Read & Listen: Prepositions
OVERVIEW
On this page, you will learn about prepositions.
- First, read the text about prepositions.
- Then, study the grammar charts and examples.
- Last, listen to audio of the text.
READ & LISTEN
Read:
Prepositions are words that we use to tell time or place.
Prepositions of time tell us when something is happening. There are several prepositions of time, and each is used for a specific purpose.
Prepositions of place tell us the location of things. There are several prepositions of place. Each preposition gives the specific location of what you are talking about.
| PREPOSITION OF TIME | WHEN WE USE IT | EXAMPLE |
|---|---|---|
| at | exact time | We have class at 9:00. |
| in | month, year or season | Winter quarter begins in January. |
| on | day or date | Independence Day in the United States is on July 4. |
| PREPOSITION OF PLACE | EXAMPLE | WHEN WE USE IT |
|---|---|---|
| in | The students are in class. |
Image Links to an external site. by stevec77, CC BY NC 2.0 Links to an external site. |
| on | A bird is on the wire. |
Image Links to an external site. by Shawn McCready, CC BY ND 2.0 Links to an external site. |
| behind | The dogs are behind the gate. |
Links to an external site.Image Links to an external site. by birdtographer.zion, CC BY ND 2.0 Links to an external site. |
| in front of | One cyclist is in front of the group. |
Image Links to an external site. by Biker Jun, CC BY SA 2.0 Links to an external site. |
| next to | The men are next to each other. |
Image Links to an external site. by United States Marine Corps Official Page, CC BY NC 2.0 Links to an external site. |
PREPOSITION CHART
Links to an external site.
Example:
The college is in Seattle.
The college is on Main Street.
Carlos sits behind Ali.
Ali sits in front of Carlos.
Chen sits next to Vasily.