Difference Between Adverbs and Prepositions

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  • January 9, 2026
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English vocabulary is very complex. Often, words like down, on, off, in, out, and several others come in the prepositions group. But how many of you know that they can also be included as adverbs? Do you know the difference between an adverb and a preposition? Well, we have the answers. We have compiled an article listing all the differences between the two and how they should be used in sentences.  

This Blog Includes:
  1. What is a Preposition?
  2. Commonly Used Prepositions
  3. What is An Adverb?
  4. Difference Between Adverb and Preposition
  5. What Makes a Prepositional Adverb?
  6. Exercise on Adverbs & Prepositions (Download PDF)
  7. FAQs

What is a Preposition?

A preposition is a word or a group of words that are used before a noun, noun phrase or pronoun. Several types of prepositions are used in sentences. These include time, place, direction, location, spatial relationships, or the introduction of an object. They are considered to be a state of the art that is used in a speech. 

Examples

Here are some example sentences that can be made using prepositions. Check them out.

  • She ran down the street.
  • They all sat and talked in circles, resulting in no clear decision. 
  • Susan is looking out of the window.

Commonly Used Prepositions

Below is the list of commonly used prepositions that can be used in sentences. 

Commonly Used Prepositions

Below is the list of commonly used prepositions that can be used in sentences. 

List of Commonly Used PrepositionsExample Sentence
AboutI read a book about history.
AboveThe picture hangs above the fireplace.
According toAccording to the report, sales increased.
AcrossShe walked across the street.
AfterWe’ll meet after lunch.
AgainstHe leaned against the wall.
Ahead ofShe arrived ahead of schedule.
AlongThey strolled along the beach.
AmidShe remained calm amid the chaos.
AmongHe was among friends.
Apart fromApart from John, everyone attended.
AroundThe children ran around the park.
As forAs for me, I prefer tea.
As ofAs of today, the policy changes.
As perAs per your request, here’s the file.
Aside fromAside from the cost, it’s perfect.
AtI’ll see you at noon.
Away fromStay away from the edge.
Because ofWe canceled because of the storm.
BeforeArrive before sunset.
BehindThe cat hid behind the sofa.
BelowThe temperature fell below zero.
BeneathThe treasure lies beneath the sand.
BesideSit beside me.
BesidesBesides math, I study science.
BetweenThe store is between the bank and the cafe.
BeyondThe mountains lie beyond the valley.
ByThe house by the lake is beautiful.
By means ofHe succeeded by means of hard work.
Close toShe lives close to the station.
ConcerningI have questions concerning the project.
ConsideringConsidering the weather, we stayed home.
DespiteDespite the rain, we went hiking.
DownShe walked down the stairs.
Due toThe flight was delayed due to fog.
DuringHe fell asleep during the movie.
ExceptEveryone came except John.
Except forExcept for Tom, all passed the test.
Far fromWe’re far from home.
ForThis gift is for you.
For the sake ofFor the sake of peace, they compromised.
FromI’m from New York.
InThe keys are in the drawer.
In accordance withAct in accordance with the rules.
In addition toIn addition to English, she speaks French.
In case ofIn case of emergency, call 911.
In front ofPark in front of the building.
In place ofUse honey in place of sugar.
In relation toThis is small in relation to that.
In spite ofIn spite of difficulties, she succeeded.
In terms ofIn terms of quality, this is the best.
In the face ofShe remained brave in the face of danger.
InsideWait inside the building.
Inside ofFinish inside of an hour.
Instead ofHave tea instead of coffee.
IntoShe walked into the room.
LikeHe runs like the wind.
NearThe school is near my house.
Near toShe sat near to the window.
Next toHe lives next to the library.
OfThe colour of the sky is blue.
OffTake your shoes off the table.
OnThe book is on the shelf.
On account ofWe closed on account of the holiday.
On behalf ofI’m speaking on behalf of the team.
On the basis ofWe decided on the basis of evidence.
On top ofThe cherry is on top of the cake.
OntoThe cat jumped onto the counter.
OutHe ran out the door.
Out ofShe ran out of patience.
OutsideThey played outside the house.
Outside ofOutside of work, I enjoy painting.
OverThe plane flew over the city.
Owing toOwing to illness, he missed class.
PastWe drove past the old church.
Prior toArrive prior to the meeting.
RegardingI called regarding your application.
RoundThey sat around the table.
SinceI have lived here since 2010.
Subsequent toSubsequent to the trial, he was released.
Thanks toThanks to your help, we finished early.
ThroughWe drove through the tunnel.
ThroughoutIt rained throughout the day.
TillWait till tomorrow.
ToI’m going to the store.
Together withShe arrived together with her sister.
TowardShe walked toward the exit.
TowardsHe moved towards the door.
UnderThe dog sleeps under the bed.
UnderneathThe coin rolled underneath the couch.
UntilStay until I return.
UpClimb up the ladder.
Up toThe water came up to my knees.
UponOnce upon a time, there was a king.
ViaWe traveled via train.
WithI went with my friend.
With regard toWith regard to your question, I agree.
With respect toWith respect to timing, we’re flexible.
WithinReply within three days.
WithoutI can’t live without music.

Also Read: Prepositions for Class 4 with Fun Exercises

What is An Adverb?

An adverb is a word or phrase usually used to modify or qualify a verb, adjective, adverb or any other group of words. It can be used in place of time, place, circumstance, manner, cause or degree. Adverbs often end with -ly, which is added at the end of the word. However, there are always some exceptions. 

Examples

Here are some example sentences that have the commonly used adverbs.

  • Peter is very tall.
  • Unfortunately, Susan couldn’t record Tom’s win as her phone battery died. 
  • The horse race finished too quickly.

Commonly Used Adverbs

Find out the list of adverbs that can be used in making sentences.

Type of AdverbPurpose of AdverbCommonly Used Adverbs
Adverbs of MannerDescribe how an action happensQuickly, Slowly, Carefully, Easily, Clearly, Politely, Loudly, Quietly, Honestly
Adverbs of TimeIndicate when an action happensNow, Then, Today, Yesterday, Tomorrow, Soon, Early, Late, Recently
Adverbs of PlaceShow where an action happensHere, There, Everywhere, Somewhere, Outside, Inside, Nearby, Away
Adverbs of FrequencyExplain how often an action occursAlways, Usually, Often, Sometimes, Rarely, Never, Frequently, Occasionally
Adverbs of DegreeExpress intensity or extentVery, Too, Quite, Almost, Completely, Extremely, Slightly, Enough
Adverbs of CertaintyShow confidence or assuranceDefinitely, Probably, Certainly, Surely, Clearly, Maybe

Also Read: 8 Types of Prepositions

Difference Between Adverb and Preposition

Preposition or Adverb? Are you one of those who often get confused between the two? Well, we have got your answers. Here is a simple differentiation between the two: Adverb and Preposition. 

Adverb Preposition
Definition Adverbs are a part of the sentence that are used in modifying a verb, an adjective, or a noun. Adverbs are made by putting a -ly at the end of the word. It is a word placed before a noun or pronoun in a sentence. 
Commonly Used WordsCommonly used adverbs include: occasionally, frequently, cheerfully, lastly, etc.Adverbs are a part of the sentence used to modify a verb, an adjective, or a noun. Adverbs are made by putting a -ly at the end of the word. 
Types Adverbs of Manner, Adverbs of Place, Adverbs of Time, Adverbs of Frequency, Adverbs of DegreePreposition of Place, Preposition of Time, Preposition of Direction, Preposition of Location, Preposition of Movement

What Makes a Prepositional Adverb?

Prepositional Adverbs is an adverb that functions like a preposition. Unlike a common preposition, in a prepositional adverb it is not followed by an object. It is used as a particle (a word that has a grammatical function but does not fit into the main parts of speech). 

Unlike prepositions and adverbs, prepositional adverbs appear at the end of the sentence and not before nouns. 

Here are some examples of prepositional adverbs that will give you a basic idea about the same:

  • She left the keys on the table.
  • Tina lives across the street.
  • Reema studied until midnight.
  • We travelled by plane. 
  • The kids are playing by the river.
  • They’re leaving in a few hours.
  • He sings songs with passion. 

Exercise on Adverbs & Prepositions (Download PDF)

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FAQs

Can an adverb come before a preposition?

Yes, we can put an adverb before a preposition to modify it. This rule applies mainly to prepositions of place and time.  

Do adverbs come first?

Adverbs are usually placed before the main verb but after auxiliary verbs. The only exception is, the verb must be “to be”. In that case, the adverb will be placed after the main verb. 

What is the rule of an adverb?

The main rule of an adverb is that it modifies by answering questions like when, where, how, and why. It then takes the form of -ly after the word. 

Check Out More Blogs!

Compound PrepositionsHow to Use the Preposition of To?
Preposition OverArticles and Preposition
Commonly Used Prepositions of DirectionsPictures for Preposition
Use of For Preposition Use of At On In Preposition 

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Malvika Chawla is a dedicated study abroad expert and a passionate writer for Learn English, providing students with the latest information and insights. With a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, she has gained valuable experience as a journalist at leading organisations such as News 9, The Financial Express, and Hindustan Times. When she's not writing, Malvika enjoys expressing her creativity through painting on canvas.

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