Table of Contents
English grammar is one of the important paper in almost all the competitive examinations. Aspirants preparing for bank exams needs to have a depth knowledge of English grammar in order to score good marks. English language includes grammar, vocabulary and reading. Practicing English language on a regular basis will definitely make it easy to score well in the examinations. Prepositions are words which link nouns, pronouns and phrases to other words in a sentence. Prepositions usually describe the position of something, the time when something happens and the way in which something is done, although the prepositions “of”, “to” and “for” have some separate functions. In this article let us check the Basic English Grammar Rules of Preposition
Join our Spoken English program today and communicate with ease!
Basic English Grammar Rules of Preposition
In this article let us have a glimpse on
- Basic rules of preposition
- List of common prepositions
- Types of preposition
- English vocabulary quiz
- How Entri will help with preparation for competitive examinations.
The following are few basic guidelines to be kept in mind as we use prepositions in the sentence
1. A preposition must have an object
All prepositions have objects. If a “preposition” does not have an object it is not a preposition. it’s probably an adverb. A preposition always has an object. An adverb never has an object.
Here are some examples:
- They are in the kitchen. (preposition in has object the kitchen)
Please come in. (adverb in has no object; it qualifies come) - There was a doorway before me. (preposition before has object me)
I had never seen it before. (adverb before has no object; it qualifies seen) - I will call after work. (preposition after has object work)
He called soon after. (adverb after has no object; it qualifies called)
2. A preposition cannot be followed by a verb
Verb placed immediately after preposition must be in gerund form.
Here are some examples:
- He prevented me from drinking cold water.
- He insist on trying again.
3. Usage of “in” and “into”
When you want to express motion toward something, use “into” rather than “in.” Reserve “in” for moments when you want to indicate a location.
Here are some examples:
- I swam in the lake. (Indicating location)
- I walked into the pub. (Expressing motion)
- Look in the cupboard. (Indicating location)
- She drove into the city. (Expressing motion)
Join our Spoken English program today and communicate with ease!
4. Be careful on where you place the preposition
A preposition generally, but not always, goes before its noun or pronoun. One of the undying myths of English grammar is that you may not end a sentence with a preposition. Do not use extra prepositions when the meaning is clear without them. In other words, use the preposition if
needs to be there, and if it wasn’t, the meaning of the sentence would change.
Correct: That is something I cannot agree with.
Correct: Where did you get this?
Incorrect: Where did you get this at?
Correct: How many of you can I depend on?
Correct: Where did he go?
Incorrect: Where did he go to?
List of Common Prepositions
1: Who was the first woman President of India?
Here is a list of common prepositions:
- About
- Above
- Across
- After
- Along
- Amid
- Among
- Around
- As
- At
- Before
- Behind
- Below
- Beneath
- Between
- Because of
- Down
- During
- Except
- For
- From
- In
- Into
- Inside
- Instead of
- Near
- Next to
- Of
- Off
- On
- Outside
- Out of
- Past
- Round
- Since
- Than
- Through
- Till
- To
- Towards
- Under
- Underneath
- Until
- Unto
- Upon
- Without
- With
Types of Preposition with Examples
The following are few types of prepositions with their usage given for clear understanding.
| Type of preposition | Prepositions | Examples of preposition usage |
| Preposition of Time | Prepositions of time show the relationship of time between the nouns to the other parts of a sentence.
on, in, at, since, for, ago, before, to, till, until, by |
|
| Preposition of place and direction | Prepositions of place show the relationship of place between the nouns to the other parts of a sentence.
On, in, at, by, next to, inside, beside, under, below, over, above, across, to, into, towards, onto, from |
|
| Preposition of Agents or instruments | These prepositions act as an agent between a noun and usually a verb.
By, with |
|
| Preposition of instruments | These prepositions connect instruments, machines or devices in the sentence.
by, with |
|
| Preposition with noun | There are lots of different nouns that carry specific prepositions to consolidate their meaning. These are called dependent prepositions.
|
|
| Preposition with verb | Prepositional verbs – the phrasal combinations of verbs and prepositions – are important parts of speech. The prepositions again act as links between the verb and noun or gerund, giving extra meaning to the sentence. The prepositions most commonly used with verbs are: to, for, about, of, in, at and from.
Verb+ in, Verb+ to, verb+ of, Verb +with. |
|
| Preposition with adjective | Prepositions can form phrases with adjectives to give further context to the action, emotion or thing the adjective is describing. Like verbs and nouns, adjectives can be followed by: to, about, In, for, with, at and by. |
|
Elevate your speaking skills with our Spoken English Course!
English Grammar quiz
Following are the quiz that can be attempted in order to help you understand the language better and score well in the examinations.
- English vocabulary Quiz- July
- English vocabulary Quiz – June
- English quiz on word usage and para jumbles
- English daily practice quiz- cloze test
- English practice quiz on synonyms and antonyms
Practice Questions on prepositions
Choose a correct preposition in the sentence.
1)I want to lose 5 kilogram (on, at, in) one month.
2)Could you get me this pants (on, at, in) a larger size?
3)She seems to be interested (on, at, in) Psychology.
4)I will come to pick you up (on, at, in) 2 pm tomorrow.
5)This class will be held (on, at, in) Mondays.
ENTRI Video Tutorials for Competitive Examination
Entri also provides free online tutorials for various topics included in different examination. Candidates can refer the videos for preparation. Candidates can have different types of learning methods. Few are auditory learners and others are visual learners. Video sessions will definitely help in emphasizing on the topic better and in a much clarified manner. So do not miss this chance when preparing for English Examination. Check below for free online tutorials for competitive examination.
Video tutorial on best tricks to learn English vocabulary for bank exam.
