Common Prepositions

1. What Is a Preposition?

A preposition is a small word (like in, on, to) that gives extra information about place, time, or direction, or shows a link like with someone or of something.

Examples:

• The book is on the table.
• I go to school.
• She is with her friend.

2. Very Common Prepositions

Some prepositions are used very often in everyday English:

• to: movement or direction
  • I go to work.
• from: starting place
  • I come from South Africa.
• with: together / not alone
  • She is with her sister.
• for: for someone (recipient)
  • This gift is for you.
• for: for a time (duration)
  • We stay here for two days.
• of: part of / belonging to
  • A cup of tea.
• by: who did it
  • This cake is made by my mum.
• by: how (method)
  • I travel by bus.
• Extra (common in speaking): by = next to
  • Sit by me.

3. Prepositions and Nouns

A preposition is usually followed by:

• a noun
• a pronoun

Examples:

• on the table
• with my friend

In speaking, we often put the preposition at the end of a question:

• Who is she with?

4. Easy Tip to Remember

A preposition answers questions like:

• Where?
• When?
• With what?
• To where?

Common prepositions: to (direction), from (start), with (together), for (recipient/time), of (part/belonging), by (who/how).