What Are Prepositions in English Grammar?
A preposition is a word that connects a noun or pronoun to other parts of the sentence. Prepositions show relationships of time, place, direction, reason, or method.
They are essential in everyday English and are often tested in TOEIC, EIKEN, IELTS, and everyday conversation.
✅ Top 30 Prepositions in English with Easy Example Sentences
Preposition | Example Sentence |
---|---|
about | This book is about animals. |
above | The lamp is above the table. |
across | She ran across the street. |
after | I brush my teeth after breakfast. |
against | The chair is leaning against the wall. |
along | We walked along the river. |
among | The secret was hidden among the papers. |
around | The store is just around the corner. |
at | Let’s meet at 3 p.m. |
before | He left before lunch. |
behind | The keys are behind the TV. |
below | It’s below freezing today. |
beneath | The toy is beneath the couch. |
beside | She sat beside her friend. |
between | The cafe is between the bank and the post office. |
beyond | The road continues beyond the hills. |
by | The cake was made by my mom. |
down | He fell down the stairs. |
during | Please don’t talk during the test. |
except | Everyone was invited except John. |
for | This is a gift for you. |
from | I got this present from my sister. |
in | The shoes are in the closet. |
inside | It’s cold inside the house. |
into | She went into the room quietly. |
near | The station is near the supermarket. |
of | A slice of pizza. |
on | The paper is on the desk. |
over | He jumped over the fence. |
under | The dog is under the bed. |
🔄 How to Practice Prepositions in English
Here are 5 quick ways to improve your use of prepositions:
- 🔸 Write daily journal entries using as many prepositions as you can.
- 🔸 Label items around your home using sticky notes and prepositions.
- 🔸 Record yourself saying sentences like “The pen is under the table.”
- 🔸 Watch English videos with subtitles and pause to spot prepositions.
- 🔸 Join a grammar class or work with an online teacher (like us!).
🎯 Why Prepositions Matter in English Learning
- ✔ Used in 80% of daily English communication
- ✔ Common in EIKEN, TOEIC, and business emails
- ✔ Help you sound more fluent and professional
- ✔ Improve writing, speaking, and comprehension
📌 Bonus: Try This Preposition Quiz
Which preposition fits?
The ball is ___ the box.
A) in
B) between
C) under
D) All of the above! ✔️
🚀 Ready to Improve Your Grammar Fast?
At MK’s English, we offer private English lessons, group grammar workshops, and online ESL courses for all levels. Start speaking naturally, confidently, and clearly.
👉 Check out our free grammar lessons here.
👉 Or book a trial class today at MKsEnglish.com