8 Types of Prepositions with Examples & Exercises

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8 Types of Prepositions with Examples

8 Types of Prepositions with Examples: Prepositions are a great way to enhance any sentence in the English vocabulary. A simple definition of a preposition is, a connecting word that establishes a relationship between various parts of the sentence. Without the proper usage of prepositions, the sentences can be very confusing to understand. Did you know eight types of prepositions are part of English grammar? If you wish to learn more about prepositions then continue reading the 8 types of prepositions with examples that can be used in sentences. 

Meaning of Preposition

A preposition is a phrase in sentences which shows the relationship between nouns, phrases and pronouns. They all have their parts within the respective sentences. For all those who don’t know, prepositions are usually placed in the latter part of the sentence but before a noun or pronoun. 

Here are some examples of a preposition which will give you an idea of the same:’

  1. I should rewrite the introduction of my essay.
  2. Marie ate lunch with her boss.
  3. We will be cooking for ten guests tomorrow.
  4. James left his coat in the car.

Also Read: Rules for Prepositions in English Grammar with Examples

8 Types of Prepositions with Examples

There are namely 8 types of prepositions with examples that can be used in sentences. Here is the list of prepositions that can be used. 

Preposition of Place

Prepositions of place indicate the position or location of a place. The three most common prepositions that come under this are in, at and on.

Example: The cup is kept on the kitchen table.

                She liked the mugs kept on the counter

Preposition of Time ⏳

This usually indicates when something has happened, or will happen in the future. Sentences usually include prepositions like before, during, at, on, in and after.

Example: James was born on September 20, 2008.

                Andrew was born after his brother Tommy.

Preposition of Movement 🧑‍🦯

The preposition of Movement indicates the direction or destination towards which something is going. This preposition includes word like ‘to’.

Example: Jenny went to London last year.

                Dad went to the park to play basketball with his children. 

Preposition of Measure 🏋️

Prepositions of manner refer to indicate the quantity of something with someone. These prepositions include of and by.

Example: He is a coworker of mine.

                His wife was sitting by him. 

Preposition of Source 🌐

The preposition of source refers to indicating something or someone that has originated from something or someone. This preposition uses words from and by.

Example: Jamie receives money from her mother every month. 

                This note was written by his sister.

Preposition of Possession 🔏

The preposition of possession indicates when something or someone is owned by someone or something. These prepositions include to, of and with.

Example: This is the property of my late grandmother.

                 Her sister is with his mother.

                 We’re going to Thailand next week.

Preposition of Manner 🚏

Prepositions of manner describe the way things happen. These prepositions include words like, with, like, on, in and by.

Example: The children go to school by the bus.

                The young boy sang like a professional singer.

                The man reacted with anger when confronted by his parents.

Preposition of Agent of Instrument 🤝

The last preposition indicates actions conducted on something or someone by something or someone. These prepositions include with and by in sentences.

Examples: Please leave it with me, she shouted.

                  It’s OK by me.

Also Read: Learn All About Adjectives in English Grammar!

Types of Preposition

In the below image, types of prepositions are depicted which students can refer to:

8 Types of Preposition with examples
8 Types of Prepositions With Examples
Credits: Grammar Media

Exercise on Prepositions

Check out fill in the blanks, short questions and answers, and true/false questions on the topic 8 types of Prepositions with examples. 

Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct prepositions.

  1. I know Tom ___ he was a little boy. (for/since)
  2. The cat jumped __ the bed. (on/in)
  3. The boy __ the store is quite young. (at/on)
  4. I met Suhana when I was __ college. (in/on)
  5. Humpty Dumpty sat __ a wall. (on/at)
  6. She arrived _____ the party late. (to/at)
  7. The book is _____ the shelf. (on/along)
  8. He is sitting _____ the chair. (in/on)
  9. We walked _____ the river. (on/along)
  10. The cat jumped _____ the fence. (over/above)
  11. I am waiting _____ the bus stop. (at/on)
  12. He is good _____ playing guitar. (on/to)
  13. She is interested _____ painting. (of/in)
  14. I spoke _____ my teacher. (to/at)
  15. He is good ___ playing football. (at/of)

Check Your Answers:

  1. Since
  2. On
  3. At
  4. In
  5. On
  6. at
  7. on
  8. in
  9. along
  10. over
  11. at
  12. at
  13. in
  14. to
  15. at

Short Questions and Answers

Question: What are prepositions?
Answer: Prepositions are words used to show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence. They typically indicate direction, location, time, or introduce an object.

Question: What are the types of prepositions?
Answer: The main types of prepositions are: simple prepositions, compound prepositions, and complex prepositions.

Question: What is a simple preposition?
Answer: A simple preposition consists of a single word, such as “in,” “on,” “at,” “by,” “with.”

Question: What is a compound preposition?
Answer: A compound preposition is made up of two or more words, like “in front of,” “according to,” “because of.”

Question: What is a complex preposition?
Answer: A complex preposition contains a preposition along with a noun or pronoun, like “instead of,” “in spite of,” “out of.”

Question: Give an example of a preposition of time.
Answer: Examples of prepositions of time are “at,” “on,” and “in,” e.g., “at noon,” “on Monday,” “in 2023.”

Question: Give an example of a preposition of place.
Answer: Examples of prepositions of place are “in,” “on,” and “under,” e.g., “in the room,” “on the table,” “under the bed.”

Question: What is a preposition of direction?
Answer: A preposition of direction indicates movement toward a specific direction, such as “toward,” “into,” or “through.”

Question: Can prepositions be followed by objects?
Answer: Yes, prepositions are often followed by objects, which can be nouns, pronouns, or phrases.

Question: What is a preposition phrase?
Answer: A preposition phrase includes a preposition followed by a noun or pronoun, e.g., “in the box,” “with you.”

Question: Can prepositions be used at the end of a sentence?
Answer: While uncommon, prepositions can sometimes appear at the end of a sentence, though it’s typically avoided in formal writing.

Question: What is the difference between simple and compound prepositions?
Answer: Simple prepositions consist of one word, while compound prepositions are formed from two or more words.

Question: Can prepositions be used in questions?
Answer: Yes, prepositions are often used in questions, e.g., “Where is the book on the table?”

Question: Give an example of a complex preposition used in a sentence.
Answer: An example is “instead of,” e.g., “She chose the coffee instead of the tea.”

Question: What is the role of a preposition in a sentence?
Answer: A preposition functions to link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other parts of the sentence, providing context like location, direction, or time.

True or False

Write whether the following statements are true or false.

Here are 15 true or false questions on the topic types of prepositions:

  1. Simple prepositions consist of two or more words.
    Ans: False
  2. Compound prepositions are formed by combining a preposition with a noun or pronoun.
    Ans: False
  3. Prepositions can indicate direction, location, and time.
    Ans: True
  4. Complex prepositions contain a single word and do not combine with other elements.
    Ans: False
  5. Prepositions are always followed by an object.
    Ans: True
  6. “Above” is an example of a compound preposition.
    Ans: False
  7. Prepositions of place include “in,” “on,” and “under.”
    Ans: True
  8. “Due to” is a simple preposition.
    Ans: False
  9. Prepositions can end a sentence in informal writing.
    Ans: True
  10. “Along with” is an example of a complex preposition.
    Ans: True
  11. Prepositions are only used in formal writing.
    Ans: False
  12. “Through” is a preposition of direction.
    Ans: True
  13. Prepositions are always followed by a noun or pronoun.
    Ans: True
  14. “According to” is a compound preposition.
    Ans: True
  15. Prepositions do not have to relate to the noun or pronoun directly.
    Ans: False

Also Read: Prepositions: Definition, Types, Examples and Exercise

Also Read

Simple Present Tense Voice Change ExercisesFuture Unreal Conditional Examples
Future Tense: Meaning, Types, StructureFuture Continuous Tense Examples
Present Unreal Conditional Tense ExamplesSimple Future Tense Examples
Past Tense: Meaning, Types, Structure and ExamplesFuture Perfect Continuous Tense Examples
Future Perfect Continuous Tense ExamplesPresent Perfect Continuous Tense Examples

FAQs

What are the 8 types of prepositions?

The 8 types of prepositions include: Prepositions of manner, source, time, place, movement, possession, agent of instrument, and measure.

What are prepositions in grammar?

Prepositions are a group of words that are used to link pronouns, nouns and phrases to other words in a sentence.

Where do prepositions come in a sentence?

In a sentence, the preposition comes directly before the words or phrases which is related to the object of the preposition.

How many types of prepositions with sentences are there?

There are a total of eight types of prepositions with sentences such as place, time, movement, source, possession, manner, measure and preposition of an agent of the instrument.

We hope the information about 8 Types of Prepositions with Examples will be useful for the readers. To advance your grammar knowledge and read more informative blogs, check out our Learn English page and don’t forget to follow Leverage Edu.

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