What Prepositions Are

Basic · Prepositions

A preposition is a small word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and the rest of the sentence — usually relationships of time, place, direction, or manner. In "the cat sat ON the mat", "on" tells you where.

Prepositions are among the hardest words to master because they rarely translate directly between languages, and English has many fixed combinations you simply learn. The good news: most prepositions fall into clear groups (time, place, movement), and there are patterns to lean on.

How to build it

preposition + noun/pronoun/-ing → "on the table", "for me", "before leaving"

Rules & examples

1. A preposition is (almost) always followed by a noun, pronoun, or -ing verb — never a base verb.

   The thing after a preposition is called its "object".

   • on the table
   • with her
   • after eating (not: after eat)
2. They show relationships of time, place, direction, and manner.

   Four big jobs — most prepositions do one of these.

   • at 5 (time)
   • in the box (place)
   • to school (direction)
   • by car (manner)
3. Many prepositions have several meanings.

   The same word changes meaning with context.

   • in an hour (time)
   • in the kitchen (place)
   • in love (state)
4. Some are more than one word ("prepositional phrases").

   Groups that work as a single preposition.

   • in front of, next to, because of, instead of, according to

Tips to remember

• Learn prepositions inside example phrases, not alone — "on Monday", "at night" stick better than just "on" and "at".
• After a preposition, a verb takes the -ing form: "good at cooking", "before leaving", "interested in learning".

Common mistakes

• ✗ I am thinking to buy a car. → ✓ I am thinking of buying a car. — After a preposition ("of"), use the -ing form, not "to + base verb".