PREPOSITIONS REVISION

Prepositions are mostly small single words used before a noun (at home), a
noun phrase (across the river) or a pronoun (for you). They may also consist of two or
more words acting as a single preposition called compound preposition
(according to, due to, instead of) . The prepositions are used to form relationships
between the nouns and other words in a sentence by linking them.

There are many prepositions, most of which are single-word such as above, along,
behind, from, near, of, on, since, to, until, and with.

A preposition is followed by a noun, noun phrase, or pronoun, each of which

becomes the object of the preposition. Only the noun can be the object; other parts of
speech such as verb, adjective, or adverb cannot be the object. For example:

o We woke up before sunrise.

(The noun sunrise is the object of the preposition before.)
o We often stroll along the beach.
(The noun phrase the beach is the object of the preposition along.)
o She waved to him.  
(The pronoun him is the object of the preposition to.)

Sentences without preposition are meaningless 

Prepositions are one of the eight parts of speech. It plays an important role in
forming the relationship between words in a sentence. Without it sentences become
meaningless. For example:

o With preposition: Her mother is in the hospital.

o Without preposition: Her mother is the hospital.

o With preposition: I'm flying to London tomorrow.

o Without preposition: I'm flying London tomorrow. (London is a kite?) 

Removal of preposition
Sometimes a preposition does not form a necessary part of a sentence. It can be
removed without affecting the meaning of the sentence. For example:

o You can go if you want to.

o You can go if you want.

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o There is nothing to be afraid of.
o There is nothing to be afraid.

Different types of prepositions

The different types of prepositions are used to provide us with different information
with regards to time (prepositions of time), place (prepositions of place), and direction
(prepositions of movement). Besides these three, there are others: prepositions of
manner and prepositions of cause and reason. The same preposition however can be
used for the different divisions into time, place and direction.

Different prepositions used to show time or place or direction.

For example:

o I shall meet you at 2 o’clock tomorrow. (Indicates time: at 2 o’clock)

o The kettle is on the table. (Indicates a place or position: on the table)
o We walked to/towards the cinema. (Indicates direction: to/towards the
cinema)

Same preposition used to show time or place or direction

For example:

o I shall meet you at 2 o’clock on Sunday. (Indicates time)

o We will wait for you at the entrance of the cinema. (Indicates place)
o A stranger pointed at the moon. (Indicates direction)

I. PREPOSITIONS OF TIME

Prepositions of time indicate the time and date or the period of time that
something happens. 

AT

We use at with times: at 5 o'clock - at 11.45 - at midnight - at lunchtime

For example: Sally usually gets up at 7 o'clock.

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We use at in these expressions: at night - at Christmas - at the moment / at present -
at the same time - at weekends - at the age of...

ON

We use on with dates and days: on 12 March - on Friday(s) - on Friday morning(s) -

on Sunday afternoon(s) - on Saturday night(s) - on Christmas Day (but at Christmas)

IN

We use in for longer periods of time: in April - in 1986 - in winter - in the 19th

century - in the 1970s - in the morning(s) / in the afternoon(s) / in the evening(s)

In + period of time = a time in the future:

For example: Jack will be back in a week.
The train will leave in a few minutes.

In + how long it takes to do something

For example: I learned to drive in six months.

DURING

We use during + noun to say when something happens: during the film - during
our holiday - during the night
For example: We met a lot of interesting people during our holiday.
I fell asleep during the film.

FOR

We use for + a period of time expressing duration: for six years - for two hours -
for a week
For example: I've lived in this house for six years.
They have been watching Netflix for two hours.

SINCE

We use since + a starting point, a specific time: since April - since 1992 –
since 8 o' clock
For example: It has been raining since one o' clock.
They've known each other since they were at school.

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UNTIL

We use until/till to say how long a situation continues: 

For example: Let's wait until it stops raining.
I stayed in bed until half past nine.

FROM - TO

We use from - to + beginning and end of a period

For example: Last evening we studied from 5 to 8 o' clock.

EXERCISES

Match the following structures using the prepositions as the linkers to make
meaningful sentences and write them down below.

1. We were in Australia 2006.

2. We are staying in Nice the 23rd.
AT
3. The concert went on two in the morning.
4. He felt nervous the exam.
ON
5. They have lived there 20 years.
6. It gets cold IN night.
7. The work won’t be Friday.
DURING
complete
8. The meeting is 7th April.
FOR
9. It often snows December.
10. They’ve been in Spain SINCE last Saturday.

UNTIL

1. ____________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________
4. ____________________________________________________
5. ____________________________________________________
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6. ____________________________________________________
7. ____________________________________________________
8. ____________________________________________________
9. ____________________________________________________
10. ____________________________________________________

Complete the blanks with the prepositions: in, on, at, in, for, since, during or until.

1. Let's wait _______ it stops raining.

2. He's been playing football _______ ten years.
3. I like going to the beach _______ summer.
4. I saw them _______ 5:30 pm.
5. I watched a thrilling movie _______ Friday.
6. I've been in Paris _______ a week.
7. They've been on vacation _______ last Saturday.
8. Yesterday we worked in the garden _______ sunset.
9. Can you help me _______ the afternoon?
10. I haven't seen them _______ Christmas.
11. Let's meet again _______ two days.
12. We don't have any plans _______ Sunday.
13. I nearly fell asleep _______ the meeting.
14. They have worked in the kitchen _______ an hour.
15. I'll call her _______ the evening.

Make sentences using the prepositions of time taking into account the cues given.

1. Think of a situation where you need to be at certain hour somewhere. (at)

2. Think of an event you have on a certain day of the week. (on)
3. Think of something you've learned and how much it took you to learn it. (in)
4. Think of an action that took place while something else was already happening.
(during)
5. Think of an action that had a certain duration and then ended. (for)
6. Think of an action that started at one point and that it is still happening. (since)
7. Think of an action that is still going but has an ending point. (until)

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Read the following news article and search for the prepositions of time used.

Emotional Support Dog Attacks American Airlines Flight Attendant

On Monday 24th July it was witnessed an unusual incident aboard American

Airlines flight A3506, as one passenger’s emotional support dog bit a flight attendant.
The American Eagle flight aboard an Embraer EMB-175 had departed from Dallas-Fort
Worth and was heading to Greensboro, NC. when the attack occurred.
The unnamed flight attendant from American Airlines subsidiary Envoy Air required
five stitches to his hand when he returned to Dallas-Fort Worth International. He had
been previously examined upon arrival in Greensboro and cleared of any need for
medical aid.
As reported by Live and Lets Fly, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA
responded to the incident by urging the US Department of Transportation to further
increase regulation of support animals for the safety of flight attendants at work. The
latest incident follows tighter emotional support animal regulations this year from
many US airlines.

But Monday’s incident is not the first to trigger debate about the airline policy
towards support animals. Back in June 2017, a passenger aboard a Delta flight from
Atlanta to San Diego was attacked by another passenger’s emotional support dog.
A young girl also received a minor injury from an emotional support dog in February
2018, whilst boarding a Southwest Airlines flight from Phoenix to Portland, OR.
These incidents spurred a number of airlines to tighten regulations around
emotional support animals. Delta updated its emotional support animal policy in 2018,
requiring all passengers to produce a valid animal training form at least 48 hours
before their flight.

Write three sentences about the article using the following prepositions of time: during,
for and since.

1. ____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________

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Take a look at the conversation and complete the blanks with the missing
prepositions of time.

Conversation: Careers week

Daisy is at home. She has a note for her mother Sophie from the headmaster...

Daisy: Hi, Mum. How's it going?

Sophie: Fine. Thanks, honey. How was school?
Daisy: Good. I've got a not for you from Mr. Oliveira.
Sophie: Who's Mr. Oliveira? Your Portuguese teacher?
Daisy: I don't study Portuguese, Mum. You know that.
Sophie: True. But you could. It's a very useful language. They speak it in Brazil.
Daisy: Mum, he's the new headmaster at college. And he isn't Portuguese - or
Brazilian. He's British. But I think he said his parents are from Goa.
Sophie: Goa? Wow. The headmaster... Ah, yes, I remember him. I met him
____ Christmas when I went to your school for that concert. ____ December.
Anyway, a very nice man, yes.
Daisy: Mum...
Sophie: It would be good to speak to him about his parents' country. I could
interview him, then visit Goa ____ summer... no, too hot, maybe ____
autumn...
Daisy: Well, he'd like to see you again too.
Sophie: Really?
Daisy: He wants you to go into school ____ Monday or Tuesday next week.
Sophie: Oh? Have you done something wrong?
Daisy: No, of course not! You know me. He wants to ask you if you can give a
talk about your work and your blog, your travels, that sort of thing.
One day ____ April, ____ Careers Week.
Sophie: So ____ Monday or Tuesday? What time?
Daisy: ____ the afternoon or ____ the early evening. ____ 5 o'clock, if you
can.
Sophie: Hmm. I can go ____ half past four ____ Tuesday, if that's okay.
Daisy: I'll ask.
Sophie: Let me see. I'm away in Moscow ____ three days ____ April... But

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____ your school holidays. I think, I'm going to Russia to write about traditions
____ Easter - oh, and then I'm away ____ the end of the month.
But I'm at home ____ two or three weeks. I can't go ____ Monday evening,
because I have a tai chi class and then I have to work ____ night. I have a video
call ____ midnight... Yes, definitely. I'll go in ____ Tuesday afternoon.
Daisy: Can you write a note or send him an email, please?
Sophie: I'll phone him ____ the day tomorrow. I'm free ____ a few hours
____ the morning.
Daisy: Okay. I'll tell him. Where are you?
Sophie: Here in town. I'm at the travel agent's. I'm chatting to your friend Jenna
- I hadn't seen her ____ months! I didn't know she was working here; she's
organising my flights to Russia. Do you want to speak to her?
Daisy: No, it's okay. I'll see her ____ the weekend. We're going to a party ____
Saturday night.
Sophie: Okay, well, I'll be home ____ about an hour - ____ about 7 o'clock
probably.
Pizza and a DVD tonight?
Daisy: Cool! Yes! Let's get a horror movie! I'll call Oliver - he finishes class ____
a few minutes. See you later!

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II. PREPOSITIONS OF PLACE

Prepositions of place indicate where something is or where something happens

(across, in, inside, on, outside, under). For example:

o The newly built bridge across the river has just collapsed.

o His alarm clock went off twice and he is still snoring in bed.
o There was something like a snake or a rope inside the dark cage.
o There was a big fly on the bull’s nose.
o I fell asleep while waiting outside the clinic for my turn.

Prepositions of place also tell us the position of something in relation to another with
such words as behind, beside, between, in front, and near. For example:

o Behind his farmhouse, there was a large scary scarecrow.  

o I sat beside screaming children in the cinema.

o There is a small age gap between my brother and I.
o Someone parked a tractor in front of our house.
o Please, don’t come near me; I have a bad cold.

AT - IN - ON: General Information

AT
We use at for a point: at the window - at the entrance - at the door - at the end of the
street - at the station - at the top
For example: Bill is waiting for you at the bus stop.

ON
We use on for a surface: on the wall - on the ceiling - on the floor - on a page - on a
cover
For example: Have you seen the notice on the notice board?

IN
We use in for an enclosed space: in the garden - in the house - in London - in the
water - in her bag - in a row - in a town
For example: There is nobody in the room. She lives in a small village.

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Special Information

AT
1. We say that someone is at an event: at a party - at a pop concert - at a conference - at
a meeting. For example: Tom is at a party.

2. We say at with buildings when we say where the event (film, concert, conference)

takes place. For example: Where were you yesterday? At the cinema.
The meeting took place at the headquarters.

3. We say at someone's house. For example: We were at Hannah's house last

Thursday.

4. We say at for a place which is a part of our journey. For example: We stopped
at a very nice village.
Does the train stop at Nashville?

ON
1. We use on with small islands. For example: She spent her holiday on a small
island.

2. We say that a place is on the coast / on a river / on a road. For example:
London is on the river Thames.
Portsmouth is on the south coast of England.

IN
1. We say in when we talk about a building itself. For example: The rooms in
Morgan’s house are small.

2. We usually say in with towns and villages. For example: Alex’s parents live in

York.

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Note these expressions
AT
at home - at work - at school - at university - at college - at the station - at an airport - at
the seaside - at sea (on a voyage) - at reception - at the corner of a street - at the back /
front of a building / cinema / group of people, etc. - arrive at with other places or
events

IN
in the newspaper - in bed - in hospital - in prison - in the street - in the sky - in an
armchair (sit) - in a photograph - in a picture - in a mirror - in the corner of a room - in
the back / front of a car - arrive in a country or town

ON
on a farm - on the left - on the right - on the ground floor - on the first, second,... floor -
on the way - on the chair (sit) - on the radio - on television - on a horse - on the corner
of a street - on the back / front of a letter / piece of paper

TO - BY
TO
We say go / come / travel / fly / walk / return / drive / have been to a place or event.
For example: Last year we flew to London.
We drove to work at seven.

BY
We say by to say how we travel. For example: We went to Paris by plane.
I usually go to work by bike / by car / by underground / by bus.

BUT:
We say on foot.
We cannot use by if you say my car / the train / a taxi.
We use in for taxis and cars. For example: I was in a taxi when she called me.
We use on for bike / public transport. For example: I rode to school on my bike.
Most prepositions of place show the positional relationships that different
objects have. These prepositions could be self-explanatory and easy to
understand, however, there are some that are used idiomatically.

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ABOVE
It means “in a higher place in relation to something else”. For example: She
lives in the apartment above the shop.

ACROSS
It means “on the opposite side of something”. For example: Their family lives
across the street from us.

AGAINST
It means “to touch something directly; having contact”. For example: Don't leave your
bicycle leaning against the car again!

ALONG
It refers to “something placed by the side of something else”. For example: In case of
accidents there are emergency telephones all along the tunnel.

ALONGSIDE 
It refers to “a position next to something”. For example: The two runners ran
alongside each other as they approached the finish line.

AROUND
It means “near; in the vicinity”. For example: There’s a supermarket around here
somewhere I seem to recall.

BEHIND
It means “in the back of something”. For example: There is an ambulance behind our
car.

BELOW
It means “in a lower place in relation to something else”. For example: The coats are in
the cupboard below the stairs.

BESIDE, NEXT TO
It means “at the side of, in the region of, close”. For example:
Cotton has been cultivated beside the Nile river for centuries.

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 She bought a house next to the cemetery because she wanted quiet neighbors.

BETWEEN
It means “in an intermediate space”. For example: She is there between Anna and
Danielle.

IN FRONT OF
It means “directly before or ahead of”. For example: Caroline sits in front of me in Art
class.

ON THE LEFT / RIGHT OF 

It means “immediately next to; on one side or the other”. For example: These are our
wedding pictures. My brother's on the left of my dad in this picture.

OPPOSITE
It means “occupying an opposing position to something else”. For example: My house
is opposite the post office.

NEAR 
It means “in the vicinity, or area, of”. For example: We live near the airport.

TOWARDS
It means “close to; near”. For example: Towards the end of the journey I got really
tired.

UNDER
It refers to “a position below or beneath something”. For example: The important files
were under all the big folders.

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EXERCISES

Match the following structures using the prepositions as the linkers to make
meaningful sentences and write them down below.

1. He grew up the city, not in it.

2. His dog walked AT him as they strolled down the
boardwalk.
ON
3. The book is here somewhere, i know it.
4. Wine is cultivated here IN the river.
5. Cassie felt melancholic the end of her long trip.
6. You can see all the members ALONGSIDE this photograph.
of our staff
7. Where are those letters I left AROUND my desk?
8. Don’t sit this stool, it’s broken!
BESIDE
9. There is another entrance the back of the building.
10. They stayed NEAR all weekend.

TOWARDS

1. ____________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________
4. ____________________________________________________
5. ____________________________________________________
6. ____________________________________________________
7. ____________________________________________________
8. ____________________________________________________
9. ____________________________________________________
10. ____________________________________________________

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Complete the text with the following prepositions of place: at, near, on, in

London City Airport has updated its image with the launch of a new brand identity that
seeks to position the airport firmly ______ the heart of London. The literal approach
sees the word London arranged in vivid typeface centred ______ the letter ‘O’, which
also houses a heart motif in reference to the airport’s central location within the heart
of the capital.
Deeper meaning is attributed to the choice of colours with blue representing the
historic Royal Docks, ______ the River Thames, and green representing parks and
green spaces within the capital.
Neil Dillon, marketing director at London City Airport, commented: “The brand-new
look is engaging and emotive, with design cues which reflect our location, our role
______ London and our evolving customer base.
“The new design is much more fitting for our 21st century airport ______ the world’s
greatest city and this sentiment has resonated in our research with existing and new
customers. From a design perspective, the new branding is agile and has huge creative
potential for interaction with different mediums and spaces, both now and in our future
terminal building.”

Choose the right preposition to fill the blank of the sentence.

1. We are going ____ holiday next week.

a) at b) on c) in
2. Who is that person ____ this picture?
a) at b) on c) in
3. The table is below the window. The window is _____ the table.
a) behind b) above c) between
4. Alex is _____ Steve and David.
a) below b) by c) between
5. Brenda is in front of Gina. Gina is _____ Brenda.
a) behind b) beside c) above
6. I live _____ 25 Cambridge Road.
a) at b) on c) in
7. I like to arrive _____ the airport before check-in time.
a) at b) on c) in

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8. On Sundays, I like to sit ______ the sofa and read a book.
a) at b) on c) in
9. I would like to visit a country that lies _____ the equator.
a) at b) on c) in
10. Do you like living _____ a busy road?
a) at b) on c) in

Look at the picture of the kitchen and complete with the best preposition for each
sentence: across from, next to, between, beside, under, near, above, in front of, on, in

1. The stove is _____ the toaster.

2. The pot is _____ the pan.
3. The kettle is _____ the microwave.
4. The pot is _____ the stove.
5. The cabinets are _____ the sink.
6. The dishes are _____ the cabinet.
7. The kettle is _____ the microwave and the fridge.
8. The fridge is _____ the stove.
9. The toaster is _____ the stove.
10. The sink is _____ the cabinets.

1. Take a look at the pictures and talk about the things you can name on a surface.
2. Take a look at the pictures and talk about the things you can name that are between
something or someone else.
3. Take a look at the pictures and talk about the things you can name that are next or
beside each other.
4. Take a look at the pictures and talk about the things you can name that are on the
left and on the right of something or someone else.
5. Take a look at the pictures and talk about the things you can name that are near
something or someone else.
6. Take a look at the pictures and talk about the things you can name that are above or
below something else.

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Listen to the song by Jessie J and complete all the prepositions that are missing.

“Flashlight” lyrics by Jessie J

When tomorrow comes

I'll be ___ my own
Feeling frightened ___
The things that I don't know
When tomorrow comes
Tomorrow comes
Tomorrow comes

And though the road is long

I look ___ to the sky
And ___ the dark I found, lost hope that I won't fly
And I sing along, I sing along, and I sing along

I got all I need when I got you and I

I look _______ me, and see a sweet life
I'm stuck ___ the dark but you're my flashlight
You're getting me, getting me, through the night
Kick start my heart when you shine it ___ my eyes
Can't lie, it's a sweet life
Stuck in the dark but you're my flashlight
You're getting me, getting me, through the night
'Cause you're my flashlight
You're my flashlight, you're my flashlight

I see the shadows long _______ the mountain top

I'm not afraid when the rain won't stop
'Cause you light the way
You light the way,

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You light the way
I got all I need when I got you and I
I look _______ me, and see a sweet life
I'm stuck ___ the dark but you're my flashlight
You're getting me, getting me, through the night
Kick start my heart when you shine it ___ my eyes
Can't lie, it's a sweet life
Stuck in the dark but you're my flashlight
You're getting me, getting me, through the night

I got all I need when I got you and I

I look _______ me, and see a sweet life
I'm stuck ___ the dark but you're my flashlight
You're getting me, getting me, through the night
Kick start my heart when you shine it ___ my eyes
Can't lie, it's a sweet life
Stuck in the dark but you're my flashlight
You're getting me, getting me, through the night
'Cause you're my flashlight
You're my flashlight, you're my flashlight

You're my flashlight

Match the structures with preposition found in the song with a structure that has the
same meaning in the chart taking into account the context.

1. on my own a. raise your glance upwards

2. to feel frightened of sth b. in complete shadows
3. look up to the sky c. to be scared or afraid of sth
4. in the dark d. gaze at your surroundings
5. look around e. in front of me
6. in my eyes f. under or below sth
7. beneath sth g. alone

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Pick three of them and think of an example sentence where you can use them in.

III. PREPOSITIONS OF DIRECTION

Prepositions of direction indicate that something is headed for or directed to

somewhere. Prepositions of direction include prepositions such as into,
on, onto, through, to, toward.  For example:

o We watched the bus disappear into the tunnel.

o She must have put the pumpkin onto someone else’s trolley in the
supermarket.
o The bullet had gone through his head, but he survived.
o The snake slithered toward the swamp.

Prepositions of direction can be classified into simple or compound prepositions. There

are various examples of prepositions of direction and each has its unique application in
a sentence.

TO
It is used to show movement, action or condition suggesting movement in the direction
of a place, a thing or a person. We use to to show destination or indicate an action.
This preposition can be used with other phrases in a sentence to bring out specific
meaning or stand by itself and still bring logic. For instance, you can use onto to signify
movement to a particular surface or into to indicate getting to an interior of something.
For example: I go to work by car.
They travel to the site every evening to check the progress of their project.
They used to go to the mountains during the holidays.

INTO
This is a directional preposition indicating movement into an enclosed place or object.
For example: The students walked into the cave to study its history.
Suddenly they entered into a room filled with unknown people.

ONTO
This preposition indicates a surface and not an enclosed place. It should be used while
describing movement in an open place. For example: The waves swiped the boat from
19
the sea onto the shore easily.
The luggage was packed onto the truck.

Some of the prepositions of direction are easily confused yet they have very similar
meanings.

INTO vs IN TO
The preposition into indicates movement or an action and it means “to the interior of
something”. It answers the question where? For example: After this realization, they
went into the laboratory to keep working on their project.
On the other hand, in to appears in a verb phrase and therefore in acts as an adverb
while to is the preposition. For example: The rescuers went back in to save the
survivors.

ONTO vs ON TO
The preposition onto is used to mean upon or something landed on. For example: The
dog jumped onto the floor. (meaning “the dog landed on the floor”).
On the other hand, on to comes with a different meaning altogether because on in this
case is used as an adverb while to is the preposition. For example: The driver was
holding on to the steering wheel when the car started skidding.

TOWARDS
This preposition specifies the destination that one is heading to. You may be moving to
a certain direction but do not specify the destination that you are headed, so towards is
used to indicate the direction and destination by associating the movement with the
destination. For example: I had to run towards the shelter when it started raining.
The network of communication improves as you get towards the city.

The prepositions mentioned above are the main prepositions of movement, however
there are some other prepositions which also bring the impression of movement to a
specific direction. Some of these are:

ACROSS
This preposition means “to move from one side to another”. In other words, there has
to be two points that are beside each other so that it comes in as the bridging for the

20
two. For example: When you travel to those countries you need to get a boat to take
you across the ocean.
The zebra crossing is usually white paintings across the road.

ALONG
This preposition indicates movement of something or somebody in a certain line. It is
used while describing a certain length that something covers in a line. For example:
This vegetable is planted along the river to obtain sufficient water for its
development.
The cattle grazed along the road.

AROUND
This preposition is used to indicate movement in a circular direction. For example:
Some of these people walked around the park with the help of a guide.
This bus moves around the city picking up passengers.

DOWN
This preposition is used to show the elevation of the direction that something is going.
For example: He had an accident while running down the valley.
I prefer riding down the hill because it’s less tiresome.

OFF
This preposition is used to indicate physical separation or distance from a position of
rest, attachment or union. For example: The manager was asked to get the car off the
road due to its condition.
The students were asked to get off the train when it reached the right station.

OVER
This preposition is used to show two directions at the same time: moving up and in a
forward direction. For example: The horse jumped over the fence when the fire started.
To reach that house you need to cross over the bridge to the next village.

PAST
This preposition is used to indicate a direction beyond something. It is derived from the
word passing. For example: We moved past the hill before we encountered the raiders.
You will find that city just past the main highway.

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THROUGH
This preposition is used to indicate movement into at one side or point and out at
another. For example: We had to pass through the tunnel to reach the safety room.
If you follow that pathway through the forest, you will find the cabin.

UP
This preposition indicates vertical movement from the ground in whichever elevation.
For example: They climbed up the mountain during their hike to Mount Everest.
When they didn’t notice, the dog went up the stairs.

EXERCISES

Match the following structures using the prepositions as the linkers to make
meaningful sentences and write them down below.

1. Last Friday night we went a pizza place in Milan.

2. The group of people stepped the building making a lot of
noise.
3. When she heard the news, she her computer to check the
ACROSS
rushed information.
4. The athletes swam the river to reach the other
AROUND
coast.
5. We started looking to see if we could find the lost
DOWN
object.
6. It was an awful day as the rain in buckets.
INTO
was coming
7. After the field day she arrived her muddy boots.
OFF
home and took
8. His friends asked him to come when they waved in his
OVER
direction.
9. She had to walk her grandparents' house to
PAST
reach her destination.
10. They were all excited looking the windows when the storm
THROUGH stopped.

TO

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1. ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

3. ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
4. ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
5. ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
6. ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
7. ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
8. ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
9. ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
10. ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

Choose the right preposition to complete the instructions to get to the destination.

1. Go _____ the newsagent’s and carry on until you come to a bridge.

a) across b) past c) over
2. Go _____ the bridge and on the other side you’ll see the park.
a) in b) through c) across
3. Next, walk _____ the park until you come to Baker St. on the other side.
a) through b) over c) under
4. Keep going. After about 300 meters, you go _____ a railway bridge.
a) through b) across c) under
5. Continue _____ Baker St. for another 100 meters and you will be there!
a) through b) along c) under

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Complete the blanks with the prepositions of direction: across, along, around, over,
through and under

1. While they were hiking _______ the forest to the waterfall, Laurelle and Frank took
a picture of the mountains.
2. We walked _______ the river looking for a way to get _______ it, but we couldn’t
find a bridge to do so.
3. The lions walk in circles _______ their prey before they attack.
4. The train passed _______ nine tunnels on the way to Denver.
5. They strolled _______ the beach watching the sun setting on the sea.
6. The plane flew _______ the Grand Canyon on the way to Los Angeles.
7. Several animals ran _______ the road as Jack was driving _______ Australia.
8. They walked _______ the building twice looking for the entrance.
9. The cruise ship passed _______ the Golden Gate Bridge as it was leaving San
Francisco.
10. His dog is always trying to escape from the backyard. Sometimes he manages to
jump _______ the fence, and sometimes he digs a hole and crawls _______ it.

Complete the text with the following prepositions of place: across, around, down, over,
to and under

Eliud Kipchoge’s marathon may qualify him as the greatest athlete ever

There is a theory which suggests human physiology developed as it did so we could

run ______ our prey ______ long distances. As such, there is now good reason to
think of the Kenyan distance runner as not just the greatest athlete alive, but perhaps
the greatest in human history.
The event was organized by a British chemical company rather than an athletic body.
The course in Vienna was chosen for its optimal conditions. Instead of the usual three
pacesetters for a marathon, there were dozens. They dropped in and out of the race,
forming a ‘V’ pattern ______ Kipchoge that protected him from headwinds. A car
travelled just ahead of the pack, keeping them on schedule.
So none of this will go in the books. But Kipchoge’s time of 1 hour 59 minutes 40
seconds becomes to this century what 3 minutes 59.4 seconds (Roger Bannister’s time
when he was the first man to run a mile in ______ four minutes) was to the last. It is
an arbitrary mark that draws a tangible line ______ what human beings consider

24
themselves capable of.
“Today we went ____ the moon and came back ____ Earth,” Kipchoge said
afterward.

Listen to the song by Katy Perry and complete all the prepositions that are missing.

“Rise” lyrics by Katy Perry

I won't just survive

Oh, you will see me thrive
Can't write my story
I'm beyond the archetype

I won't just conform

No matter how you shake my core
'Cause my roots —they run deep, oh

Oh, ye ____ so little faith

Don't doubt it, don't doubt it
Victory is ____ my veins
I know it, I know it
And I will not negotiate
I'll fight it, I'll fight it
I will transform

When, when the fire's ____ my feet again

And the vultures all start circling
They're whispering, "You're out of time,"
But still I rise

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This is no mistake, no accident
When you think the final nail is ____
Think again
Don't be surprised
I will still rise

I must stay conscious

________ the madness and chaos
So I call ____ my angels
They say

Oh, ye ____ so little faith

Don't doubt it, don't doubt it
Victory is ____ your veins
You know it, you know it
And you will not negotiate
Just fight it, just fight it
And be transformed

'Cause when, when the fire's ____ my feet again

And the vultures all start circling
They're whispering, "You're out of time,"
But still I rise

This is no mistake, no accident

When you think the final nail is ____
Think again
Don't be surprised
I will still rise

Don't doubt it, don't doubt it

You know it, you know it

26
Just fight it, just fight it
Don't be surprised
I will still rise

Match the structures with preposition found in the song with a structure that has the
same meaning in the chart taking into account the context.

1. you are of so little faith a. in front of me

2. in my veins b. you are at the finish line
3. at my feet c. in the midst of hard struggles
4. the final nail is in d. you don’t believe in your own strength
5. through the madness and chaos e. ask for heavenly help
6. call on my angels f. in my blood

Write three sentences of your own creation using some of these expressions.

1. ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

Watch the video to the song “Rise” again and write what’s happening in the video using
the prepositions of movement.

____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

27
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

28
IV. PREPOSITIONS OF MANNER

Prepositions of manner are about the way something happens or how something is

done. They often use the word by. Some examples of preposition of manner
are by, in, like, on and with.

For example:

o We couldn't afford to go there by taxi.

o The supplies were dropped by parachutes.
o He fell in his dash for the finishing line.
o Many say he laughs like a hyena.
o The tourists arrived on the island on a hovercraft.
o She reacted with anger to what he said.

V. PREPOSITIONS OF CAUSE AND EFFECT

Prepositions of cause and effect or reason are used to express the cause of

something or the reason that something happens, and the effect it has on another thing.
Some examples of these prepositions which include compound prepositions most
commonly used are: 
as, as a result (of), because (of), consequently, due to, for, from, hence, on
account of, since, therefore, and through.

For example:

29
o As a result of 

o He cannot play football because of his swollen leg.

o The quarrel was due to the rudeness on both sides.
o They divorced for many reasons..
o Businesses don’t succeed from luck alone.
o She doesn’t eat much on account of her acute depression.
o Their sales increase through effective marketing..

I. 2. PREPOSITIONS AND VERBS

Prepositions and Verbs

Some verbs are usually followed by prepositions before the object of the verb. The
preposition doesn’t change the meaning of the verb and they are followed by a noun or
a gerund (‘ing’ form).

The following is a list of verbs and prepositions which commonly appear together.:

 accuse someone of something. (NOT for)

She accused me of stealing her money.

 Agree with somebody/thing

I agree with everything he says.

 Apologise to someone for something

30
I would like to apologise to you for my behaviour yesterday.

 Arrive at or in (NOT to)

What time will you arrive in Glasgow?

What time will you arrive at the airport?

 belong to somebody

This car belongs to me.

 borrow something from somebody

Could I borrow some money from you?

 concentrate on something / doing something

I have to concentrate on English at the weekend.

 crash into (NOT against)

I crashed into the car in front

 depend on something / somebody

I am depending on you to give me a lift.

 die of/from

Many people die of/from cancer.

 disappointed with someone

I am very disappointed with you.

 disappointed with/at/in something

I was very disappointed with/at/in your attitude.

 explain something to someone (NOT explain somebody something)

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Can you explain your behaviour to me?

 insist on (NOT for)

I insisted on paying for lunch.

 interest in (NOT for)

How long have you been interested in economics?

 laugh at someone

I don’t like people laughing at me.

 laugh at something

We both laughed about the situation.

 listen to something / somebody

I listened to the radio.

 look at (with your eyes)

Don’t look at the sun.

 look after ( to take care of)

Thanks for looking after the children today.

 look for ( to search)

Could you help look for my wallet?

 pay somebody for something.

I paid the mechanic for the repairs.

 run into = meet

I ran into an old school friend yesterday.

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  smile at

What are you smiling at?

 speak to/with

The teacher spoke to/with me yesterday.

 take part in (NOT at or of)

I often take part in demonstrations.

 think of/about (NOT to)

I often think of/about my homeland.

 wait for somebody / something

Wait for me!

 worry about somebody / something

Don’t worry about me. I’ll be okay.

I. 2. PREPOSITIONS AND NOUNS

Prepositions and Nouns

Prepositions and Nouns

Some nouns have to be followed by a preposition in order to show what they relate

to. They cannot just stand by themselves. There is usually only one possibility of
preposition which must be used after a particular noun. Occasionally alternatives are
possible. But in either event it is a matter of learning which prepositions can be used
with which nouns.

33
Here are some of the most common noun plus preposition combinations, but there is
space here only for a few of them. If you are in doubt as to which preposition to use,
always check with a good dictionary.

Nouns which go with To

After the divorce he had access to his children

access to
every Sunday.

Addiction to cigarettes is a major cause of health

addiction to
problems.

answer/response/reply
The answer to my question was very helpful
to 

It was his contribution to physics won him the

contribution to
Nobel prize.

The damage caused to his house by the storm

damage to
was colossal.

dedication to His dedication to his work impressed everyone.

devotion to Her devotion to her husband was amazing.

Her reaction to the good news was

reaction to
understandable.

solution to There is no solution to this problem.

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Nouns which go with To

Nouns which go with For

admiration for I have nothing but admiration for you

credit for The General was given credit for the victory.

cure for There is no known cure for this illness.

The demand for mobile phones cannot be

demand for
satisfied.

Her fondness for cream cakes causes her weight

fondness for
problems.

His preference for his mother tongue is very

preference for
natural.

The reason for me learning English is to help me

reason for
get a job.

recipe for I have a wonderful recipe for bread.

He has a reputation for making trouble when he

reputation for
drinks.

talent for He has a talent for playing the piano.

35
Nouns which go with To

trouble for You will get into trouble for parking there.

Nouns which go with With

His dealings with the firm are being

dealings with
investigated.

date with  I’ve got a date with Susan on Saturday.

I have no involvement with my family any

involvement with
more.

I have a meeting with the bank manager this

meeting with
afternoon.

quarrel with I have no quarrel with his teachers.

sympathy with I have every sympathy with his family. 

Nouns which go with Of

advantage of He took advantage of my inexperience.

disadvantage The disadvantage of coal is the pollution.

fear of I have never flown, I have a fear of flying.

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 Nouns which go with To

She has a habit of going to the hair dressers

habit of
every week.

His knowledge of the subject is admired by

knowledge of
everyone.

The Albert Hall was built in memory of Prince

memory of
Albert.

Nouns with a choice of Preposition

agreement about/on There was no agreement about/on the subject.

There was no decision on/about what to do

decision on/about
next

difficulty with I’m having difficulty with my boss.

I’m having difficulty in explaining things to my

difficulty in
boss

His love of/for music meant he went to a concert

love of/for
every week

I. 3. PREPOSITIONS AND ADJECTIVES

37
Prepositions and Adjectives

Prepositions and Adjectives

Some adjectives go with certain prepositions. There is no real pattern – you need to
learn them as you meet them. Here are some examples but remember that there are
many other adjective + preposition combinations that are not covered here:

 afraid of (NOT by) something. 

I am afraid of dogs.
 angry with someone for something 
I was angry with him for lying to me.
 Bad at (NOT in)
I am bad at maths.
 different from / to
Tea is different from/to coffee.
 Excited about
I am very excited about my new flat.
 Good at (NOT in)
I am very good at sports.
 Impressed with/by
I am very impressed with/by your work.
 Interested in
He is very interested in cooking.
 Kind to (NOT with)
You have been very kind to me.
 Pleased with somebody
I am very pleased with you.
 Pleased with/about/at something
I am very pleased with/about/at the job interview.
 Polite to (NOT with)
You should be polite to your teachers.
 Proud of
He is very proud of his new car.
 Responsible for something (NOT of)
Who is responsible for this error?
 Rude to (NOT with)
You were very rude to me yesterday.

38
 Shocked at/by
I was shocked at/by the news of her wedding.
 Sorry about something
I am sorry about your bad news.
 Sorry for/about an action
I am sorry for/about being rude.
 Sorry for a person
I feel sorry for her.
 Wrong with
What’s wrong with the car?

39