Prepositions make up a small word class in English that connects nouns; they almost act as the glue to a sentence, telling us where or why. In English, prepositions are used all the time, and they don’t have to be as simple as on, at, in, though these are commonly used.
This article will explain prepositions and their uses and give you plenty of preposition examples for Grades 3-6+ and ESL. This grammar guide is designed for students to reinforce and demonstrate their command of standard English grammar as per the CCSS. There's a preposition examples quiz at the end for teachers to reinforce preposition grammar.
There are a few rules when using prepositions in a sentence. Let’s look at them now.
Flip the flashcards to recap the preposition grammar rules with preposition examples.
There are many different types of prepositions examples. Let’s take a look at them.
Simple prepositions are the easiest to learn. In fact, you’ve probably come across them before.
Compound prepositions or complex prepositions are when a simple preposition and another part of speech are used. They are a type of compound word.
Double prepositions are when two prepositions are used together. They usually indicate direction or movement and are sometimes called directional prepositions or prepositions of movement.
Prepositional phrases are grouped words built by using objects, prepositions, and any modifying words needed to modify the object. They are used in the same way as other prepositions despite being wordy.
Participle prepositions are fascinating as they are verbs that act like or function like prepositions. Participle prepositions have endings like -ed and -ing, just like when you conjugate a verb in different tenses.
Prepositions are a great part of speech to learn. If you’re after more grammar tools, we’ve got plenty.
Think you've got it? Try this checkpoint quiz!
1. My best friend lives ______ France.
Choose the best answer from the choices below
2. Sally spent the afternoon __ her phone.
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3. ________ the rain, they decided to go for a walk. (Choose the correct compound preposition)
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4. The _______ my jacket is lined with wool. (Choose the correct double preposition)
Choose the best answer from the choices below