Types of Prepositions | A complete overview with examples

Everything to know about prepositions 

A preposition is a connecting word that establishes a relationship between the parts of a sentence. It acts as a glue that holds different components of a sentence together, helping to create context and meaning. There are different types of prepositions, and they can be used to indicate time, place, direction, and manner.

Without proper prepositions, sentences can become confusing and difficult to understand. Therefore, it is essential to have a solid understanding of the different types of prepositions and how they are used.

Types of prepositions 

Within the English language, you will find endless types of preposition examples. It can feel overwhelming and challenging to remember their use and function. To simplify these confusions, experts have proposed different types of prepositions in English. Broadly, you can find eight of the following categories within prepositions – 

• Preposition of time 

They indicate the time of an event when it happened, is happening, or might happen. It can be any date, day, time, month, year, or even a brief moment. 

Examples: on, at, during, etc. 

• Preposition of movement 

It may be tricky to understand and apply, but these prepositions tell about the direction in which the event occurs. 

Examples: toward, to, by, etc. 

• Preposition of manner 

These prepositions depict how things happen and how something is done.

Examples: with, by, like, etc. 

• Preposition of place 

These imply where an event occurred. It makes it easier to keep track of where things happen. 

Examples: at, by, in, on, etc. 

• Preposition of source 

They indicate the origin or birth point of an event or occurrence. 

Examples: by, from, etc. 

• Preposition of measure 

This category of prepositions comments on the quantity or quality of something.

Examples: by, of, etc. 

• Preposition of possession 

These words imply the ownership of an object or article. 

Examples: of, with, to, etc.

• Preposition of an agent of instrument 

Last but not least, these prepositions talk about the agency of something or someone taking responsibility. 

Examples: with, by, etc. 

You may find some types of prepositions repeatedly occurring across examples. It is something that may seem confusing. However, this is nothing to worry about. You will learn more about the varying use of different types of prepositions through application-based examples. 

List of commonly used prepositions with examples 

There are about 150 prepositions in the English language. We understand that it is nearly impossible to keep count of all types of prepositions at all times. Therefore, we have provided the list of the top 25 most used prepositions and support them with exemplary sentences – 

• About 

He seems to know a lot about world history. 

Let’s have a chat about your future plans for studying abroad.

• Above 

The seminar was above my expectations. 

My neighbors live two floors above me. 

• Across 

She reached out from across the room to greet me. 

Are you sure about taking the ferry across the river? 

• After 

I was going to meet him after six years. 

They responded to his work email after the meeting was over.

• Along 

We took a walk along the seaside. 

Do you want to come along with me? 

• Around 

It will take around two hours to clean up the house. 

She wrapped a jacket around her waist. 

• As 

The event wasn’t as fun as I had hoped for it to be. 

She had to act as if she knew nothing about the surprise party. 

• At 

This item is exclusively available at their online store. 

She is a pro at playing the guitar. 

• Between 

The distance between our place was too far to cover by foot.

It is important to keep confidential information between you and your boss. 

• But 

The schedule was running smoothly, but the storm disrupted it.

She scored poorly on her exam but aced the extracurriculars. 

• By 

You must submit this task by tomorrow evening. 

Their shop is located by the river banks. 

• Despite 

She couldn’t get the job despite having good preparation.

They were about an hour late despite leaving on time.

• For 

I am making a handmade card for my date.

The workshop will last for five hours. 

• From 

You can take a second helping from the kitchen.

The sauce is made from the world’s spiciest chillies. 

• In 

My mother was born in 1970. 

You can look for the book in my bag. 

• Into 

Their car smashed into the tree. 

She was headed into something she wasn’t prepared for. 

• Like 

You should try to be more like him. 

Her personality is just like her grandmother’s. 

• Of 

The recipe requires five hundred grams of flour.

She got a blister because of intense sports practice. 

• On 

I only go to the gym on weekends. 

The documentary is based on real-life events. 

• To 

They are thinking of going to the party tonight.

Do you want to talk about what is bothering you?

• Until 

His office hours go up until 9 pm. 

You are not allowed to leave until the dues are cleared. 

• Than 

The intent matters more than the outcome. 

I would rather travel by bus rather than bike. 

• Up 

He is up for a promotion in the next tenure. 

My aunt’s house is right up that street. 

• Upon 

You will realize the importance of it upon reaching my level of experience.

She has taken it upon herself to renovate her bedroom. 

• With 

It is best to go with the flow. 

He decorated the venue with fresh flowers. 

Prepositions are undoubtedly a fundamental component of English grammar, as they are responsible for establishing the relationship between the different parts of a sentence. While this is just a brief list, it offers a glimpse into the vast range of uses of prepositions.

Key takeaways 

• Prepositions are connecting words that indicate the relationship between parts of speech.
• There are eight types of prepositions, including prepositions of time, place, movement, manner, source, measure, possession, and agent of the instrument.
• The English language has around 150 prepositions, but the top 25 most commonly used prepositions include about, above, across, after, along, around, as, at, between, but, by, despite, for, from, in, into, like, of, on, to, until, then, through, and with.

By mastering these small but mighty words, you can add clarity and context to your writing and speaking effectively, increasing your chances of studying abroad significantly. To learn more about English proficiency tests or studying abroad, check out our website or connect with our counselors.

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FAQs 

Q. What is the difference between prepositions and conjunctions? 

Prepositions are mostly followed by a noun/pronoun/adverb within the sentence (as, by, for, etc.). On the other hand, conjunctions are the connectors between two clauses (because, since, etc.) 

Q. Is it acceptable to end a sentence with a preposition? 

You may end a sentence with prepositions in casual conversations. However, doing so in professional or academic writing is not advisable. Example: What are you looking for?

Q. Do prepositions only have single words? 

The majority of the types of prepositions in English are single words. However, some prepositions may be of two or three words.