List of Prepositions a -z with Usage and Examples
Introduction:
The word “prepositions” literally means “placed before” in Latin. Preposition comes from the Latin word “praeponere,” where “prae” means “before,” and “ponere” means “to place” or “to put.” In the field of grammar and language, a preposition is a term that usually shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other elements in a sentence. Prepositions are very often used to indicate location/position, time, direction, possession, and other relationships between different parts of a sentence. They are very important for providing context and clarity in language. Prepositions play a crucial role in our ordinary language, helping to establish relationships between various elements within a sentence. Whether it’s expressing location, time, direction, or relationships, prepositions are the unsung heroes of language that bring clarity and precision to our communication. In this article, we’ll delve into a comprehensive list of prepositions, exploring their uses and providing examples to enhance your understanding.
- About:
Use: Used to indicate the subject of a conversation or to express an approximation or estimation.
Example: Let’s talk about your plans for the weekend. - Above:
Use: Indicates a position higher than or over something else.
Example: The eagle soared high above the mountain peaks. - Across:
Use: Denotes movement from one side to the other.
Example: We walked across the bridge to reach the other side of the river. - After:
Use: Indicates a sequence in time or order.
Example: We’ll meet at the park after the movie. - Against:
Use: Expresses opposition or physical contact.
Example: The soccer ball hit the goalpost against incredible odds. - Along, Alongside:
Use: Indicates a parallel direction or movement.
Example: The river flows alongside the hiking trail. - Amid:
Use: Denotes being surrounded by or in the middle of something.
Example: The children played happily amid the colorful flowers. - Among:
Use: Used when referring to being a part of a group or surrounded by several things.
Example: She found her keys among the various items on the table. - Around:
Use: Indicates movement in a circular direction or being in the vicinity.
Example: Let’s take a stroll around the neighborhood. - As, Like:
Use: Used to draw comparisons or similarities.
Example: She danced as gracefully as a swan. - At:
Use: Denotes a specific location or time.
Example: We’ll meet at the coffee shop at 3 PM. - Before:
Use: Indicates a position earlier in time or place.
Example: Finish your homework before going out to play. - Behind:
Use: Denotes a position at the rear or back of something.
Example: The cat hid behind the curtains. - Below:
Use: Indicates a position lower than or beneath something else.
Example: The temperature dropped below freezing. - Beneath:
Use: Similar to “below,” indicating a position under or beneath.
Example: The treasure was hidden beneath the ancient tree. - Beside:
Use: Denotes being at the side of or next to something.
Example: The old bookstore is beside the park. - Between:
Use: Indicates a relationship or position in the middle of two things.
Example: The negotiations took place between the two countries. - Beyond:
Use: Denotes a position that is farther than or exceeds a certain point.
Example: The view from the mountaintop extends beyond imagination. - But:
Use: Used to introduce a contrast or exception.
Example: She worked hard, but success eluded her. - By:
Use: Indicates proximity or the agent performing an action.
Example: The gift was placed by the front door. - Concerning:
Use: In reference to or regarding a particular subject.
Example: I received an email concerning the upcoming meeting. - Considering:
Use: Taking into account or thinking about something.
Example: Considering the weather, we decided to stay indoors. - Despite:
Use: Expresses contrast or opposition.
Example: Despite the rain, the event went on as planned. - Down:
Use: Indicates a downward direction or position.
Example: The ball rolled down the hill. - During:
Use: Denotes a period of time in which an event occurs.
Example: We met during our college years. - Except:
Use: Excludes or makes an exception.
Example: Everyone attended the meeting except for Tom. - For:
Use: Denotes purpose, benefit, or duration.
Example: He bought flowers for his mother. - From:
Use: Indicates a point of origin or separation.
Example: I received a letter from my friend. - In:
Use: Denotes location, time, or inclusion.
Example: She lives in a small town. - Inside:
Use: Indicates a location within something.
Example: The key is inside the drawer. - Into:
Use: Denotes movement or transformation to a different state.
Example: He jumped into the pool. - Like:
Use: Similar to “as,” used to draw comparisons.
Example: He sings like a professional. - Near:
Use: Denotes proximity or closeness.
Example: The grocery store is near the post office. - Of:
Use: Indicates possession, origin, or relationship.
Example: The pages of the book were filled with adventure. - Off:
Use: Denotes a separation or removal.
Example: Please stay off the grass. - On:
Use: Indicates position or contact.
Example: The cup is on the table. - Onto:
Use: Denotes movement onto a surface or area.
Example: She stepped onto the stage. - Out:
Use: Indicates movement away or a state of non-operation.
Example: Let’s go out for dinner. - Outside:
Use: Denotes a location beyond a boundary or exterior.
Example: The kids are playing outside. - Over:
Use: Indicates position above or covering.
Example: The plane flew over the mountains. - Past:
Use: Denotes movement beyond a specific point in time or place.
Example: We walked past the old church. - Round:
Use: Indicates circular movement or position.
Example: The Earth revolves round the sun. - Since:
Use: Denotes a starting point in time.
Example: They have been friends since kindergarten. - Through:
Use: Indicates movement from one side to another or completion.
Example: We walked through the tunnel. - Throughout:
Use: Denotes duration or inclusion across an entire period.
Example: She smiled throughout the entire performance. - To:
Use: Indicates direction, purpose, or reaching a point.
Example: Let’s go to the beach. - Toward, Towards:
Use: Denotes direction or a movement in a specific direction.
Example: The hiker walked towards the mountain peak. - Under:
Use: Indicates a position beneath or below something.
Example: The cat is hiding under the bed. - Underneath:
Use: Similar to “under,” indicating a position beneath or below.
Example: The treasure was buried underneath the sand. - Until, Till:
Use: Denotes a limit in time or the occurrence of an event.
Example: Wait here until I return. - Unto:
Use: Older or poetic form of “to,” indicating direction or purpose.
Example: The gifts were given unto the king. - Up:
Use: Denotes a higher position or movement in an upward direction.
Example: The balloons floated up into the sky. - Upon:
Use: Indicates position or contact, often with a sense of elevation.
Example: The sun rose upon the horizon. - With:
Use: Denotes association, accompaniment, or instrumentality.
Example: She went to the party with her best friend. - Within:
Use: Denotes an interior location or a specified time frame.
Example: The answer lies within the book. - Without:
Use: Indicates absence or lack of something.
Example: He managed to complete the project without any help. - Worth:
Use: Denotes value or merit.
Example: The antique vase is worth a small fortune.
The Final Words
Understanding the diverse uses of prepositions improves our ability to communicate effectively. The examples provided above for each preposition serve as a guide to demonstrate how these prepositions contribute to the richness and precision of the English language. Next time you’re crafting a sentence, keep this beautiful list of prepositions in mind to choose the right preposition for the perfect expression.
Author Bio:
Mohammad Afzal Mir is a passionate writer and language enthusiast with extensive expertise in linguistics. With Masters in English Language and Literature, the author seeks to unravel the intricacies of language and share their love for words with the world.
