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Parts Of Speech Preposition Role In Basic English Grammar

Parts Of Speech Preposition Role In Basic English Grammar

Preposition: Definition and Examples
Among the 8 parts of speech, the preposition is one of the most important parts of a sentence. In its simplest sense, the preposition can be regarded as a locator not only of place, but also of time. In order for you to better understand, please refer to the examples provided below.
All of the blue italicized words (in, on, and beside) above are examples of prepositions which say something about the location (place) of the nouns contained in the sample sentences.

As mentioned earlier, prepositions can also indicate the location in time of nouns or pronouns. Take a look at the sentences below:

During the summer, I always spend my time playing video games or reading sci-fi books at home.
At noon, I went to my wife’s office to surprise her.
In the winter, plants somehow “hibernate” just like animals.
During the summer, at noon, and in the winter describe a particular time (location in time).

What is the Function of Prepositions?

Aside from providing information about the location in place and time, this part of speech usually comes before a noun or a pronoun to describe its relationship to another word or part of the sentence.

Examples:

I think it’s a vessel for
The italicized word “for” is a preposition which describes the relationship between the words “vessel” and “weapons.”

The child quickly hid under the thick covers.

The word “under” is a preposition which links the nouns “child” and “covers,” and shows the relationship between the two.

My kite soared above the building.

In this sample sentence, the preposition “above” shows the relationship between the kite and the building.

What is a Prepositional Phrase?

A prepositional phrase is simply a group of words which contains a preposition at the beginning and a noun or a pronoun at the end. It usually follows this formula:

Preposition + Modifiers (not required) + Noun or Pronoun (object of the preposition)

Some Examples of Prepositional Phrases:

Above the dark skies
Above= preposition; the and dark= modifiers; skies= noun

In New York
In= preposition; New York= noun

From my father
From= preposition; my= modifier; father= noun

Examples of Prepositions

Since there are so many possible relationships and locations in time and place that need to be indicated, there is actually a long list of prepositions that can be used in sentences. Listed below are most common prepositions in the English language:

  1. on
  2. off
  3. up to
  4. along
  5. across
  6. as for
  7. next
  8. through
  9. of
  10. as
  11. along with
  12. apart from
  13. about
  14. around
  15. According to
  16. against
  17. after
  18. to
  19. up
  20. within
  21. in spite of
  22. at
  23. out
  24. behind
  25. past
  26. out of
  27. by means of
  28. between
  29. before
  30. beneath
  31. beyond
  32. beside
  33. during
  34. except for
  35. under
  36. down
  37. below
  38. by
  39. over
  40. inside
  41. underneath
  42. except
  43. round
  44. from
  45. outside
  46. toward
  47. without
  48. in addition to
  49. in
  50. into
  51. until
  52. unlike
  53. in back of
  54. like
  55. because of
  56. with
  57. concerning
  58. for
  59. near
  60. instead of
  61. in front of
  62. in
  63. since
  64. despite
  65. on top of
  66. throughout
  67. in place of
  68. onto
  69. upon

Remember:

(Time)

The preposition ”at” is used to indicate a specific time. (Example: at 9:30 am)
In is used for unspecific times during a year, a season, a month, or a day. (Example: in 1984)
The preposition “on” is used to state the date or the day of the week. (Example: on Saturday)
In measuring time, whether you are talking about seconds, hours, days, or years, the preposition “for” should be used. (Example: We’ve been together for two years now.)
(Place)

The preposition ”at” is used to state a specific address. (Example: at )
In is used for names of countries, cities, towns, villages, states, or continents. (Example: in )
For names of streets or avenues, the preposition “on” is appropriate to use.