English Language and Grammar - Prepositions

Learn about prepositions. The prepositions are divided into functional groups, with explanations and examples of each group.

There are around 70 commonly used prepositions in English. Rather than list them all, I have split them into functional groups to make them easier to learn.

The groups are prepositions of:

• time
• place
• direction
• reason
• connection
• device
• agency
• origin

The last lesson shows how to tell the difference between prepositions and adverbs.

I have a few questions for you to think about. In the following sentences, you need to think about the underlined word(s).

Is the underlined word an adverb or a preposition? If it's a proposition, what kind is it?

I'll show you a couple of examples, to show you what I mean.

Examples:

The cup is on the table. Answer: 'on' is a preposition of place.

My sister speaks French very well. Answer: 'well' is an adverb.

Now it's your turn.

Please try these for yourself. If you upload your answers to the project area, I will check them for you and give you feedback.

Project Questions:

• The train arrived at 8 o'clock.
• When the photograph was taken, the children stood between their parents.
• Do you live near here?
• Jimmy comes from Scotland.
• Thanks for driving me home.
• The girl was in the water because her boyfriend pushed her into the pool.
• Do you know the capital of Peru?
• Would you like a drink with your meal?
• He hit the nail with a hammer.
• Paul rode to work on his motorbike.
• The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.
• Sue retired early due to poor health.
• If you need some fresh air, you will have to go outside.
• Make sure you don't colour outside the lines.