8 Types of Prepositions with Examples (Detailed Explanation)
Prepositions are one of the most important parts of English grammar. They help us understand the relationship between different words in a sentence. In this article, you will learn the 8 types of prepositions with examples, along with clear explanations and common uses.
This guide is ideal for students, beginners, and anyone who wants to master the types of prepositions in English.
Quick overview: This article covers:
- Prepositions of Time
- Prepositions of Place
- Prepositions of Direction
- Prepositions of Agent
- Prepositions of Instrument
- Prepositions of Manner
- Prepositions of Possession
- Prepositions of Purpose
What Is a Preposition?
A preposition is a word placed before a noun or pronoun to show its relationship with another word in terms of time, place, direction, method, purpose, or possession.
Example: The pen is on the table.
8 Types of Prepositions with Examples at a Glance
1️⃣ Prepositions of Time ⏰
Show WHEN an action occurs
Examples: at, on, in, before, after
Sample: I wake up at 6 a.m.
2️⃣ Prepositions of Place 📍
Show WHERE something is located
Examples: in, on, at, under, behind
Sample: The book is on the desk.
3️⃣ Prepositions of Direction ➡️
Show movement FROM one place TO another
Examples: to, towards, into, from
Sample: She is going to school.
4️⃣ Prepositions of Agent 👤
Show WHO performs an action (passive voice)
Example: by
Sample: The novel was written by the author.
5️⃣ Prepositions of Instrument 🛠
Show WHAT tool/object is used to perform an action
Example: with
Sample: She cut the paper with scissors.
6️⃣ Prepositions of Manner ✨
Show HOW an action is performed
Examples: with, in
Sample: He completed the task with confidence.
7️⃣ Prepositions of Possession 🏠
Show OWNERSHIP or belonging
Example: of
Sample: The roof of the house is broken.
8️⃣ Prepositions of Purpose 🎯
Show WHY an action is done / intended use
Examples: for, to
Sample: She went to the shop to buy milk.
In many cases, to functions as an infinitive marker, but it is commonly taught as a preposition of purpose at beginner level.
8 Types of Prepositions with Examples
1. Prepositions of Time
Prepositions of time show when something happens. They help us understand time-related information clearly.
Common time prepositions: at, on, in, before, after
- I wake up at 6 a.m.
- We have an exam on Monday.
- She was born in 2001.
2. Prepositions of Place
Prepositions of place tell us where something or someone is located.
Common place prepositions: in, on, at, under, behind
- The book is on the desk.
- He lives in Mumbai.
- The cat is under the chair.
3. Prepositions of Direction
Prepositions of direction show movement from one place to another. They answer the question “Where to?”
Common direction prepositions: to, towards, into, from
- She is going to school.
- The boy ran into the room.
- He returned from work.
4. Prepositions of Agent
Prepositions of agent tell us who performs an action. They are mostly used in passive voice sentences.
Most common agent preposition: by
- The novel was written by the author.
- The match was won by our team.
5. Prepositions of Instrument
Prepositions of instrument show the tool, object, or means used to perform an action.
Common instrumental preposition: with
- She cut the paper with scissors.
- The door was opened with a key.
6. Prepositions of Manner
Prepositions of manner explain how an action is performed.
Common manner prepositions: with, in
- He completed the task with confidence.
- She spoke in a calm voice.
7. Prepositions of Possession
Prepositions of possession show ownership or belonging between two nouns.
Common possessive preposition: of
- The roof of the house is broken.
- The pages of the book are torn.
8. Prepositions of Purpose
Prepositions of purpose explain why something is done or the intended use of an object.
Common purpose prepositions: for, to
- This medicine is for a headache.
- She went to the shop to buy milk.
In many cases, to functions as an infinitive marker, but it is commonly taught as a preposition of purpose at beginner level.
Conclusion
Understanding these 8 types of prepositions with examples will help you form correct sentences and improve your English communication skills. Regular practice of these preposition types is the key to mastering English grammar.
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