Chapter 12: Parts of Speech – Prepositions

Abstract:

Prepositions are a part of speech that connect nouns or pronouns to other words in a sentence, showing relationships like time, place, or direction. They always appear before the noun or pronoun they modify, forming a prepositional phrase. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Definition:
A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence. 
Examples:
Common prepositions include "on," "in," "at," "to," "from," "with," "of," "by," "for," and "under". 
Function:
Prepositions are used to indicate:
Time: "on Monday," "in the morning," "at noon". 
Place: "in the box," "on the table," "at the store". 
Direction: "to the store," "from the city," "across the street". 
Other relationships: "about the book," "with a friend," "for the prize". 
Prepositional Phrase:
A preposition and the noun or pronoun it modifies form a prepositional phrase, which can function as an adjective or an adverb. 
Example: "The book on the table" ("on the table" is a prepositional phrase acting as an adjective, modifying "book"). 
Example: "He walked to the store" ("to the store" is a prepositional phrase acting as an adverb, modifying "walked"). 
Common Prepositions:
Place: above, at, beside, between, in, near, on, under 
Time: after, at, before, by, during, in, on, since, until 
Direction: across, around, down, into, onto, over, through, to, toward 
Other relationships: about, as, by, for, from, of, with 

12.1 Introduction to Prepositions

A preposition is a word that links nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words in a sentence. It shows relationships of direction, place, time, cause, manner, and possession between different elements in a sentence. Prepositions are essential in constructing clear and meaningful sentences.

Definition of a Preposition

A preposition is a word used before a noun or pronoun to establish a connection with other words in a sentence.

Examples:

• The book is on the table. (preposition of place)
• She arrived after lunch. (preposition of time)
• He walked through the park. (preposition of direction)

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12.2 Types of Prepositions

Prepositions can be classified into several categories based on their function.

12.2.1 Prepositions of Place

These prepositions indicate position or location.

Common Prepositions of Place:

• In – The keys are in the drawer.
• On – The painting is on the wall.
• At – She is at the door.
• Under – The bag is under the chair.
• Between – The shop is between the bank and the café.

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12.2.2 Prepositions of Time

These prepositions indicate when an action occurs.

Common Prepositions of Time:

• In – We met in January.
• On – My birthday is on Monday.
• At – She arrived at 5 PM.
• Before – He left before noon.
• After – The meeting is after lunch.

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12.2.3 Prepositions of Direction or Movement

These prepositions show motion from one place to another.

Common Prepositions of Direction:

• To – She went to the market.
• Into – He walked into the room.
• Onto – The cat jumped onto the table.
• From – He traveled from New York to London.

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12.2.4 Prepositions of Manner, Cause, and Purpose

These prepositions describe how something happens or its reason.

Common Prepositions of Manner, Cause, and Purpose:

• By – She traveled by car.
• With – He wrote the letter with a pen.
• Because of – The game was canceled because of rain.
• For – This gift is for you.

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12.2.5 Prepositions of Possession

These prepositions indicate ownership or relationship.

Common Prepositions of Possession:

• Of – The pages of the book are torn.
• With – The house with a red roof is mine.
• To – This belongs to her.

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12.2.6 Prepositions of Comparison or Contrast

These prepositions show contrast or similarity.

Common Prepositions of Comparison and Contrast:

• Like – He runs like a cheetah.
• Unlike – Unlike his brother, he is very quiet.
• As – She worked as a teacher.

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12.2.7 Prepositions of Measure, Quantity, and Rate

These prepositions show measurement or ratio.

Common Prepositions of Measure:

• Per – The speed limit is 60 miles per hour.
• Of – A cup of tea.

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12.3 Prepositional Phrases

A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition, its object (a noun or pronoun), and any modifiers.

Examples:

• The keys are on the table.
• She walked through the park.
• He is interested in music.

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12.4 Common Prepositional Errors

Many learners make mistakes while using prepositions. Below are some common errors and corrections.

12.4.1 Incorrect Use of Prepositions

❌ Incorrect: She is married with John.
✅ Correct: She is married to John.

❌ Incorrect: He is good in mathematics.
✅ Correct: He is good at mathematics.

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12.4.2 Unnecessary Use of Prepositions

❌ Incorrect: Where are you at?
✅ Correct: Where are you?

❌ Incorrect: I will discuss about the plan.
✅ Correct: I will discuss the plan.

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12.5 Prepositions vs. Conjunctions

Prepositions and conjunctions are often confused, but they serve different roles.

Preposition	Conjunction
She sat on the chair.	She sat because she was tired.
We met after lunch.	We met after we finished lunch.

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12.6 Exercises on Prepositions

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition.

1. The book is ___ the table. (on, in, at)
2. She arrived ___ 8 PM. (in, at, on)
3. He walked ___ the bridge. (through, across, between)
4. This gift is ___ you. (to, for, by)
5. They are going ___ the market. (to, into, onto)

Exercise 2: Identify the prepositions in the following sentences.

1. He sat under the tree.
2. The meeting is at noon.
3. She walked through the park.
4. This bag belongs to me.
5. We met after the party.

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12.7 Summary

• A preposition connects nouns and pronouns with other words in a sentence.
• Prepositions show relationships of place, time, direction, manner, possession, and comparison.
• Prepositional phrases provide additional details.
• Common errors with prepositions include unnecessary usage and incorrect pairings.

Mastering prepositions will help improve sentence clarity and grammatical accuracy in writing and speech.