NoteThis post covers prepositions and their usage, very useful for different exams such as TET/TGT, IBPS PO, Clerk, SSC CGL, SBI PO, NIACL Assistant, NICL AO, IBPS RRB, Railways etc.
- A preposition is a word that links a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase to some other part of the sentence.
- A preposition is used to show direction, location, or time, or to introduce an object.
- Some words can be used either as prepositions or as adverbs. If the word is followed by a noun or a pronoun, it is a preposition.
| Type | Description | Examples |
| Prepositions of Place | Some prepositions show where something happens. They are called prepositions of place. | Sonu was sitting under a tree. I have a friend who lives in Noida. |
| Prepositions of Time | Some prepositions show when something happens. They are called prepositions of time. | School starts at nine o’clock. We’re going to the zoo on Saturday. You must finish the work by Friday. |
| Prepositions of Direction | Some prepositions show where something is going. They are called prepositions of direction. | We were travelling towards Lonavala. The football rolled down the hill. |
| Prepositions with Special Uses | Many prepositions are used in other ways. Here are some of them. of , for , with, except and instead of, like, as and than | Most of the children in my class like school. We’re going city for a meeting. Would you like to come with us to the mall? I like all kinds of food except pizza. |
Here are a few common prepositions and examples.
| Preposition | Use | Example |
| on | Used to express a surface of something | The paper is on my desk |
| on | Used to specify days and dates | I was born on the 31st day of July in 1978 |
| on | Used to indicate a device or machine | He is on the phone right now |
| on | Used to indicate a part of the body | I wear a ring on my finger |
| on | Used to indicate the state of something | Everything in this store is on sale |
| Preposition | Use | Example |
| at | Used to point out specific time | I will meet you at 6 p.m. |
| at | Used to indicate a place | There is a party at the club house |
| at | Used to indicate an email address | Please email me at ram@gmail.com |
| at | Used to indicate an activity | I am good at drawing a portrait |
| Preposition | Use | Example |
| in | Used for unspecific times during a day, month, season, year | He always reads newspapers in the morning |
| in | Used to indicate a location or place | I am currently staying in a hotel |
| in | Used to indicate a shape, color, or size | This jeans comes in four different sizes |
| in | Used to express while doing something | A tagline needs to be impressive in marketing a product |
| in | Used to indicate a belief, opinion, interest, or feeling | We are not interested in gambling |