Prepositions

What is a Preposition?

A preposition is a word that joins a noun or pronoun to another word in the sentence and often shows time, place, direction, and manner. A prepositional phrase always begins with a preposition and ends with a noun. This noun is the object of the preposition.

Prepositions Introduce Prepositional Phrases:

Ex: In the hot sun by the edge of the water, a small turtle lies perfectly still.

Prepositions Function as Either Adverbs or Adjectives:

Ex (prepositional adverb phrase): Margot and Marcy sailed down the river.

down the river tells where they sailed.

Ex (prepositional adjective phrase): Madeline prefers a blouse with some color.

with some color describes the noun “blouse.”

Common Prepositions:

about beyond onto

above by outside

across concerning over

against despite regarding

along down since

alongside during through

amid except throughout

among for to

around from toward

at in under

before inside underneath

behind into until

below like up

beneath near upon

beside of with

between off within

but (meaning except) on without

Remember:

A preposition is a word that joins a noun or pronoun to another word in the sentence and often shows time, place, direction, and manner.