Etymology:

A preposition is derived from the Latin language, where it means to be pre-positioned. It is different from other languages like Hindi, Turkish, etc. In these languages, words similar to prepositions come after the subject rather than before.

Definition and meaning:

Small words that are used to link nouns, pronouns, adverbs, adjectives, etc. are called prepositions. Just like bridges are used to connect roads, prepositions are used to connect words to form logical sentences. The most common prepositions used are: on, to, in, for, before, etc. Understanding prepositions is vital for a strong foundation in English grammar.

Examples:

Prepositions have many types like preposition of time, place and other exceptions.

a. Time

The 'time' prepositions are used to denote the days of the week, months, etc. Usually, it is denoted by on, in and at.

Example:

1. The test is on Monday.
2. He will come on 14th.
3. Are you free on Thursday evening?
4. My anniversary is in February.
5. The baby was delivered at 3pm.

b. Place

Place in prepositions denote position and direction. They have special rules for their functions.

Example:

1. In – To be used to denote room, street, book, transport, world etc.

> She is cooking in the kitchen.
> It is written in the book.
> They are travelling in a taxi.
> My father is there in the picture.
> It is the largest mall in the world.

2. At – It denotes something next to; tables, events, common places, etc.

> I am standing at the door.
> We are dining at the table.
> She is playing at a concert.
> We are watching the movie at a theater close by.
> You are wanted at school.

3. On – It denotes something that is attached; a river place, on directions, for floors and for communication mediums.

> I like the picture on the wall.
> Cairo lies on the Nile.
> I left the phone on the table.
> Please turn on the TV.

4. By/next to/besides – They are used to denote positions.

> Rajat is standing by/next to/besides the vehicle.

5. Under / over / below / above– They are used to denote something lower than or above any subject matter.

> The box is under the chair.
> The catfish is below the surface.
> There is a road above the lake.
> He is over 18 years of age.
> Do not climb over the wall.

6. Across – It denotes something on the other side of a place.

> Let's walk across the bridge.
> She is swimming across the lake.

7. Through – It is used to denote something with limits or ends.

> The train drove through the tunnel.

8. Into – It is used to denote an action that entails entering something.

> The police are moving into the house.
> We are moving into Washington.

9. Onto – It is used to signal moving on top of something.

>The police are onto him.
> The cat jumped onto the table.

The above-mentioned examples will show you general usage of prepositions to complete English sentence formation. As you practice consistently you will come across various other words that act as prepositions. You can study them with the help of an online English guide that will help improve and develop your English grammar foundation.

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