The word “preposition” means “that which is placed before.” Let us look at the definition of prepositions and the types of prepositions.
What Are Prepositions?
Prepositions are words that we place before nouns or pronouns. They indicate the relationship between the person or thing mentioned and something else.
Look at the examples below:
The child jumped off the bed.
There is a bee in the jar.
Hani is fond of cheesecakes.
In the first example, the word “off” shows the relationship between the action denoted by the verb “jumped” and the noun “bed.”
In the second example, the word “in” indicates the relationship between the bee and the jar.
In the third example, the word “of” establishes the relationship between the quality denoted by the adjective “fond” and the noun “cheesecake.”
Hence, the words “off,” “in,” and “of” are prepositions.
Classification of Prepositions
Prepositions are classified in two major ways:
Functional Classification (Based on meaning and usage)
Structural Classification (Based on form and composition)
Let’s explore these types in detail with explanations and multiple examples.
Functional Classification of Prepositions
Here are types of prepositions based on functional classification.
Prepositions of Time
These prepositions indicate when something happens. They answer the question “When?”
Examples:
I was born on Monday.
We have a meeting at 10 AM.
She left before sunrise.
They moved here in 2015.
The shop closes after 8 PM.
Prepositions of Place
These prepositions show the location or position of something. They answer the question “Where?”
Examples:
The keys are on the table.
He is hiding under the bed.
There is a lamp beside the sofa.
She sat in the car.
The books are inside the bag.
Prepositions of Manner
These prepositions describe how something happens or in what manner an action is performed.
Examples:
She solved the puzzle with ease.
He painted the house by himself.
The teacher explained the topic in detail.
They fought like warriors.
The baby sleeps with a teddy bear.
Prepositions of Direction
These prepositions indicate movement from one place to another.
Examples:
She walked into the room.
He is going towards the park.
The cat jumped onto the table.
They ran across the field.
The bird flew over the lake.
Prepositions of Cause
These prepositions explain why something happens.
Examples:
He was absent due to illness.
We won the game because of hard work.
She cried for joy.
The event was postponed owing to bad weather.
He failed from lack of effort.
Prepositions of Possession
These prepositions show ownership or a relationship between two nouns.
Examples:
This is a book of my brother.
The keys to the car are missing.
The house of my uncle is beautiful.
He is a friend of mine.
The necklace of gold is expensive.
Prepositions of Contrast
These prepositions indicate contrast between two different ideas.
Examples:
Despite the rain, they continued playing.
She succeeded in spite of difficulties.
His words were kind, yet his actions were cruel.
He is rich, but unhappy.
Unlike his brother, he is very calm.
Structural Classification of Prepositions
Here are the types of prepositions based on structural classification:
Simple prepositions, double prepositions, compound prepositions, phrasal prepositions, participle prepositions, and detached prepositions.
Let us discuss this in detail,
Simple Prepositions
Simple prepositions are used to denote a relation between nouns or pronouns. These can even be used to join different parts of sentences and clauses. Simple prepositions are one-word prepositions. These are also called single prepositions. Common words used that come under the category of simple prepositions are in, out, on, up, at, for, from, by, of, off, through, till, etc.
Examples:
She sat in the room.
The book is on the table.
The cat is under the chair.
He went to the market.
We met at the station.
Double Prepositions
Double prepositions are made by putting together two single prepositions. That is why they are called double prepositions. Common words used as double prepositions are onto, into, throughout, up till, up to, within, without, upon, etc.
Examples:
He walked into the room.
The boy ran out of the house.
The train passed from under the bridge.
They moved out of the city.
The keys fell from behind the couch.
Compound Prepositions
Compound prepositions are usually formed by prefixing a preposition to nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. They are different from double prepositions because they are not formed by two single prepositions. Common words, which come under the category of compound prepositions, are above, about, across, along, before, behind, beside, inside, outside, etc.
Examples:
The chair is in front of the table.
He is sitting next to me.
The cat is hiding inside of the box.
We stood in between the trees.
The school is at the back of the park.
Phrasal Prepositions
Phrasal prepositions are groups of words or phrases that join the noun or pronoun in a sentence, to the remainder of the sentence. These groups of words express a single idea by coming together as a unit. Words that come under the category of phrasal prepositions are in addition to, by means of, in spite of, according to, owing to, in favour of, etc.
Examples:
According to the weather forecast, it will rain today.
He left early because of the storm.
In spite of his efforts, he failed the exam.
By means of hard work, he became successful.
She acted on behalf of her mother.
Participle Prepositions
Participle prepositions, indicating by their name, are the present participle forms of verbs. These are used without any noun or pronoun attached with them. The words that are distinguished as participle prepositions are concerning, considering, barring, notwithstanding, touching, pending, during, etc.
Examples:
Considering his age, he is very active.
Following the lecture, there was a discussion.
Regarding your request, I will check.
Barring any issues, we will proceed.
Concerning your health, you should take a rest.
Disguised Prepositions
Disguised prepositions are those prepositions which are not used in the sentences directly, but are disguised. Their shorter forms are used. The examples of disguised prepositions are ‘a’ and ‘o’.
Examples:
He goes to school o’ Monday (for of Monday).
I heard this story a’ long time ago (for on a long time ago).
He earns a’ hundred dollars a day (for on hundred dollars a day).
O’ clock means of the clock.
’Tis a beautiful day (for it is a beautiful day).
Detached Prepositions
A preposition is called a detached preposition when it does not come before its object. It is detached from its object. When the object of a preposition is an interrogative pronoun or a relative pronoun, the preposition comes at the end of the sentence.
Examples:
Who are you talking to?
She has nothing to be afraid of.
What are you waiting for?
This is the book I was looking for.
The music she listens to is amazing.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of prepositions can help improve your writing and speaking skills. Whether classified functionally (by their meaning) or structurally (by their form), prepositions play a crucial role in forming meaningful sentences.
Would you like more exercises and practice questions on prepositions? Let me know in the comments!