22 Apr What Is a Preposition? Definition and Examples

What Is a Preposition?

 

A preposition is a word
or phrase that expresses the relationship between a noun or pronoun and the
rest of a sentence. More specifically, prepositions indicate time, location,
sequence, or space, or they introduce an object. They typically precede the
noun or pronoun in a sentence. Common preposition examples include “with,”
“at,” “about,” “in,” and “for.”

 

What Are the Types of Prepositions?

 

There are seven primary types of prepositions
in the English language.

 

·        
Simple

·        
Double

·        
Compound

·        
Participle

·        
Disguised

·        
Detached

·        
Phrasal

 

What Is a Simple Pronoun?

 

A simple pronoun involves one word
that indicates the relationship between a noun with the other words in a
sentence. It also connects words in a phrase or sentence.  

 

Simple Pronoun Examples

·        
Kelsie and Mark jumped over the broom.

·        
Mario hid the keys under the door mat.

·        
Put the flowers on the table.

·        
He parked by
the blue car.

·        
Ronnie made a sandwich during the commercial break.

·        
They worked through
it together.

What Is a Double Preposition?

A double preposition combines two simple prepositions to
form a longer word.

Double Preposition Examples

·        
The music blared throughout the neighborhood.

·        
He came within
3 inches of the world record.

·        
It’s lonely here without you.

·        
Little Red Riding Hood went into the woods.

·        
He wished upon
a star.

What Is a Compound Preposition?

A composition preposition combines two simple prepositions
to form two or more words.

Compound Preposition Examples

·        
Justin ran out
of time

·        
The dog ran up
to the man and wagged his tail.

·        
He asked for eggs, in addition to the pancakes and sausage.

·        
Because
of what he did, our lives are forever changed.

·        
The cat took a nap in front of the porch.

 

What Is a Participle Preposition?

A particle preposition, or
participial preposition, is a participle (a verb that ends up -ed or -ing) that
acts as a preposition. Some past participles like “given” can also function as
prepositions.

 

Participle Preposition Examples

 

·        
He will receive $20, assuming he sells the item.

·        
The boy ate everything on his plate, including the Brussels sprouts.

·        
Given
the amount of time they had, they finished the race with time to spare.

·        
She will continue to lose weight, provided she continues to exercise and
watch her diet.

 

What Is a Disguised Preposition?

A disguised preposition is one that is only implied in a
sentence and is not actually used. In most cases, the word that is used is an
abbreviated form of a full preposition or phrase.

Disguised Preposition Examples

·        
Diana visits her grandmother’s grave once a week. (in a week) 

·        
They kept watching the storm ahead of them. (on the head)

·        
Her cat wakes her up at 6 o‘clock
every morning by pawing at her face. (of the clock)

·        
Captain Jack Sparrow went ashore.
(onshore)

 

What Is a Detached Preposition?

For decades, teachers have taught that a sentence should
never end with a preposition, if the goal is to use proper grammar. However, this
is now acceptable in the English language and is very common in natural
conversation. When a preposition appears at the end of a sentence, it is
referred to as a detached preposition.

Detached Preposition Examples

·        
You have no idea what she’s capable of.

·        
What are you talking about?

·        
Who are you looking for?

What Is a Phrasal Preposition?

A phrasal preposition, also known as a prepositional phrase, is a group of
words that begins with a preposition which connects a noun, pronoun, or phrase.

Phrasal Preposition Examples

·        
In the
beginning, God created the heaven and the earth.

·        
He couldn’t run, on account of his asthma.

·        
On behalf
of the entire staff, he thanked them for their service.

·        
According
to the rules, the ball cannot touch the line.

What Are Some Preposition Examples?

There are approximately 150 prepositions in the English language. The following
are some of the most common ones.

Aboard About Above Across After Against Along Amid Among Around As At Before Behind Below Beneath Beside Between Beyond By Concerning Considering

Despite Down During Except Following For From In Inside Into Like Minus Near Next Of Off On Onto Opposite Out Outside Over

Past Per Plus Regarding Round Since Than Through Till To Toward Under Underneath Unlike Until Up Upon Versus Via With Within Without