Types of Preposition

Most of the prepositions have many uses. There are some prepositions which are common in every type of preposition as they function in a versatile way.

Prepositions of Time:

Prepositions of time show the relationship of time between the nouns to the other parts of a sentence.

On, at, in, from, to, for, since, ago, before, till/until, by, etc. are the most common preposition of time.

Example:

• He started working at 10 AM.
• The company called meeting on 25 October.
• There is a holiday in December.
• He has been ill since Monday.

·         Read More: Prepositions of Time Usage

 

Prepositions of Place and Direction:

Prepositions of place show the relationship of place between the nouns to the other parts of a sentence.

On, at, in, by, from, to, towards, up, down, across, between, among, though, in front of, behind, above, over, under, below, etc. are the most common prepositions of place/direction.

Example:

• He is at home.
• He came from England.
• The police broke into the house.
• I live across the river.

·         Read More: Prepositions of Places & Direction Usage

 

Prepositions of Agents or Things:

Prepositions of agents or things indicate a causal relationship between nouns and other parts of the sentence.

Of, for, by, with, about, etc. are the most used and common prepositions of agents or things.

Example:

• This article is about smartphones.
• Most of the guests have already left.
• I will always be here for you.
• He is playing with his brothers.

Phrasal Prepositions:

A phrasal preposition is not a prepositional phrase, but they are a combination of two or more words which functions as a preposition.

Along with, apart from, because of, by means of, according to, in front of, contrary to, in spite of, on account of, in reference to, in addition to, in regard to, instead of, on top of, out of, with regard to, etc. are the most common phrasal prepositions.

Example:

• They along with their children went to Atlanta.
• According to the new rules, you are not right.
• In spite of being a good player, he was not selected.
• I’m going out of the city.