Prepositions Explained Simply: Avoid Common Grammar Mistakes
Prepositions may be small words, but they play a big role in connecting ideas in English. They show the relationship between people, places, things, and time. Learning how to use them correctly will make your sentences clear and natural.
What is a Preposition?
A preposition is a word that connects a noun or pronoun to another word in a sentence. It usually tells us where, when, or how something happens.
Examples:
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The book is on the table. (place)
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She arrived at 7:00 p.m. (time)
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They walked through the park. (direction)
Types of Prepositions
1. Prepositions of Place/Location
They tell us where something is.
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on (The keys are on the desk.)
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in (She is waiting in the car.)
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at (I’m at the bus stop.)
2. Prepositions of Time
They show when something happens.
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at (The meeting is at 9 a.m.)
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in (I was born in July.)
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on (We met on Monday.)
3. Prepositions of Direction/Movement
They show where something is going.
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into (He went into the house.)
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onto (The cat jumped onto the roof.)
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towards (She walked towards the station.)
Common Mistakes with Prepositions
❌ Wrong: He is married with a teacher.
✅ Correct: He is married to a teacher.
❌ Wrong: We discussed about the problem.
✅ Correct: We discussed the problem.
❌ Wrong: She is good in math.
✅ Correct: She is good at math.
Quick Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition (in, on, at, to, into, with):
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The kids are playing ___ the park.
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I usually wake up ___ 6 a.m.
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My birthday is ___ June 10.
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She walked ___ the room and sat down.
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He is talking ___ his best friend.
Prepositions are tricky because they don’t always translate directly into other languages. The best way to learn them is by noticing how native speakers use them in context. Reading, listening, and practicing will help you become more confident.
👉 Want to master prepositions and use them naturally in speaking and writing? Book a lesson with me, and let’s practice together!
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