Prepositions in English Grammar | Open Gateway Tamil

Prepositions in English Grammar

What is a Preposition?

A preposition is a word used to link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words within a sentence. They show relationships such as direction, place, time, cause, manner, and possession.

Types of Prepositions

1. Prepositions of Place

These indicate the location of something.

Examples:

The book is on the table.
She lives in London.
The painting is above the sofa.

2. Prepositions of Time

These show relationships of time.

Examples:

We will meet at 5 PM.
She was born on Monday.
They moved here in 2020.

3. Prepositions of Direction/Movement

These describe movement from one place to another.

Examples:

He went to the market.
The ball rolled into the hole.
She walked towards the park.

Rules for Using Prepositions

A preposition is always followed by a noun or pronoun, not a verb.
Do not end a sentence with a preposition (formal rule, but often ignored in casual usage).
Prepositions can be part of phrasal verbs (e.g., look after, give up).

Common Prepositions

Place: at, on, in, above, below, under, between
Time: at, on, in, before, after, since
Direction: to, into, onto, towards, over, through

Examples of Prepositions in Sentences

The cat is under the table.
She arrived on time.
They went through the tunnel.
He sat beside his friend.
The keys are in my bag.

Common Errors with Prepositions

Incorrect: He discussed about the issue.
Correct: He discussed the issue.
Incorrect: She entered into the room.
Correct: She entered the room.
Incorrect: They are good in math.
Correct: They are good at math.

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