THE PREPOSITIONS
I. Definition — A preposition is a word used with a noun or pronoun to show its relation with some other word/words in the sentence.
II. Kinds of Prepositions — Generally prepositions are classified in two forms
1. Common or Simple Prepositions
2. Complex Prepositions
1. Common or Simple Prepositions
2. Complex Prepositions
1 Common or simple Prepositions are :
on, at, of, off, to, in, into, for, from, up, with, without, ever , past, since, till, until, about, above, after, along, around, down, by, during , before, between, among, beside, upon, over, through, under etc.
2. Prepositions Consisting of more than one words are called complex prepositions. They are:
according to, along with, as for, away from, because of, due to, except for, out of, owing to, up to, by means of, in comparison with, in front of, in relation to, on the top of etc.
1. In
‘in’ is generally used before the names of countries and large cities, or before the name of place in which one is at the time of speaking.
‘in’ is generally used before the names of countries and large cities, or before the name of place in which one is at the time of speaking.
Examples:
1. His uncle has settled in America.
2. Her elder sister lives in Mumbai.
3. The buffaloes are in the pond.
4. A face appeared in the window.
1. His uncle has settled in America.
2. Her elder sister lives in Mumbai.
3. The buffaloes are in the pond.
4. A face appeared in the window.
2. For, at (Price)
‘For’ is used if the actual amount is given and ‘At’ is used if the actual amount is not mentioned.
‘For’ is used if the actual amount is given and ‘At’ is used if the actual amount is not mentioned.
Examples:
1. I bought this pen for Rs. 10.
2. I bought this pen at a low price.
1. I bought this pen for Rs. 10.
2. I bought this pen at a low price.
3. For, Since, From (Time)
‘For’ shows a period of time as; for four hours, for five months, for a few days.
‘Since’ shows point of time as; since morning, since 1998, since Wednesday.
both ‘since’ and ‘for’ are preceded by a verb in the Perfect or Perfect Continuous Tense. ‘From’ is used for a point of time, but can be preceded by a verb in any tense.
‘For’ shows a period of time as; for four hours, for five months, for a few days.
‘Since’ shows point of time as; since morning, since 1998, since Wednesday.
both ‘since’ and ‘for’ are preceded by a verb in the Perfect or Perfect Continuous Tense. ‘From’ is used for a point of time, but can be preceded by a verb in any tense.
Examples:
1. It has been raining since morning.
2. She has been writing a letter ‘for two hours.
3. She is busy from morning to evening.
1. It has been raining since morning.
2. She has been writing a letter ‘for two hours.
3. She is busy from morning to evening.
4. To, Till, (Until)
These are both used for time
Examples:
1. He worked till evening.
2. She works from six to eight in the morning.
1. He worked till evening.
2. She works from six to eight in the morning.
5. On, at, in (for time):
‘on’ is used with the days of the week and the dates of the months as : on Sunday, on 26th January.
‘At’ is used with exact time as : at five 0’ clock, at sun-set, at midnight
‘In’ is used with a period of time as : in the morning, in the evening, in the 19th century, in 2002.
‘At’ is used with exact time as : at five 0’ clock, at sun-set, at midnight
‘In’ is used with a period of time as : in the morning, in the evening, in the 19th century, in 2002.
Some Examples:
1. He was born on 28 September, 1982.
2. I go to office at 9 0’ clock in the morning.
3. They play hockey in the evening.
1. He was born on 28 September, 1982.
2. I go to office at 9 0’ clock in the morning.
3. They play hockey in the evening.
6. To, At (Movement)
‘To’ is used to express motion from one place to another
Examples:
1. Her mother goes to temple every day.
2. He goes to school on foot.
‘At’ is used to express place or position
1. Her mother goes to temple every day.
2. He goes to school on foot.
‘At’ is used to express place or position
Examples:
1. She was standing at the door.
2. Do not stand at the edge of the platform.
1. She was standing at the door.
2. Do not stand at the edge of the platform.
7. In, Into
‘ In’ denotes position of rest inside something while ‘Into’ denotes motion or direction towards inside of something
Examples:
1. The buffaloes are swimming in the pond.
2. Ram is sitting in the class room.
3. He went into the room.
4. She jumped into the canal.
1. The buffaloes are swimming in the pond.
2. Ram is sitting in the class room.
3. He went into the room.
4. She jumped into the canal.
8. At
At’ is used when there is small extent of place or time. It is used with small towns or villages. ‘At’ means inside , just outside or just besides the building.
Examples:
1. I live at Bisla, a small village in Nawanshahar district of Punjab.
2. She stood at the edge of the platform.
1. I live at Bisla, a small village in Nawanshahar district of Punjab.
2. She stood at the edge of the platform.
9. From
‘From’ can be used for place and time both. When denoting a point of time, it must be followed by ‘to’ or ‘till’ as:
Examples:
1. She has been busy from morning till evening.
2. This road leads from Amritsar to Delhi.
1. She has been busy from morning till evening.
2. This road leads from Amritsar to Delhi.
10. With , By
‘with’ is used to denote an instrument and ‘by’ is used to denote an ‘agent’ or doer,
Examples:
1. He killed the snake with a stick.
2. He was killed by his enemy.
1. He killed the snake with a stick.
2. He was killed by his enemy.
11. Beside, Besides
‘Beside’ means by the side of , ‘Besides’ means in addition to
Examples:
1. Our house is beside the Post Office.
2. Besides hockey, he plays cricket.
1. Our house is beside the Post Office.
2. Besides hockey, he plays cricket.
12. Between, Among
‘Between’ is used for two persons or two things only.
‘Among’ is used for more than two.
‘Among’ is used for more than two.
Examples:
1. This secret is between you and me.
2. Distribute these mangoes among those students.
1. This secret is between you and me.
2. Distribute these mangoes among those students.
13. In, after (Time)
‘ln’ shows the close of future period while ‘after’ relates to the past.
Examples:
1. He will return in a month.
2. He returned from England after two months.
1. He will return in a month.
2. He returned from England after two months.
14. For, During (Time)
‘For’ is used for a period of time definite in length. It shows that the action continued for the whole time or period. ‘During’ is also used to denote a period of time. But its action can either last for the whole period or occur at sometime within the period .
Examples:
1. She worked for eight hours.
2. She was ill for a week and during that period she ate nothing.
1. She worked for eight hours.
2. She was ill for a week and during that period she ate nothing.
15. On, upon
‘On’ is generally used in speaking of things at rest, while upon is used to speak of things in motion or action.
Examples:
1. My cap is on the cot.
2. His pen is on the table.
3. My dog can Jump upon this wall.
1. My cap is on the cot.
2. His pen is on the table.
3. My dog can Jump upon this wall.
16. In, within
‘In’ expresses the close or end of some period, while ‘within’ denotes some
time short of the close.
time short of the close.
Examples:
1. I will return in two days. (at the end of two days.)
2. I will return within two days. (before the end of two days.)
1. I will return in two days. (at the end of two days.)
2. I will return within two days. (before the end of two days.)
17. About, On (Subjectmatter)
Examples:
1. He told me about his new plan.
2. He spoke on many problems faced by the country.
1. He told me about his new plan.
2. He spoke on many problems faced by the country.
18. With, of (material, ingredient)
Examples:
1. We can make a cake with eggs. (Here eggs are one of the ingredients)
2. This table is made of wood. (Wood is the only material used in making table.)
1. We can make a cake with eggs. (Here eggs are one of the ingredients)
2. This table is made of wood. (Wood is the only material used in making table.)
19. Over
‘Over’ may be used in several ways as under –
(i) Position : Hang my shirt ‘over’ the door.
(ii) Passage : We climbed over the wall.
(iii) Pervasive: He sprinkled water all over me.
(iv) Destination: He threw a black cloth over me.
(v) Resultative : At last we reached over the north of the hill.
(Vi)Orientation : She lived over the hill. (It means on the far side of the hill)
20. Relative Position through Prepositions:
(i) Vertical Relative Position is expressed by : above, below, over, underneath, beneath ,on the top.
(ii) Horizontal Relative Position is expressed by : behind, after, before, in front of
(i) Vertical Relative Position is expressed by : above, below, over, underneath, beneath ,on the top.
(ii) Horizontal Relative Position is expressed by : behind, after, before, in front of
_____________________
A word of advice to students
To expertise in the prepositions, you need to practice a lot. If you do so, these tricky words will automatically come to your mind while speaking or writing. That is why I have tried to put as many exercises for practice as possible. Enjoy reading.
EXERCISE – 1
1. We must abide ____ the decision of the referee.
2. The tank abound _____ fish.
3. I abstain _______ meat and drink.
4. We have, very kindly, acceded ______ his request.
5. We have an easy access _______ his house.
6. The servant was accused _____ stealing a ring.
7. Kushal was admitted ______ the 10th class.
8. Mr. Verma was addicted ____ drinking.
9. Little children are afraid ______ dogs.
10. The hunter aimed ______the tiger.
11. Sudha was alarmed ______ the sight of snake.
12. The clown amused the audience _____ his antics.
13. This book does not appeal _____me.
14. The Minister apologized ______arriving late.
15. No one can approve ______ such behavior.
16. The Minister assured me _____ help.
17. I was astonished ______his failure.
18. My brother will be angry _____me.
19. He was annoyed _____ Savita for her behavior.
20. I am not angry _____your behavior.
21. Sahil is backward _____ English.
22. We belong ____ this club.
23. Adish is bent _____ fighting.
24. The beggar is blind ______one eye.
25. Beware ____ pick-pockets.
26. Sudha is busy ______ her work.
27. We belong _____this work.
28. Anita backed _____her promise.
29. A daughter was born ____ her.
30. God blessed the King _____ a son.
__________________
EXERCISE – 2
1. The hungry man begged______ food.
2. She was born ______a poor family.
3. Mohan is born ______rich parents.
4. One should never boast _____ one’s accomplishments.
5. I borrowed a pen ______ her.
6. She pulled down the blind _____keep out light.
7. There was no one ____ care _____ the child.
8. Be careful _____ your health.
9. The doctor called _____the patient.
10. I shall call _____your house tomorrow.
11. She complained ______ the Principal against me.
12. The monitor has full control _____the class.
13. The child clings ____ her mother.
14. I am confident _____ his success.
15. The judge was convinced _____the guilt ____ the accused.
16. Examination will commence _____ the 10th April.
17. Life is compared _____ dream.
18. I sent a telegram ______congratulations _____ his wedding.
19. The bus collided ________ a jeep.
20. Our committee consists ______ five members.
21. Mothers have affection ______ their children.
22. We are thankful _____ God _____ His blessings.
23. I feel no appetite ______ food.
24. We are tired ______ you.
25. He has an easy access ______ his officer.
26. He was true _______his principles.
27. Pay great attention _______ English.
28. Is he unfit ______practical work.
29. You are vexed _________ me.
30. I have an advantage _______my enemy.
___________
EXERCISE – 3
1. He is safe ____ danger.
2. There is no alternative ____his plan.
3. Vikas is not reconciled _______ his lot.
4. They take care _______their health.
5. Your pen is similar _____ mine.
6. He has no confidence _______ me.
7. Rajinder is related ________ me.
8. We have nothing but contempt ______him.
9. Be respectful _________ your parents.
10. You have no authority ______ me in this matter.
11. He has no ambition ______ business.
12. Sita is very sensitive ______criticism.
13. I have no objection _________his joining this college.
14. We are short ________ money at present.
15. I am ready _______ tea.
16. He is ready ______ a reply.
17. He has no hope _____ an early recovery.
18. I am sick _______this nasty job.
19. She has no liking _______ needle work.
20. They are responsible _________ me ________ their plan.
21. He is a disgrace ________ his family.
22. Agra is famous ____________ its historical buildings.
23. Pt. Nehru was popular __________the people.
24. I have no hatred ________him.
25. He stands in need ________ money.
26. His face is familiar ______me.
27. We are familiar _________ the present state of trade.
28. I am grateful ______ you _____the timely help.
29. Are they not partial ________him?
30. She is quick ____________English.
_______________
EXERCISE – 4
1. I have full faith _____ you.
2. He has shown kindness ____me.
3. My pet dog is very faithful ______ me.
4. He is good ________ Chemistry.
5. I am overcome _____ hunger.
6. You are quick ________ solving sums.
7. Vikram has fondness _____ table-tennis.
8. I had an interview _______ the Headmaster.
9. Are we not entitled _______ patient hearing.
10. Monica is gifted _________ a sweet voice.
11. We oppose _____ the policy of yours.
12. Songs are _____ proper for this function.
13. She has no interest ______ studies.
14. He has no eagerness ______ anything.
15. She is engaged _______ my elder brother.
16. I felt glad ________ his success.
17. He was operated_____ for Cancer.
18. He is prompt ______ payment.
19. Your inquiry _____ the matter has proved useless.
20. You are not yet eligible _______ this post.
21. I am fortunate ________getting the first prize.
22. I am intent ________ saving his life.
23. The beggar was mistaken _______ a pick-pocket.
24. He is open ______ conviction.
25. Raju is proficient ______ Mathematics.
26. She takes pride _______ her wealth.
27. He has no taste ____ music.
28. He is not attentive ____ your lecture.
29. They are absorbed ________ study now.
30. I am disgusted _______ him.
____________
EXERCISE – 5
1. I am certain _____ my success.
2. The teacher was displeased ________him.
3. The book is full ________ errors.
4. Have pity ______ him.
5. I have no sympathy _______ him.
6. He is accused _____ theft.
7. We were amazed _______ his insolence.
8. Your activities are beneficial ______ society.
9. He is not destined ____ become a doctor.
10. We are now free _____ all cares.
11. I am eager _____ see you.
12. He is overwhelmed _____grief _____the death of his father.
13. Death is preferable ________ dishonor.
14. There is no scope _______ further extension.
15. He took defense __________ your remark.
16. He cast a slur _____me.
17. He is quite aware _____ his own shortcomings.
18. The old man is addicted _____ drinking.
19. Life is beset ______ difficulties.
20. I am not deaf _____ your entreaty.
21. He is still _____ bed.
22. We pray _____ God daily.
23. He is accused _____ theft.
24. He writes ________ a pencil.
25. We travel _____ train.
26. They travel _____ horse-back.
27. He will join us ______ the party ____6 o’clock.
28. I prefer tea ____ coffee.
29. He is not ashamed _____ this.
30. I took pity ______ the beggar.
______________
EXERCISE – 6
1. He is deaf ___my request.
2. Who deals ____ routine correspondence?
3. Can I depend ______your help?
4. He has no desire _____ fame.
5. Your book is different _____mine.
6. The old man died _____ cholera.
7. I have disposed ____ my car.
8. Sweety is devoid _____ common sense.
9. He was deprived _____ his share.
10. It is safe ____ deposit money ____ SBI.
11. Radha deals ____ plastic goods.
12. Try to distinguish _____a friend and a foe.
13. You look eager _____go home early.
14. She is not eligible _____ the post.
15. In what work are you engaged ____ present?
16. He does the work entrusted _____ him.
17. How would you escape _____the locked room?
18. I am envious his new car.
19. I enquired _____ Sudha about her father.
20. I never expected this ____you.
21. Rajni is expert _____ drawing.
22. I will exchange this book _____your pen.
23. This is an exception _____ this rule.
24. She is familiar ______me.
25. Patna is famous _____its temples.
26. Cows feed _____ grass.
27. Always feel ____ the poor.
28. I got a jar free _____a jar ____ face cream.
29. I am free ____ this work.
30. Fight _____your enemies.
____________
EXERCISE – 7
1. My son is fond _____candies.
2. Only a mean person will play false ____ his friends.
3. I stand ____ the sea –shore and gaze ____ the sea.
4. Who will give ______ the prizes?
5. I was very glad ___ know that you have won.
6. Sha has only just glanced ____ his letter.
7. Give ____ your bad habits.
8. I am grateful ___ you ____ your help.
9. Are you guilty ____ theft or not?
10. We are all greedy ____fortune’s favours.
11. Who was not grieved ____the death of Gandhi?
12. I am hard _____ these days.
13. We heard _____the theft only yesterday.
14. Have you hit ____ any solution yet?
15. There is every hope _____ victory.
16. Sudha hindered me ____ doing this work.
17. Who is the heir _____ all your property?
18. My mother is hard _____hearing.
19. He is ignorant ____ the facts.
20. The bride is ill ____ fever.
21. Don’t indulge _____ useless talks.
22. Inform him _____this accident.
23. He takes no interest ____playing games.
24. I was very impressed ____ his personality.
25. Have you invited her _____the party?
26. Let me introduce you ______ my friend Ritu.
27. Ram insisted ______my going to Patna.
28. We felt injured ____ not receiving an invitation of wedding.
29. I am indeed jealous ______your popularity.
30. My father is a judge _______the High- Court.
____________
EXERCISE – 8
1. Is your brother junior ____you?
2. I will join ________him in killing the lion.
3. Don’t jump _____ conclusions.
4. I saw all kind ____ people at the function.
5. The beggar knocked ____ the door.
6. She is known _____ me.
7. A man is known _____ the company he keeps.
8. Always keep _____ the left.
9. Industry is the key _____ success.
10. He is known ________his honesty.
11. The monkey was lame ____ leg.
12. Laughing is good ____ our health.
13. The PM led the country ______greater glory.
14. They live ____ Inderpuri.
15. I long _____ go on a holiday.
16. I have least liking _____ flattery.
17. Right path leads _____glory.
18. You are looking _____someone.
19. We should be loyal _____ him.
20. Please listen _____ me.
21. He is no match ______that beautiful girl.
22. Don’t meddle ____ the affairs of others.
23. Sita was married ____ Rama.
24. You are mixing _____people.
25. To get good marks, it is necessary ____ you to work hard.
26. There is a great need ______ field workers.
27. Ranga is notorious ______ stealing.
28. You will be dismissed if you are neglectful ____ your duty.
29. This artist is noted ______ new creations.
30. I object _______your rude remarks.
_____________
EXERCISE – 9
1. I am obliged ________ you for your help.
2. You are opposite ___ your brother.
3. What is the object ____ your trip?
4. Dashrath was overwhelmed _____ grief at Rama’s exile.
5. Salma parted _____her parents with tears.
6. Can’t you part ____ this pen?
7. He is playing ____ flute.
8. I shall be pleased ____ help you.
9. Some leaders are popular _____ their voters.
10. Be obedient ______ your parents.
11. I shall abide ____ my promise.
12. The river abounds ____ fish.
13. He is absorbed ____his studies.
14. You should abstain _____meat.
15. Mohan was absent ____ the school yesterday.
16. You should act ____ the advice of your father.
17. He acceded _____ my request.
18. I have no access _____ the Principal.
19. I will try to act according _____your advice.
20. The old man was accused _____ theft.
21. He is accustomed _______ hard life.
22. He was admitted ____school.
23. Your conduct does not ____ any excuse.
24. He has been admitted _____ the house.
25. He has been acquitted _____ murder.
26. He is addicted _____ drinking.
27. The guest team had an advantage _____ the host team.
28. Don’t take advantage _____ the weakness of others.
29. The hunter aimed ____ the lion.
30. She is angry ____ me ____ my behavior.
_______________
EXERCISE – 10
1. I am anxious ____ know of his health.
2. I apologized _____the Principal ____ my behavior.
3. He was appointed ___ the post ___ Deputy Commissioner.
4. My sister has an aptitude _____ painting.
5. He applied ____ the Principal ____ a job.
6. The culprit appealed ____ the Judge ____ mercy.
7. The train arrived _____ the platform.
8. He arrived ____ here yesterday.
9. He is ashamed ____ his folly.
10. The Principal gave his assent ____ my request.
11. Do you approve _____ my plan?
12. I assured him _____my help.
13. I agree ___ you _____ this point.
14. He attended _____ his sick mother.
15. Please attend ____ me.
16. He has an attachment ____ his mother.
17. He has no affection ____ you.
18. Our Principal is very affectionate ____ all of us.
19. She was alarmed ______ the news.
20. We should be alive _____ our duties.
21. The stadium was alive _____ people.
22. The selfless workers are not ambitious ____ name or fame.
23. I am amazed _____ your performance.
24. The clown amused the people _____ his tricks.
25. I have no ambition _____life.
26. He was annoyed _____the remarks.
27. They are afraid ____ their teachers.
28. I was astonished _____ his conduct.
29. I availed myself ______the chance.
30. We should be aware ______ our shortcomings
___________________
ANSWERS
EXERCISE – 1
| 1. by | 7. to | 13. to | 19. with | 25. of |
| 2. in | 8. to | 14. for | 20. at | 26. with |
| 3. from | 9. of | 15. of | 21. in | 27. to |
| 4. to | 10. at | 16. of | 22. to | 28. out |
| 5. to | 11. at | 17. at | 23. on | 29. to |
| 6. of | 12. with | 18. with | 24. of | 30. with |
| |
EXERCISE – 2
| 1. for | 7. to , for | 13. to | 19. with | 25. to |
| 2. in | 8. of | 14. of | 20. of | 26. to |
| 3. of | 9. on | 15. of , of | 21. for | 27. to |
| 4. of | 10. at | 16. on | 22. to ,for | 28. for |
| 5. from | 11. to | 17. to | 23. for | 29. with |
| 6. to | 12. over | 18. of , on | 24. of | 30. over |
EXERCISE – 3
| 1. from | 7. to | 13. to | 19. for | 25. of |
| 2. to | 8. for | 14. of | 20. to , for | 26. to |
| 3. to | 9. to | 15. for | 21. to | 27. with |
| 4. of | 10. over | 16. with | 22. for | 28. to , for |
| 5. to | 11. for | 17. of | 23. with | 29. to |
| 6. in | 12. to | 18. of | 24. for | 30. at |
EXERCISE – 4
| 1. in | 7. for | 13. in | 19. into | 25. in |
| 2. to | 8. with | 14. for | 20. for | 26. in |
| 3. to | 9. to | 15. to | 21. in | 27. for |
| 4. at | 10. with | 16. at | 22. on | 28. to |
| 5. by | 11. to | 17. upon | 23. for | 29. in |
| 6. at | 12. for | 18. in | 24. to | 30. with |
EXERCISE – 5
| 1. of | 7. at | 13. to | 19. with | 25. by |
| 2. with | 8. to | 14. for | 20. to | 26. on |
| 3. of | 9. to | 15. to | 21. in | 27. at , at |
| 4. on | 10. from | 16. on | 22. to | 28. to |
| 5. for | 11. to | 17. of | 23. of | 29. of |
| 6. of | 12. with, at | 18. to | 24. with | 30. on |
EXERCISE – 6
| 1. to | 7. of | 13. to | 19. of | 25. for |
| 2. with | 8. of | 14. for | 20. of | 26. on |
| 3. upon | 9. of | 15. at | 21. in | 27. for |
| 4. for | 10. to, with | 16. to | 22. for | 28. with, of |
| 5. from | 11. in | 17. from | 23. to | 29. from |
| 6. of | 12.between | 18. of | 24. with | 30. with |
EXERCISE – 7
| 1. of | 7. up | 13. of | 19. of | 25. to |
| 2. with | 8. to , for | 14. upon | 20. with | 26. to |
| 3. at , at | 9. of | 15. for | 21. in | 27. on |
| 4. away | 10. for | 16. from | 22. of | 28. at |
| 5. to | 11. at | 17. to | 23. in | 29. of |
| 6. at | 12.up | 18. of | 24. by | 30. of |
EXERCISE – 8
| 1. to | 7. by | 13. to | 19. to | 25. for |
| 2. with | 8. to | 14. at | 20. to | 26. for |
| 3. to | 9. to | 15. to | 21. for | 27. for |
| 4. of | 10. for | 16. for | 22. with | 28. of |
| 5. at | 11. of | 17. to | 23. to | 29. for |
| 6. to | 12.for | 18. for | 24. with | 30. to |
EXERCISE – 9
| 1. to | 7. on | 13. in | 19. to | 25. of |
| 2. of | 8. to | 14. from | 20. of | 26. to |
| 3. of | 9. with | 15. from | 21. to | 27. over |
| 4. with | 10. to | 16. upon | 22. to | 28. of |
| 5. from | 11. by | 17. to | 23. of | 29. at |
| 6. with | 12. in | 18. to | 24. into | 30. with, at |
EXERCISE – 10
| 1. to | 7. at | 13. with ,on | 19. at | 25. in |
| 2. to , for | 8. in | 14. on | 20. to | 26. at |
| 3. to , of | 9. of | 15. to | 21. with | 27. of |
| 4. for | 10. to | 16. to | 22. of | 28. at |
| 5. to , for | 11. of | 17. for | 23. at | 29. of |
| 6. to , for | 12. of | 18. to | 24. with | 30. of |
