Prepositions

 1.      Definition and Types of Prepositions

Definition and Types of Prepositions

Understanding What Prepositions Are

Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence. They often indicate direction, location, time, or a method. For example, in the sentence "The book is on the table," the word "on" is a preposition that shows the relationship between "book" and "table."

Types of Prepositions

1.      Simple Prepositions: These are single-word prepositions that are commonly used in English. Examples include: in, on, at, by, for, with, about, under, over, etc.

2.      Compound Prepositions: These are prepositions that consist of two or more words combined. Examples include: according to, because of, due to, instead of, etc.

3.      Complex Prepositions: These are phrases that act as a single preposition and often consist of a simple preposition followed by another word or a group of words. Examples include: in front of, on behalf of, in addition to, in spite of, etc.

Examples in a Table Format

Type of Preposition	Example Sentence	Preposition Used
Simple	The cat is on the roof.	on
Simple	She arrived at 9 PM.	at
Compound	We couldn't play because of the rain.	because of
Compound	He succeeded due to his hard work.	due to
Complex	She stood in front of the mirror.	in front of
Complex	He completed the project on behalf of his team.	on behalf of
Complex	We will go to the park in spite of the weather.	in spite of

This table provides a clear distinction between the types of prepositions along with example sentences for better understanding.

2.      Prepositions of Place

• Common prepositions of place (in, on, at, above, below, etc.)
• Usage examples and rules
• Differences between 'in', 'on', and 'at'

Prepositions of Place

Common Prepositions of Place

Prepositions of place are used to show the position or location of something. Here are some common prepositions of place:

• In: inside a space or area
• On: on the surface of something
• At: at a specific point or location
• Above: higher than something else
• Below: lower than something else
• Under: directly below something
• Between: in the space separating two objects
• Behind: at the back of something
• In front of: in a position just ahead of something

Usage Examples and Rules

Preposition	Example Sentence	Rule
In	She is in the room.	Used to indicate being inside a space or area.
On	The book is on the table.	Used to indicate being on a surface.
At	He is at the door.	Used to indicate a specific point or location.
Above	The lamp is above the desk.	Used to indicate something is higher than another.
Below	The basement is below the ground floor.	Used to indicate something is lower than another.
Under	The cat is under the chair.	Used to indicate something is directly below.
Between	The park is between the library and the cafe.	Used to indicate the space separating two objects.
Behind	The garden is behind the house.	Used to indicate being at the back of something.
In front of	The car is in front of the garage.	Used to indicate being just ahead of something.

Differences Between 'In', 'On', and 'At'

• In: Indicates being inside a larger area or space.
• Example: She is in the car. (inside the car)
• On: Indicates being on the surface of something.
• Example: The book is on the table. (on the surface of the table)
• At: Indicates being at a specific point or location.
• Example: He is at the bus stop. (specific location)

Preposition	Usage	Example Sentence
In	Inside a space or area	She is in the house.
On	On the surface of something	The keys are on the counter.
At	Specific point or location	Meet me at the entrance.

These explanations and examples provide clarity on how prepositions of place are used to indicate various positions and locations, and how 'in', 'on', and 'at' differ in their applications.

3.      Prepositions of Time

• Common prepositions of time (in, on, at, during, since, etc.)
• Usage examples and rules
• Differences between 'in', 'on', and 'at' when referring to time

Prepositions of Time

Common Prepositions of Time

Prepositions of time are used to indicate when something happens. Here are some common prepositions of time:

• In: used for months, years, centuries, long periods, parts of the day (e.g., in the morning)
• On: used for days, dates, and specific days (e.g., on Monday, on July 4th)
• At: used for precise times, holidays without "day," and night (e.g., at 6 PM, at night)
• During: used for periods of time (e.g., during the meeting, during summer)
• Since: used to indicate a starting point in time, continuing to the present (e.g., since 1990)
• For: used for a length of time (e.g., for two hours, for a week)
• By: used to indicate the latest time something will happen (e.g., by 10 PM, by Friday)
• From...to: used to show the beginning and end of a period of time (e.g., from 9 AM to 5 PM)

Usage Examples and Rules

Preposition	Example Sentence	Rule
In	I was born in 1990.	Used for months, years, centuries, long periods.
On	The meeting is on Monday.	Used for days, dates, and specific days.
At	The train arrives at 6 PM.	Used for precise times, holidays without "day," and night.
During	We traveled during the summer.	Used for periods of time.
Since	They have lived here since 2005.	Used to indicate a starting point in time.
For	He studied for three hours.	Used for a length of time.
By	Please finish the report by Friday.	Used to indicate the latest time something will happen.
From...to	The store is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.	Used to show the beginning and end of a period of time.

Differences Between 'In', 'On', and 'At' When Referring to Time

• In: Used for longer periods (months, years, centuries, parts of the day).
• Example: She will visit in December. (a month)
• On: Used for specific days and dates.
• Example: His birthday is on January 15th. (a specific date)
• At: Used for precise times, holidays without "day," and night.
• Example: We will meet at 7 PM. (a precise time)

Preposition	Usage	Example Sentence
In	Months, years, long periods	She graduated in 2015.
On	Specific days and dates	The party is on Friday.
At	Precise times, holidays, night	He wakes up at 6 AM.

These explanations and examples illustrate how prepositions of time are used to indicate different periods and moments in time, along with specific rules and differences between 'in', 'on', and 'at' in temporal contexts.

4.      Prepositions of Direction and Movement

• Common prepositions of direction (to, towards, into, through, across, etc.)
• Usage examples and rules

Prepositions of Direction and Movement

Common Prepositions of Direction

Prepositions of direction and movement are used to indicate the direction in which someone or something is moving. Here are some common prepositions of direction:

• To: indicates movement towards a specific destination (e.g., to the park)
• Towards: indicates movement in the direction of something (e.g., towards the building)
• Into: indicates movement from outside to a point inside (e.g., into the room)
• Through: indicates movement from one side to the other side of something (e.g., through the tunnel)
• Across: indicates movement from one side to the other side of something (e.g., across the street)
• Along: indicates movement following the length of something (e.g., along the river)
• Out of: indicates movement from inside to outside (e.g., out of the house)
• Up: indicates movement to a higher place or position (e.g., up the hill)
• Down: indicates movement to a lower place or position (e.g., down the stairs)
• Over: indicates movement above and across something (e.g., over the bridge)
• Past: indicates movement from one side to the other side of something, often indicating passing by (e.g., past the post office)

Usage Examples and Rules

Preposition	Example Sentence	Rule
To	She walked to the store.	Indicates movement towards a specific destination.
Towards	He ran towards the finish line.	Indicates movement in the direction of something.
Into	The cat jumped into the box.	Indicates movement from outside to a point inside.
Through	The train went through the tunnel.	Indicates movement from one side to the other side of something.
Across	They walked across the street.	Indicates movement from one side to the other side of something.
Along	We strolled along the beach.	Indicates movement following the length of something.
Out of	She came out of the building.	Indicates movement from inside to outside.
Up	He climbed up the ladder.	Indicates movement to a higher place or position.
Down	The ball rolled down the hill.	Indicates movement to a lower place or position.
Over	The bird flew over the house.	Indicates movement above and across something.
Past	We drove past the cinema.	Indicates movement from one side to the other side of something, often indicating passing by.

These explanations and examples clarify how prepositions of direction and movement are used to describe the direction or path of movement of someone or something.

5.      Prepositions of Manner, Instrument, and Reason

• Examples and usage of prepositions indicating manner (by, with, like)
• Prepositions indicating instrument (with, by)
• Prepositions indicating reason or purpose (for, because of)

Prepositions of Manner, Instrument, and Reason

Prepositions Indicating Manner

Prepositions of manner describe how something is done. Common prepositions of manner include "by," "with," and "like."

Preposition	Example Sentence	Usage
By	She traveled by car.	Indicates the means or method used to achieve something.
With	He fixed the chair with a hammer.	Indicates the tool or object used to accomplish something.
Like	She sings like a professional.	Indicates similarity or comparison in manner.

Prepositions Indicating Instrument

Prepositions of instrument describe the tool, instrument, or means used to do something. Common prepositions of instrument include "with" and "by."

Preposition	Example Sentence	Usage
With	She cut the bread with a knife.	Indicates the tool or object used to perform an action.
By	The letter was sent by mail.	Indicates the means or method used to achieve something.

Prepositions Indicating Reason or Purpose

Prepositions of reason or purpose explain why something happens or is done. Common prepositions indicating reason or purpose include "for" and "because of."

Preposition	Example Sentence	Usage
For	He bought flowers for his wife.	Indicates the purpose of an action.
Because of	The game was canceled because of the rain.	Indicates the reason for something happening.

Usage Examples in a Table

Preposition Type	Preposition	Example Sentence	Usage
Manner	By	She traveled by train.	Indicates the means or method used to achieve something.
Manner	With	He painted the wall with a brush.	Indicates the tool or object used to accomplish something.
Manner	Like	He swims like a fish.	Indicates similarity or comparison in manner.
Instrument	With	She opened the door with a key.	Indicates the tool or object used to perform an action.
Instrument	By	The cake was made by a famous chef.	Indicates the means or method used to achieve something.
Reason or Purpose	For	He went to the store for groceries.	Indicates the purpose of an action.
Reason or Purpose	Because of	The flight was delayed because of the storm.	Indicates the reason for something happening.

These explanations and examples illustrate how prepositions of manner, instrument, and reason are used to convey how something is done, the tools or means used, and the reasons or purposes behind actions.

 

 

6.      Prepositional Phrases

• Understanding prepositional phrases
• Examples and how they function in a sentence

Prepositional Phrases

Understanding Prepositional Phrases

A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun, known as the object of the preposition. The prepositional phrase often acts as an adjective or adverb, providing additional information about time, location, direction, manner, reason, or purpose.

Structure of a Prepositional Phrase

Preposition + Modifier(s) (optional) + Object of the Preposition

Examples:

• In the morning (preposition "in" + object "morning")
• On the table (preposition "on" + object "table")
• With a smile (preposition "with" + modifier "a" + object "smile")

Functions of Prepositional Phrases in a Sentence

1.      As Adjectives: Prepositional phrases can describe a noun or pronoun.

• Example: The book on the table is mine.
• Explanation: "on the table" describes the location of "book."

2.      As Adverbs: Prepositional phrases can modify a verb, adjective, or adverb, providing information about how, when, where, or why something happens.

• Example: She arrived in the morning.
• Explanation: "in the morning" tells when she arrived.

Examples and Their Functions in Sentences

Prepositional Phrase	Example Sentence	Function
In the garden	The children are playing in the garden.	Acts as an adverb, describing where.
On the wall	The picture on the wall is beautiful.	Acts as an adjective, describing "picture".
With enthusiasm	He spoke with enthusiasm.	Acts as an adverb, describing how he spoke.
Under the bed	The cat hid under the bed.	Acts as an adverb, describing where.
For her birthday	He bought a gift for her birthday.	Acts as an adverb, describing why.
Before the event	She prepared before the event.	Acts as an adverb, describing when.
Near the station	There's a cafe near the station.	Acts as an adjective, describing "cafe".
With a pen	She wrote the note with a pen.	Acts as an adverb, describing how.
During the meeting	Questions were raised during the meeting.	Acts as an adverb, describing when.
About the movie	We talked about the movie.	Acts as an adverb, describing what about.

These explanations and examples demonstrate how prepositional phrases function within sentences, adding clarity and detail about various aspects such as time, place, manner, and reason.

Common Prepositional Errors

Common Mistakes Learners Make with Prepositions

1.      Using the wrong preposition

• Mistake: He is good in math.
• Correction: He is good at math.
• Explanation: "Good at" is the correct prepositional phrase.

2.      Omitting necessary prepositions

• Mistake: She is looking the children.
• Correction: She is looking after the children.
• Explanation: "Looking after" is the correct phrase to indicate taking care of someone.

3.      Adding unnecessary prepositions

• Mistake: Where is she at?
• Correction: Where is she?
• Explanation: The preposition "at" is unnecessary and redundant in this question.

4.      Confusing prepositions of time

• Mistake: I will meet you on Monday in the evening.
• Correction: I will meet you on Monday in the evening.
• Explanation: "On Monday" is correct for the day, and "in the evening" is correct for the time of day.

5.      Incorrect preposition after adjectives

• Mistake: She is afraid from spiders.
• Correction: She is afraid of spiders.
• Explanation: "Afraid of" is the correct prepositional phrase.

6.      Using the wrong preposition after verbs

• Mistake: They are waiting on the bus.
• Correction: They are waiting for the bus.
• Explanation: "Waiting for" is the correct prepositional phrase.

7.      Confusing prepositions of place

• Mistake: The cat is in the table.
• Correction: The cat is on the table.
• Explanation: "On the table" is correct as it indicates the cat is on the surface of the table.

How to Avoid and Correct These Errors

1.      Learn prepositional phrases as chunks

• Memorize common prepositional phrases as fixed expressions (e.g., "good at," "afraid of").

2.      Pay attention to context

• Understand the context in which a preposition is used (e.g., time, place, manner).

3.      Use resources

• Refer to grammar books or online resources to check the correct usage of prepositions.

4.      Practice regularly

• Regularly practice using prepositions in sentences to reinforce correct usage.

5.      Seek feedback

• Get feedback from teachers or native speakers to correct mistakes.

6.      Be cautious with translations

• Avoid direct translations from your native language, as prepositional usage can differ.

Examples and Corrections

Mistake	Correct Sentence	Explanation
She is good in music.	She is good at music.	Use "good at" for skills and abilities.
I will call you in Monday.	I will call you on Monday.	Use "on" for days of the week.
He is interested for history.	He is interested in history.	Use "interested in" to express interest.
We arrived to the airport.	We arrived at the airport.	Use "arrive at" for specific places.
She is married with John.	She is married to John.	Use "married to" to indicate a spouse.
They are talking about the phone.	They are talking on the phone.	Use "talking on the phone" for phone conversations.

By being aware of these common errors and understanding the correct usage of prepositions, learners can improve their accuracy and fluency in English.

7.      Prepositions in Idiomatic Expressions

• Examples of idiomatic expressions involving prepositions
• How these expressions differ from literal prepositional use

Prepositions in Idiomatic Expressions

Examples of Idiomatic Expressions Involving Prepositions

Idiomatic expressions are phrases where the meaning cannot be deduced from the individual words. Many idiomatic expressions involve prepositions, and they often differ significantly from their literal meanings. Here are some examples:

Idiomatic Expression	Meaning	Literal Meaning (if any)
At odds with	In disagreement with	At a state of opposition
In charge of	Responsible for	In control or command
Out of the blue	Unexpectedly	Suddenly, without warning
Under the weather	Feeling ill	Feeling sick or unwell
On cloud nine	Very happy	Extremely happy
By and large	Generally	On the whole, mostly
In the nick of time	Just in time	At the last possible moment
On the same page	In agreement	Sharing the same understanding
Up in the air	Uncertain	Not yet decided
At stake	At risk	In danger of being lost or damaged

How These Expressions Differ from Literal Prepositional Use

Idiomatic expressions often have meanings that are not directly related to the individual words they contain. The prepositions in these idiomatic phrases do not follow their typical literal meanings.

1.      At odds with

• Idiomatic: They are at odds with each other. (They disagree with each other.)
• Literal: "At odds" doesn't have a straightforward literal meaning outside of the idiomatic use.

2.      In charge of

• Idiomatic: She is in charge of the project. (She is responsible for the project.)
• Literal: "In charge" literally implies being in a position of control or command.

3.      Out of the blue

• Idiomatic: The news came out of the blue. (The news was unexpected.)
• Literal: "Out of the blue" does not make sense if interpreted literally as coming from a blue place or sky.

4.      Under the weather

• Idiomatic: He feels under the weather today. (He feels ill today.)
• Literal: "Under the weather" could be interpreted as being physically beneath weather conditions, which does not convey illness.

5.      On cloud nine

• Idiomatic: She is on cloud nine after getting the job. (She is very happy.)
• Literal: Being "on a cloud" might imply being physically on a cloud, which is not feasible or related to happiness.

Comparison Table: Idiomatic vs. Literal Use

Idiomatic Expression	Idiomatic Meaning	Literal Use or Meaning
At odds with	In disagreement with	No direct literal meaning
In charge of	Responsible for	In control or command
Out of the blue	Unexpectedly	No direct literal meaning
Under the weather	Feeling ill	Literally under weather conditions
On cloud nine	Very happy	Literally on a cloud
By and large	Generally	No direct literal meaning
In the nick of time	Just in time	No direct literal meaning
On the same page	In agreement	Literally on the same page of a book
Up in the air	Uncertain	Literally suspended in the air
At stake	At risk	Literally at the location of a stake

Understanding Idiomatic Prepositions

• Context is Key: Understanding idiomatic expressions requires knowledge of the context in which they are used. These phrases often can't be translated word-for-word.
• Practice and Exposure: Regular exposure to native language use, such as through reading, listening, and conversation, helps in understanding and using idiomatic expressions correctly.
• Consult Resources: Use dictionaries and language resources that explain idiomatic expressions and their meanings.

By recognizing the differences between idiomatic and literal uses of prepositions, learners can improve their understanding and usage of English in more natural and fluent ways.

8.      Verbs and Adjectives with Specific Prepositions

• Verbs commonly used with specific prepositions (depend on, believe in, etc.)
• Adjectives commonly used with specific prepositions (afraid of, interested in, etc.)

Verbs and Adjectives with Specific Prepositions

Verbs Commonly Used with Specific Prepositions

Certain verbs in English are commonly followed by specific prepositions to convey their intended meaning. Here are some examples:

Verb	Preposition	Example Sentence	Meaning
Depend on	on	I depend on him for support.	Rely on someone/something for support.
Believe in	in	She believes in ghosts.	Have faith in the existence of something.
Wait for	for	We are waiting for the bus.	Await the arrival or occurrence of something.
Listen to	to	He listened to music all night.	Pay attention to sounds.
Look at	at	Please look at this picture.	Direct your eyes toward something.
Talk about	about	They talked about their vacation.	Discuss a topic or subject.
Apologize for	for	She apologized for being late.	Express regret for something.
Happen to	to	What happened to your car?	Occur unexpectedly to something.
Agree with	with	I agree with your proposal.	Consent to or accept something.
Dream of	of	She dreams of becoming a pilot.	Have a strong desire or ambition.

Adjectives Commonly Used with Specific Prepositions

Adjectives in English are often followed by specific prepositions to complete their meaning. Here are some examples:

Adjective	Preposition	Example Sentence	Meaning
Afraid of	of	She is afraid of spiders.	Fearful or frightened by something.
Interested in	in	He is interested in science.	Curious or wanting to learn about something.
Good at	at	She is good at playing piano.	Skilled or proficient in something.
Famous for	for	Paris is famous for its art museums.	Known for something notable or significant.
Tired of	of	I am tired of waiting.	Bored or annoyed with something.
Similar to	to	His style is similar to mine.	Resembling or alike in some way.
Capable of	of	He is capable of solving the problem.	Able or competent to do something.
Angry with	with	She was angry with him for forgetting.	Upset or displeased with someone.
Proud of	of	She is proud of her achievements.	Feeling satisfaction or pleasure in something.

Understanding Usage

• Learn as Phrases: Memorize these combinations as fixed phrases to use them correctly in speech and writing.
• Contextual Awareness: Understand the context in which these verbs and adjectives are used with specific prepositions to convey precise meanings.
• Practice: Use these phrases in sentences to reinforce correct usage and fluency.

By familiarizing yourself with these verbs and adjectives paired with specific prepositions, you can enhance your English language skills and communicate more effectively in various contexts.

9.      Prepositions in Questions

• How prepositions are used in forming questions
• Examples and rules

Prepositions in Questions

How Prepositions are Used in Forming Questions

Prepositions play a crucial role in forming questions by indicating relationships between elements in the sentence, such as time, place, direction, manner, and more. They are used to ask about specific details and clarify information. Here are some examples and rules for using prepositions in questions:

Examples and Rules

1.      Time:

• Example: When did you arrive?
• Rule: Use prepositions like "when," "at what time," "in what year," etc., to ask about specific times or periods.

2.      Place:

• Example: Where is the library?
• Rule: Use prepositions like "where," "at," "in," "on," etc., to ask about locations or positions.

3.      Direction:

• Example: To where are you going?
• Rule: Use prepositions like "to," "towards," "into," "through," etc., to ask about movement or direction.

4.      Manner:

• Example: How did you do that?
• Rule: Use prepositions like "how," "by," "with," etc., to ask about the way or method something is done.

5.      Reason:

• Example: Why did you leave early?
• Rule: Use prepositions like "why," "because of," "for," etc., to ask about the cause or reason for something.

6.      Possession:

• Example: Whose book is this?
• Rule: Use prepositions like "whose," "of," etc., to ask about ownership or possession.

7.      Means/Instrument:

• Example: With what did you cut the cake?
• Rule: Use prepositions like "with," "by," etc., to ask about the tool or method used to do something.

More Examples of Questions with Prepositions:

• For what are you preparing?
• In which room is the meeting?
• From where did they come?
• To whom did you speak?
• With whom are you going?

General Rules:

• Interrogative Words: Use interrogative words (question words) such as "who," "what," "where," "when," "why," "which," "how," etc., to introduce questions involving prepositions.
• Order: The preposition typically comes immediately after the interrogative word in the question structure.

Understanding Usage

• Contextual Awareness: Understand the context and use appropriate prepositions to form questions correctly.
• Practice: Practice forming questions using various prepositions to improve fluency and accuracy.
• Review: Review common question structures to reinforce understanding of prepositional usage.

By following these rules and examples, you can effectively use prepositions to form questions that inquire about specific details and clarify information in English conversation and writing.

10.  Advanced Prepositional Usage

• Less common or more complex prepositions (amid, despite, etc.)
• Contextual usage and nuanced meanings

Advanced Prepositional Usage

Less Common or More Complex Prepositions

1.      Amid: In the middle of something; surrounded by.

• Example: They continued their discussion amid the chaos of the storm.
• Contextual Usage: Used to describe being in the middle of a situation, often with a sense of continuity despite surrounding circumstances.

2.      Despite: Without being affected by; in spite of.

• Example: Despite the rain, the event was a success.
• Contextual Usage: Indicates something that happens or exists even though there are difficulties, opposition, or unfavorable conditions.

3.      Notwithstanding: In spite of; although.

• Example: He decided to go, notwithstanding his fear of flying.
• Contextual Usage: Similar to "despite," emphasizes proceeding despite obstacles or circumstances.

4.      Beneath: Underneath; below in position.

• Example: The treasure was hidden beneath the old tree.
• Contextual Usage: Indicates something under or below another object or surface.

5.      Among: Surrounded by; in the midst of a group.

• Example: He found his keys among the books on the shelf.
• Contextual Usage: Used to indicate being part of a group or collection.

6.      Towards: In the direction of; with respect to.

• Example: She walked towards the station.
• Contextual Usage: Indicates movement or direction towards a specific point or goal.

Contextual Usage and Nuanced Meanings

·         Amid and among both indicate being surrounded by something, but "amid" suggests being in the midst of a situation or condition, while "among" indicates being part of a group or collection.

·         Despite and notwithstanding both express contrast or defiance against something negative, but "notwithstanding" is more formal and emphasizes legal or formal contexts.

·         Beneath implies something physically below or under another object or surface, whereas "underneath" is more commonly used in a similar sense but can also imply hidden or covered.

Nuanced Meanings:

·         Amid suggests being in the middle of something, often implying a continuation or persistence despite surrounding circumstances.

·         Despite emphasizes an action or outcome that occurs regardless of obstacles or adverse conditions.

·         Notwithstanding emphasizes proceeding or existing despite constraints, often used in legal or formal contexts.

·         Beneath and underneath both indicate something below or under another object, with "beneath" often used in a more literal sense and "underneath" sometimes suggesting hidden or covered status.

·         Towards indicates direction or movement in the direction of something, implying progress or intent towards a goal or destination.

Understanding Advanced Usage

• Contextual Awareness: Pay attention to the context in which these prepositions are used to understand their nuanced meanings.
• Reading and Exposure: Read extensively to encounter these prepositions in various contexts and understand their usage.
• Practice: Practice using these prepositions in sentences to become familiar with their nuances and applications.

By understanding and practicing these advanced prepositional usages, you can enhance your language skills and communicate more precisely in both spoken and written English.

 

11.  Prepositions and Articles

• Interaction between prepositions and articles (the, a, an)
• Rules and examples

Prepositions and Articles

Interaction Between Prepositions and Articles

Prepositions often interact with articles (definite article "the" and indefinite articles "a" and "an") in English sentences. The usage of articles with prepositions depends on whether the noun they introduce is specific or nonspecific.

Rules and Examples

1.      With Definite Article "the"

When using prepositions with the definite article "the," it typically introduces a specific noun that is known to both the speaker and the listener.

Preposition	Example Sentence	Explanation
In	He lives in the city.	Refers to a specific city known to both.
On	The book is on the table.	Refers to a specific table known to both.
At	They are staying at the hotel.	Refers to a specific hotel known to both.
By	He stood by the door.	Refers to a specific door known to both.
With	She arrived with the children.	Refers to specific children known to both.

2.      With Indefinite Articles "a" and "an"

Indefinite articles "a" (before consonant sounds) and "an" (before vowel sounds) introduce nonspecific nouns, indicating any one of a group.

Preposition	Example Sentence	Explanation
In	She has a cat in a box.	Refers to any cat and any box.
On	There is an apple on a table.	Refers to any apple and any table.
At	He found a book at a library.	Refers to any book and any library.
By	She saw a man by a tree.	Refers to any man and any tree.
With	He came with a friend.	Refers to any friend accompanying him.

Understanding Usage

·         Specific vs. Nonspecific: Use "the" with prepositions when referring to specific nouns known to both the speaker and listener. Use "a" or "an" when referring to nonspecific nouns or when the specific identity of the noun is not important.

·         Contextual Clarity: Consider the context to determine whether to use a definite or indefinite article with a preposition.

·         Practice: Practice using prepositions with articles in sentences to reinforce understanding and fluency.

By following these rules and examples, you can effectively use prepositions with articles to accurately convey specific or nonspecific meanings in English sentences.

12.  Prepositions with Nouns, Pronouns, and Gerunds

• Usage of prepositions with different grammatical forms
• Examples and explanations

Prepositions with Nouns, Pronouns, and Gerunds

Prepositions in English are used with various grammatical forms such as nouns, pronouns, and gerunds (verb forms ending in "-ing"). Understanding how prepositions interact with these different parts of speech is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences.

Usage of Prepositions with Different Grammatical Forms

1.      Nouns

Prepositions often precede nouns to indicate relationships such as time, place, direction, manner, etc.

Preposition	Example Sentence	Explanation
In	He is in the room.	Indicates location or position.
On	The book is on the table.	Indicates position or location.
At	She arrived at the airport.	Indicates location or position.
For	This gift is for you.	Indicates recipient or purpose.
With	He is talking with his friend.	Indicates accompaniment or association.

2.      Pronouns

Prepositions also precede pronouns to indicate relationships similar to those with nouns.

Preposition	Example Sentence	Explanation
With	He is angry with me.	Indicates the person he is angry with.
To	She gave the present to him.	Indicates the recipient of the present.
From	I heard the news from her.	Indicates the source of the news.
About	They are talking about us.	Indicates the topic of their conversation.
Between	It's a secret between us.	Indicates the parties involved in the secret.

3.      Gerunds

Gerunds (verb forms ending in "-ing") can act as nouns in sentences and are often preceded by prepositions.

Preposition	Example Sentence	Explanation
Before	He apologized before leaving.	Indicates the action preceding another action.
After	She is tired after working all day.	Indicates the action following another action.
By	He succeeded by persevering.	Indicates the means or method of achieving something.
Without	They left without saying goodbye.	Indicates absence of something.
On	She insisted on going with him.	Indicates determination or insistence on something.

Examples and Explanations

·         Nouns: Prepositions like "in," "on," "at," "for," and "with" establish relationships with nouns by indicating where, when, or how something occurs or is done.

·         Pronouns: Prepositions such as "with," "to," "from," "about," and "between" specify relationships between people or things, showing direction, possession, or association.

·         Gerunds: Prepositions like "before," "after," "by," "without," and "on" express the time, manner, or condition in which an action (gerund) occurs.

Understanding Usage

·         Contextual Awareness: Consider the context and the role of the noun, pronoun, or gerund to determine the appropriate preposition to use.

·         Practice: Practice constructing sentences with different prepositions and grammatical forms to enhance proficiency and understanding.

By mastering the usage of prepositions with nouns, pronouns, and gerunds, you can improve your ability to express relationships and convey meaning accurately in English.