The Preposition

A Preposition is that part of Speech in English Grammar which precede a Noun or a Pronoun to show its relationship to another word in the sentence.

Examples:

·         It is a bottle of pickles. ( Of denotes the relationship  between bottle and pickles)

·         The cup is placed over the table

·         The bird soared in the sky,

·         He is the Prime Minister of India.

Prepositions are extremely handy to show the relationship between two words by expressing their location relative to each other. (on, near, behind, under, inside)

Some more frequently quoted examples:

Behind every successful man is a woman.

The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.


Origin:

The word “Preposition’ technically means to position before.


Rules:

1.  A preposition in most cases is followed by an object which is known as the Object of the Preposition.

Example: I left the class in disgust.

 

2. Sometimes a Preposition is also followed by a Prepositional Phrase in which case it consist of an Object and a modifier. In such cases, the Prepositional phrases either function as an Adjective or an Adverb.

It is a message from Mom.(Adjective)

I am stuck in the elevator. (Adverb)

 

3.  Though, it is more of an exception rather than a rule, yet there is nothing wrong grammatically speaking to end a sentence with a preposition.

Example:

It is a situation I have not thought of.

(Equally pertinent to note here, is that it makes more sense to replace prepositions at the end of sentences with phrasal verbs which round off the sentence in a smoother manner.

Example: It is a situation I have not considered.


4. The word that follows the preposition is an object, hence the correct form of the object must be used.

Words like – I. She, He, We, They, Who must be changed to their corresponding Object form which is Me, Her, Him, Us, Them, Whom

Example:

It is a gift from my wife and I. (Incorrect)

It is a gift from me and my wife. (Correct)


You went out with who?

You went out with whom?


Between you and I, there must be no secret.

Between you and me, there must be no secret.

 

5. Removing superfluous words while using Prepositions.

In order to maintain the conciseness and preciseness ofa sentence, one must avoid using superfluous words which do not add anything extra to the meaning, though grammatically there might be nothing wrong.

Example:

I cannot face up to the guilt. (Superfluous)

I cannot face the guilt. (Precise)


Some more Prepositions are above, about, across, against, along, among, around, at, before, behind, below, beneath, beside, between, beyond,by, down, during, except, for , from, in inside, into. Like, near, of, off, soon, since, to, toward, through, under, until, up, upon, with, within.

Some more Examples:

·         The last time I met him he was walking down the stairs.

·         I will meet him in the cafe opposite Gandhi Maidan.

·         It was difficult to cope during the period.

·         It was the worst recession since World War II.

·         Hand that to me.





English Grammar and Composition

From The Preposition to HOME PAGE

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.


Recent Articles

  1. Respiratory Volumes and Capacities | Tidal Volume | Dead Space

    Aug 29, 25 05:17 PM

    Respiratory Volumes
    Explain respiratory volumes and capacities: Tidal Volume - Tidal volume is the volume of air inspired or expired in relaxed or resting position. Amount of tidal volume is about 500 m and it consists o…

    Read More

  2. Mechanism of Breathing | Definition of Inspiration and Expiration

    Aug 17, 25 11:41 PM

    Pressure in Lungs
    Breathing is the process which is accomplished in three states that is inspiration expiration and pause . Definition of inspiration - Entry of air into the lungs from outside during breathing is calle…

    Read More

  3. Human Respiratory System | External Nares | Nasal Cavity | Pharynx

    Aug 04, 25 03:14 PM

    Lungs
    Definition of respiration - This is the process of making energy available to organisms and their living cells through enzyme controlled catabolic breakdown of organic molecules. The organic materials…

    Read More

  4. Disorders of Digestive System | Symptoms of Jaundice | Vomiting |

    Jul 16, 25 12:18 PM

    Symptoms of Diarrhoea
    Jaundice- It is a disease that occurs due to Umesh discoloration of the skin due to deposition of bilirubin and biliverdin pigment. Jaundice can be offered according to the different position like pre…

    Read More

  5. Absorption of Digested Products | Absorption of Water | Nephrons

    Jul 09, 25 02:24 PM

    Villus
    Food and water is observed in different parts of the body and is distributed in different cells and tissues. Absorption of food is observed to be observed in the small intestine in the specific type o…

    Read More