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A1 · BeginnerEnglish

Common Prepositions

About 2 min read 6 vocabulary words
Common prepositions (with, for, from…)

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).

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Common prepositions (with, for, from…)

A1

Common prepositions

6 words
to
A2
from
A2

preposition

Used to indicate the starting point of a physical movement or the source of something.

I received a letter from my friend.

with
A1

preposition

Used to indicate a relationship between two entities, often showing accompaniment or association.

I went to the park with my friends.

for
A1

preposition

Used to indicate the purpose or reason for something.

I bought a gift for my friend.

of
A1

preposition

Used to indicate belonging, origin, or the relationship between two things.

This book is a gift of my grandmother.

by
A2

preposition

Used to indicate the agent performing an action

The book was written by J.K. Rowling.

Last updated May 27, 2026