepositions will help you recognize them quickly in sentences.
A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and ends with the object of the preposition. It can describe where, when, or how something happens.
Prepositional phrases do not contain the subject of the sentence. They act as modifiers, giving more detail.
Prepositions should be used clearly and correctly to avoid confusion. Do not add extra words that are not needed.
Some prepositions can be tricky. Practice by reading carefully and noticing how authors use them.