Preposition Meaning -Definition, Types, Exercise

Learn preposition meaning with definitions, types, examples, exercises. This lesson is purely developed with concept so that the learners may learn comprehensively.

Definition of Preposition

The preposition expresses or shows the position or location of a noun or pronoun and describes a relation between them. On the other hand, we can say the preposition is just like Pre Position.

Example:

 Near, under, on, at. 

The cows are in the fields…… (Location/Position)
They killed the snake with stones…… (Relation)

The frog jumped into the water…… (Location/Position)

You should with your friend…… (Relation)

You know nothing about Ali……(Relation)

China is in the North of Pakistan…… (Location/Position)

Types of Preposition

 1.Preposition of Place
 2.Preposition of Direction    
 3.Preposition of Time
 4.Preposition of Manner
 5.Compound Preposition

1.Preposition of Place (Preposition and Types)

Simply, prepositions of place describe the place of a noun stating where is the noun is present. It also expresses the position of a person or thing which is related to another person or thing.

The Use of Prepositions of Place

oninatnear
overuponintoabove
belowthroughupdown
acrossbehindbesideby
aboutbetweenamongunder

Applying the above Prepositions of Place:

He sat on the table.

They live in London.

Smith works in Insurance Corporation.

The jug is at the table.

I live near a canal.

The swallows flew over the city.

The cat jumped upon the roof.

The diver dived into very deep river.

The ball was above shoulder height.

The last four students are below the performance.

The thieves entered the house through the hole.

The teacher ordered the students to stand up.

The students sit down as he singled. 

He lives across the canal.

A boy hid behind the tree.

Wait beside the main gate of the University.

I was sitting by (near) a tree.

The bird was wondering about his nest.

Both the drivers drove their cars very fast between two points.

He is sitting among his brothers.

He is sitting alone under the tree.

 2.The Preposition of Direction (Preposition and Types)

The preposition of direction shows the direction of the noun. Furthermore, it tells whether the noun is placed on left or right, etc. You can also say that this preposition shows the sides of the noun. This type of preposition is further part of the preposition of place. For example, you live in a town (Place) and live right (Direction) of the main gate of the town.

The Use of Prepositions of Place

 toward downward outward inward upward
 from     right left above below

Applying the above Prepositions of Place:

The ball was coming very fast toward me.

He pushed the air pump downward.

The thief looked outward and ran away.

The rays of sun were coming inward showing an attractive scene.

He stretched his hands upwards.

They came from London last night.

She was sitting in the right side of the first row.

The boy sitting on the left side, is my brother.

One God is above us.

The stars are shining above us.

Your son is giving the performance below our target.

He is much below in the class.

3.The Preposition of Time (Preposition and Types)

This type of preposition is used to describe the time.

The Use of Prepositions of Place

 at before during by
 for after ago until
 in since till on
 within 

Applying the above Prepositions of Time:

The train will arrive at 11:30.

I will reach at 10 O’clock.

He had reached home from abroad a month before his marriage.

The students write their homework during school time.

It was nearly morning by the time he reached.

He has been doing job for four years.

He returned to Switzerland after two years.

He reached here two days ago.

Let us wait until night.

All the students reached in time.

They returned in July.

We have been waiting him since morning.

Can he wait till evening?

Smith came on Sunday.

Complete your assignment within two days.

4.The Preposition of Manner (Preposition and Types)

This type of preposition expresses how a certain thing happened or is done.

The Use of Prepositions of Manner

 for  from   of
 off with  by


Applying the above Prepositions
of Manner:

I want some milk for my children.

I did not expect this  from you.

I am a student of your class.

Keep off (away) from the fire.

He answered me with a smile.

This novel is written by Shakespeare.

5.Compound Preposition (Preposition and Types)

Compound Preposition is made by prefixing a preposition to a noun, an adjective, or an adverb.

Prefixing:

When we ad a word or two or more letters before a proper word to form a meaningful word.

Example:

Able → enable, Unable

Respect → Disrespect

Some  →  Lonesome

Order → disorder etc.

 across along beneath
 behind beside 

There is a large bridge across the river.

He was walking along the road.

The treasure lies beneath the rock.

He is hiding behind the tree.

She is sitting beside me.

6. Phrasal Verb

A phrasal verb is a verb plus a preposition or adverb which creates a meaning different from the original verb.

Example:

Verb + Preposition  = Phrasal Verb

call + off                  =  call off

The meaning of “call” is opposite to “call off” which means “cancel”.

 Verb Phrasal      Verb   Sentence
Call call off They call off the strike. (cancel)
Look look upon Look upon the elders. (Respect)
 Cary  carry on Carry on your writing. (Continue)
 Fall fall of Fall of the matter. (Leave)
 Putput on Put on the costume. (Get)
 Get get on How did you get on in your examination? (Prepare)
 Drive drive off She get into the car and drove off.  (take to drive)

Prepositions Appropriate

In English Grammar, some special prepositions are used with special words.

Attend to me. We know at the door.
Abide by your promises. Look after your books.
 Are you accused of death? The cow lives on grass.
 We shouldn’t be afraid of death. He jumped into the river.
 We agree to your proposal. Wait for me.
 The hunter aimed at the bird. He is angry with me.
 I shall beg for mercy. I am satisfied with his work.
We believe in God. He is suffering from fever.
 I was busy with my work. I am pleased with you.
 Take care of yourself.He is dressed in silk.

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