Definition: A preposition is a word or sometimes a group of words that functions to link nouns, pronouns or noun phrases to other words in a sentence. They perform a similar function to glue. They usually indicate the relationship between the elements involved.
How this preposition works in English Grammar?
Functions they show :
- Direction : to, into, from
- Time : at, in, on, during
- Place : at, in, on, behind
- Location :Above, below, near
- others relationships between words : about, because of, with
Number : More than one hundred prepositions exist in the English language. The following are just a few examples of prepositions: about, across, after, against, at, before, behind, below, beneath, beside, besides, between, beyond, by, during, for, from, in, inside, into, near, of, off, on, onto, outside, over, past, since, through, throughout, till, to, towards, under, underneath, until, up, upon, with, within, without.
Tricky Bits:
- Some prepositions can also be adverbs (e.g., "in" and "out"). The difference depends on their function in the sentence.
- Choosing the right preposition can be tricky because English has many idiomatic expressions (set phrases) that use specific prepositions.
Prepositions are really important words in the English language. They denote the relations among elements of a sentence - from general relationships to those of time, place, direction, and manner - so that nouns, pronouns, and other words can relate to each other. They are also crucial for communication and writing because it is through understanding prepositions that a person can clearly talk about things.
Types of Preposition
1. Prepositions of Place
- These prepositions indicate the place where something is located.
- Examples:
- At: "She is at the store."
- In: "The cat is in the box."
- On: "The book is on the table."
2. Prepositions of Time
- These prepositions indicate time relationships.
- Examples:
- At: "We will meet at 5 PM."
- In: "He was born in July."
- On: "The meeting is on Monday."
3. Prepositions of Direction
- These prepositions indicate direction or where something is going.
- Examples:
- To: "She walked to the park."
- Into: "He jumped into the pool."
- Through: "The train goes through the tunnel."
4. Prepositions of Manner
- These are prepositions indicating the 'how' of doing something.
- Examples:
- By: "She traveled by train."
- With: "He wrote the letter with a pen."
- Like: "She sings like a professional."
5. Prepositions of Agent
- These are prepositions showing the performer of the action.
- Examples:
- By: "The book was written by George Orwell."
- With: "The cake was made with chocolate."
6 Preposition of Instrument
- These prepositions refer to the means or instrument with which an action is performed.
- Examples:
- With: "He opened the door with a key."
- By: "She solved the puzzle by using logic."
Usage and Examples
But then again the fact is the examples of usage with prepositions. Then it goes on as if there was a noun or a pronoun. They may act as adjectives or adverbs or both in the example sentences.
- Examples of Prepositional Phrase:
- "The dog is under the table"
- Hence, "under the table" describes the place where the dog resides.
No aspect changes the preposition with number and gender, making them relatively simple. However, their use is sometimes idiomatic or restricted to certain phrases.
Common Error
- Prepositions Used Extensively:
- Sometimes, these lead to redundancy in the writing of sentences, which create awkward sentences.
- Example: "Where are you at?" would then change to "Where are you?"
- Prepositions at the End of a Sentence:
- In most cases, it is an accepted informal use; however, a traditionalist will reject it as acceptable grammar.
- Example: "This is the book I was talking about." is often fine in casual conversation.
- Confusing Similar Prepositions:
- Learners might confuse a "in" or "on" and "at" or "to."
- Example: That is, "She lives on Paris" meaning that "She lives in Paris."
