The 50 Top English Prepositions: Functions, Meanings, and Clear Examples
Prepositions are small words, but they do big work in English. They show place, time, movement, cause, possession, and relationships between words in a sentence. Because prepositions rarely translate directly between languages, they are one of the most challenging areas for English learners at every level.
This comprehensive guide presents the 50 most common English prepositions, explaining:
Clear example sentences
Notes for different proficiency levels
1. In
Function: Inside; within boundaries
Example (A1): The keys are in the bag.
Example (B2): She works in marketing.
2. On
Function: On a surface; attached
Example: The book is on the table.
Advanced use: A documentary on climate change
3. At
Function: A specific point or location
Example: I’m at school.
Advanced: She’s good at math.
4. Under
Function: Below something
Example: The cat is under the chair.
5. Over
Function: Above; covering; more than
Example: The plane flew over the city.
Advanced: Over 100 people attended.
6. Between
Function: In the middle of two things
Example: The café is between the bank and the post office.
7. Among
Function: In the middle of more than two
Example: She felt comfortable among friends.
8. Behind
Function: At the back of
Example: The car is behind the house.
9. In front of
Function: Before; facing
Example: He stood in front of the class.
10. Near
Function: Close to
Example: I live near the park.
11. At
Function: Exact time
Example: The class starts at 9:00.
12. On
Function: Days and dates
Example: We meet on Monday.
13. In
Function: Months, years, long periods
Example: She was born in 2008.
14. During
Function: Within a period
Example: No phones during the exam.
15. For
Function: Duration
Example: I studied for two hours.
16. Since
Function: Starting point in time
Example: I’ve lived here since 2020.
17. By
Function: Deadline; not later than
Example: Finish the homework by Friday.
18. Until / Till
Function: Up to a point in time
Example: Wait until I arrive.
19. From … to
Function: Beginning and end
Example: The store is open from 9 to 6.
20. Within
Function: Inside a time limit
Example: Please reply within 24 hours.
21. To
Function: Direction; destination
Example: She went to school.
22. Into
Function: Movement from outside to inside
Example: He walked into the room.
23. Onto
Function: Movement to a surface
Example: The cat jumped onto the table.
24. Through
Function: From one side to the other
Example: We walked through the tunnel.
25. Across
Function: From one side to another (surface)
Example: Run across the street.
26. Along
Function: In a line or path
Example: We walked along the river.
27. Past
Function: Beyond; passing
Example: She walked past me.
28. Toward(s)
Function: In the direction of
Example: He moved toward the door.
29. Around
Function: Circular movement
Example: They drove around the city.
30. Up / Down
Function: Vertical movement
Example: Walk up the stairs.
D. Prepositions of Cause, Reason, and Purpose
31. Because of
Function: Reason
Example: The game was canceled because of rain.
32. Due to
Function: Formal reason
Example: The delay was due to traffic.
33. For
Function: Purpose
Example: This button is for emergencies.
34. Thanks to
Function: Positive cause
Example: We succeeded thanks to teamwork.
35. With
Function: Accompaniment; tool
Example: She wrote with a pen.
E. Prepositions of Relationship & Abstract Use
36. Of
Function: Possession; connection
Example: The cover of the book.
37. About
Function: Topic
Example: We talked about the exam.
38. Like
Function: Similarity
Example: She sings like a professional.
39. As
Function: Role or function
Example: He works as a teacher.
40. With
Function: Relationship
Example: She agrees with you.
F. Prepositions Commonly Used After Adjectives & Verbs
41. Afraid of
Example: He is afraid of spiders.
42. Interested in
Example: She’s interested in science.
43. Good at
Example: They are good at math.
44. Responsible for
Example: He’s responsible for the project.
45. Married to
Example: She is married to an engineer.
G. Advanced & Idiomatic Prepositions
46. In spite of
Function: Contrast
Example: In spite of the rain, we played.
47. According to
Function: Reference
Example: According to the rules…
48. Instead of
Function: Replacement
Example: Tea instead of coffee.
49. Out of
Function: Lack; movement
Example: We’re out of time.
50. Beyond
Function: Further than; abstract limit
Example: That’s beyond my understanding.
Final Teaching Tips
Beginner students should focus on place, time, and movement
Intermediate learners should practice verb + preposition combinations
Advanced learners should master abstract, formal, and idiomatic uses
Prepositions are best learned in context, not as isolated words. Encourage students to:
Notice prepositions while reading
Practice with short, meaningful sentences
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