Adverbs and Prepositions: Meaning, Types and Differences with Examples

Adverbs and Prepositions are crucial topics in English Grammar. They both are primary topics for any competitive exam or anyone willing to learn the English language and its components. Both of these topics also entail their types. The blog post is given below to uncover much about adverbs and prepositions with multiple examples and exercises. 

What are Adverbs? 

Simply put, adverbs are words that modify nouns, adjectives and other adverbs. They provide information about how, when, where and to what extent something is happening or happens. For example, “They have a meeting tomorrow.” Also, adverbs are used to make any evaluation or express views/perceptions. 

Also Read: What are Adverbs for Reason/Purpose? Learn with Suitable Examples and their Meanings

Picture of Types of Adverbs

Here is a picture representing types of adverbs for your easy reference:

Examples of Adverbs

Here are some examples of adverbs:

1. Quickly: She ran quickly to catch the bus.
2. Slowly: The turtle moved slowly across the road.
3. Carefully: He handled the fragile vase carefully.
4. Loudly: The music played loudly at the concert.
5. Quietly: Please whisper quietly in the library.
6. Often: They often go hiking on weekends.
7. Rarely: He rarely eats fast food.
8. Always: She always arrives early for meetings.
9. Never: I never drink coffee in the evening.
10. Well: She sings very well.

Also Read: Adverb For Class 2 Their Usage With Examples & Exercises

What are Prepositions? 

Prepositions are used to connect words and establish relationships between parts of a sentence. Typically, they are used to show relationships between nouns, phrases and pronouns. For example, “It’s raining outside.” Most importantly, prepositions must have an object, otherwise it’s merely adverbs. For example, “They will catch up after the movie,” here preposition “after” has an object “movie.”

Also Read: English Grammar Preposition Exercises for Class 9 [PDF Available]

Picture of Types of Prepositions

Here is a picture illustrating the types of prepositions for students: 

Examples of Prepositions

Here are some examples of prepositions:

1. On: The book is on the table.
2. In: There is a pen in the drawer.
3. At: He is waiting at the bus stop.
4. Under: The cat is under the bed.
5. Above: The plane flew above the clouds.
6. Below: The temperature dropped below freezing.
7. Between: There is a fence between the two houses.
8. Among: He found his keys among the clutter.
9. Beside: The dog sleeps beside the fireplace.
10. Through: We walked through the forest.

Also Read: Appropriate Prepositions Meaning, Examples and Exercises for Practise

Differences Between Adverbs and Prepositions

Here’s a table outlining the difference between adverbs and prepositions for your reference below: 

Particulars	Adverbs	Prepositions
Definition	Modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs by providing information about how, when, where, or to what extent something happens.	Show the relationship between nouns or pronouns and other words in a sentence.
Examples	Quickly, slowly, carefully, often, always	On, in, at, under, above, between, with, without
Placement	Generally placed before or after the verb, adjective, or adverb it modifies.	Typically precede the noun or pronoun they relate to.
Function	Modify the action, state, or quality described by the verb, adjective, or adverb.	Connect nouns or pronouns to other words in the sentence, indicating location, direction, time, etc.
Sentence Example	She sings beautifully.	The book is on the table.

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101+ One Word Substitutions PDF in English [with Examples]	How to Use Nouns and Prepositions Together in English Grammar
English Grammar Preposition Exercises for Class 9 [PDF Available]	Best Podcasts to Improve English

FAQs

What is the difference between a preposition and an adverb of place?

The verb “where” the adverb of place answers query. This question is never answered by a preposition.

What distinguishes prepositional phrases from adverbs?

There is always a preposition and a noun (the prep’s object) in prepositional sentences. An adverb phrase answers the questions of when, where, how, to what extent, under what circumstances, and why it modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb.

Does a preposition necessarily appear before an adverb?

To change a preposition, we might place an adverb before it. This mostly pertains to gradable prepositions of location or time (above, before, distant, deep, below, opposite).

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