Prepositions are essential elements in the English language that provide information about the relationships between different elements in a sentence. Prepositions of place, in particular, help us describe the location or position of an object or person in relation to another object or place. In this article, we will explore the definition, rules, and examples of prepositions of place, and then provide a worksheet to test your knowledge.
Definition of Prepositions of Place
Prepositions of place are words that show the location or position of something or someone in relation to another object, place, or point. These prepositions help us answer questions like "Where is it?" or "Where are they?" by indicating the position of the subject. Prepositions of place are vital for clear and accurate communication.
Rules for Using Prepositions of Place
Placement: Prepositions of place typically come before the noun or pronoun they describe. Example: The keys are on the table. Use of Articles: Articles (the, a, an) are often used with prepositions of place Example: There's a cat in the garden. Proper Use: Choose the appropriate preposition based on the specific location or position you want to describe. Capitalization: Prepositions are not capitalized unless they are the first word in a sentence or part of a title.
List of Some Commonly used Prepositions of place with Descriptions and Examples
Preposition
Rule
Examples
Above
Higher in position than something else.
The bird is flying above the clouds.
On top of
Directly resting on another surface.
The book is on top of the table.
On
Positioned above or in contact with.
The picture is hanging on the wall.
Under
Lower in position than something else.
Her bag is under the chair.
Below
Positioned beneath or lower than.
The shipwreck is below the surface.
Underneath
Below or beneath in a concealed manner.
She found her lost ring underneath the sofa.
Beneath
Located below or under something else.
The roots of the tree spread beneath the ground.
Into
Denotes movement from outside to inside
She walked into the room.
Behind
Positioned at the back of something.
She's hiding behind the curtain.
In front of
Located ahead of or before something else.
The children are playing in front of the house.
Between
Positioned in the middle of two objects.
The cat is sitting between two pillows.
Beside
Positioned next to or alongside something else.
He sat beside his sister during the movie.
Next to
Directly adjacent to or immediately beside something.
There's a park next to the school.
Near
Close in proximity to something.
We live near the ocean.
Close to
Similar to "near," indicating proximity.
he cafe is close to the office.
By
Indicates being near or beside something.
She stood by the window.
In
Signifies being enclosed or within a space.
The ball is in the box.
Inside
Similar to "in," implying interior placement.
It's raining, so we're staying inside the house.
Within
Indicates being inside a certain boundary or limit.
The keys are somewhere within the house.
Out
Refers to a position beyond or not within a space.
He's playing out in the yard.
Outside
Similar to "out," indicating exterior placement.
The kids are playing outside the school.
Out of
Indicates movement from inside to outside.
Please step out of the car.
These prepositions, along with their descriptions and examples, will help you better understand how to use them when describing the position or location of objects, people, or places.
Prepositions of place Worksheets
Worksheet
A : Fill in the Blanks (5 questions)
1. The cat is the roof. 2. The book is the shelf. 3. She is sitting the chair. 4. The playground is the school. 5. The car is parked the garage.
B : Optional Choice (5 questions)
1. The flowers are planted (a) beside / (b) above the fence. 2. The cat is (a) under / (b) inside the table. 3. The children are playing (a) in front of / (b) between the house. 4. The keys are (a) by / (b) in the door. 5. The ball is (a) next to / (b) on top of the box.
C: Another Type (5 questions)
1. Choose the correct preposition to complete the sentence: The dog is sleeping the bed. a) on b) under c) beside d) between 2. Identify the preposition in the sentence: She found her keys under the couch. 3. Complete the sentence with the appropriate preposition: The store is the bank. 4. Which preposition describes a position in the middle of two objects or places? a) above b) between c) beside d) behind 5. Fill in the blank with the correct preposition: The clock is the wall. Answers: Fill in the Blanks: [1.on, 2.on, 3.on, 4.in front of, 5. in] Optional Choice: [1. a) beside, 2.b) inside, 3. a) in front of, 4. a) by, 5. b) on top of] Another Type Questions: [1. b) under, 2. under, 3. next to, 4. b) between, 5. on]