Language of the Day: Preposition Categories

Prepositions are small but powerful words that help us express relationships between different parts of a sentence. They often indicate direction, location, time, or introduce an object. Mastering prepositions is essential for clear and effective communication in English. Check out the quiz at the bottom of the page to test your knowledge!

🔍 What Is a Preposition?

A preposition is a word placed before a noun or pronoun to show its relationship to another word in the sentence. For example:

  • The book is on the table.

  • She arrived after lunch.

📚 Major Categories of Prepositions

Here’s a breakdown of the major types of prepositions:

1. Prepositions of Place/Location

These describe where something is located.

  • Examples: in, on, at, under, over, between, beside

  • The keys are on the desk.

2. Prepositions of Direction/Movement

These indicate movement from one place to another.

  • Examples: to, into, onto, out of, off, toward, through

  • He walked into the room.

3. Prepositions of Time

These show relationships with time.

  • Examples: at, on, in, before, after, during, since, until

  • We’ll meet at 3 PM.

4. Prepositions of Cause, Reason, or Purpose

These explain why something happens.

  • Examples: because of, due to, for, from

  • The flight was delayed due to weather.

5. Prepositions of Manner, Instrument, or Agent

These describe how something is done or by whom.

  • Examples: by, with, like

  • The cake was made by my sister.

6. Prepositions of Comparison or Contrast

These show similarities or differences.

  • Examples: like, unlike, as, than

  • Unlike his brother, he enjoys hiking.

7. Compound Prepositions

These are formed by combining words.

  • Examples: according to, because of, in front of, next to

  • She sat next to her friend.

🧠 Preposition Quiz: Test Your Knowledge!

Choose the correct preposition for each sentence.

  1. The cat is hiding ___ the couch.

  2. We’ll meet ___ Monday morning.

  3. He walked ___ the door without saying a word.

  4. The gift is ___ you.

  5. She arrived ___ the party started.

  6. The book is ___ the shelf.

  7. I’m going ___ the store.

  8. The plane flew ___ the clouds.

  9. He was punished ___ being late.

  10. The movie was directed ___ Spielberg.

  11. She sat ___ me during the concert.

  12. The train leaves ___ 6 PM.

  13. He’s been working here ___ 2010.

  14. The dog jumped ___ the bed.

  15. This dish is made ___ rice and vegetables.

    1. The cat is hiding under the couch.

    2. We’ll meet on Monday morning.

    3. He walked through the door without saying a word.

    4. The gift is for you.

    5. She arrived before the party started.

    6. The book is on the shelf.

    7. I’m going to the store.

    8. The plane flew above the clouds. (“over” is also acceptable)

    9. He was punished for being late.

    10. The movie was directed by Spielberg.

    11. She sat beside me during the concert. (“next to” is also acceptable)

    12. The train leaves at 6 PM.

    13. He’s been working here since 2010.

    14. The dog jumped onto the bed.

    15. This dish is made with rice and vegetables.

Zach J