Preposition of Place

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a preposition is “a word or group of words that is used with a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase to show direction, location, or time, or to introduce an object”. A preposition connects nouns, pronouns, or phrases in a sentence. They operate as a link between the various elements of a sentence, such as persons, things, dates, and places. Prepositions are short words that are generally used before nouns. Prepositions can appear in front of gerund verbs. Prepositions can be thought of as words that hold a phrase together. The way they do this is by expressing things like where they are in space and time, who has what, and when something happens.

In fact, prepositions such as, to, for, with, on, and at are some of the most commonly used terms in the English language. For all their complexity, prepositions remain an essential aspect of English that the majority of us use without even realizing it. In reality, prepositions are regarded as a 'closed class' of words in the English language. Unlike verbs and nouns, this group doesn't grow in number over time. It reflects their status as the sentence's functional workhorse. Though humble and understated, they play a crucial role in the meaning of language.

Rules of Prepositions

Prepositions are a small but crucial word group. We use prepositions all the time. There are just 150 prepositions in the English language, and we only use roughly 70 of them on a regular basis. The rules below will help us understand and effectively use prepositions. 

• A Preposition Must have an Object

Every preposition has an object. If a "preposition" doesn't have an object, it's most likely an adverb. A preposition is always followed by an object. There is no object in an adverb. Take a look at these examples:

1. The cup is in the kitchen - Preposition

Please come in - Adverb

2. There was an obstacle before me - Preposition

I have never done it before - Adverb

3. I will call you after I finish my work - Preposition

He called son after - Adverb

• Preposition Means Place Before

A preposition is made up of two words - pre + position which means before the position. Prepositions usually come before the subject. In some cases, if it does not come before the object, it still has a close relationship with its subject. For example - 

1. Put it in the box.

2. Whom did you talk to?

3. I talked to Shreya.

• When a Preposition is Followed By a Pronoun, it Should be in Object Form.

A prepositional object is a noun or pronoun that comes after a preposition. If it's a pronoun, it should be in the objective form (my, her, or them), rather than the subjective form (I, she, they). Example - 

1. This is from my mother and me.

2. That is between her and him.

3. She gave it to him.

• Form of Preposition

Prepositions do not have a specific form. The majority of prepositions are one-word phrases, but there are some that are two- or three-word phrases known as complex prepositions.

1. One word preposition - on, in, into, before

2. Complex prepositions - according to, but for, in spite of, on account of

• Preposition to and Infinitive to are not the Same 

1. To as preposition - They are committed to the project

2. To as infinitive - She loves to sing

• The Golden Rule of Preposition

The golden rule of prepositions is that it is always followed by a noun. The preposition is never followed by a verb. Example - 

Types of Prepositions

Prepositions are classified into three types: time prepositions, place prepositions, and direction prepositions. 

What is the Preposition of Time?

A preposition of time is a preposition that allows you to talk about a certain time period, such as a calendar date, one of the days of the week, or the actual time that something happens. Prepositions of time and prepositions of place are the same words, although they are used in distinct ways. These prepositions are easy to spot because they invariably refer to times rather than places. In order to show when something occurred, is currently occurring, or will occur in the future, prepositions of time are used. Examples of time prepositions: in, on, at are:

• At - This time preposition is used to talk about clock times, holidays and festivals, and other highly particular time frames, such as "at night." Example - I was born at 12 am.

• In - Months, seasons, years, centuries, general times of day, and lengthier spans of time, such as "in the past," are all discussed with this preposition of time. Example - I was born in 1988.

• On - This time preposition is used to talk about specific days of the week or parts of days of the week, specific dates, and special days like "on New Year's Day." Example - I was born on 12th January 1988.

What is Preposition of Place?

A place preposition is a preposition that refers to a location where something or someone is found. Although there are just three prepositions of place, they can be used to talk about an almost infinite variety of locations.

At – A place preposition that is used to discuss a certain topic.

In – A location preposition that is used to talk about a closed space.

On – A temporal preposition is used to discuss a surface.

Preposition of Place Examples - 

1. Johnny waited for Jiya at the library.

2. We spent a beautiful evening at home.

3. I’m growing chilies in my garden.

4. Vishal was born in Delhi, India.

5. Please place the books on the table.

6. What’s on the menu this evening?

What is the Preposition of Movement?

Movement prepositions are used to show movement from one location to another. They are found following the verb and are most commonly used with verbs of motion. Examples - 

1. To -  show movement in a specific direction. Eg - He will travel to Mumbai this summer holiday.

2. From - used to show the place where someone or something starts. Eg - What time does the flight from Kolkata arrive?

3. Across - show movement from one side to the opposite side. Eg - The boys swam across the lake.

Examples of Different Types of Prepositions

• Prepositions of Time: in, at, on

• Preposition of Place Examples

• Preposition of Movement