Common Prepositions

Beginner (A1)en

Common prepositions (with, for, from…)

Common Prepositions

1. What Is a Preposition?
A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between words in a sentence.
It often tells us where, when, or how something happens.

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 (where someone or something goes)
I go to work.
from → where someone or something starts
I come from South Africa.
with → together / not alone
She is with her sister.
for → purpose or duration
This gift is for you.

I have been doing it for two years.

of → belonging to something or part of something
A cup of tea.
by → who did something / transport
The book is written by her.
I travel by bus.

3. Prepositions Always Come Before a Noun
A preposition is usually followed by:

a noun
a pronoun
a noun phrase

Examples:

on the table
with my friend
at home

4. Easy Tip to Remember
A preposition answers questions like:

Where?
When?
With what?
To where?

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Common prepositions (with, for, from…)

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Related Vocabulary

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Common prepositions (with, for, from…)

Common prepositions

7 words

to

from

preposition

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

I received a letter from my friend.

with

preposition

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

I went to the park with my friends.

without

for

preposition

Used to indicate the purpose or reason for something.

I bought a gift for my friend.

of

preposition

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

This book is a gift of my grandmother.

by

preposition

Used to indicate the agent performing an action

The book was written by J.K. Rowling.