Prepositions may look like small words, but they do a big job. They show how people, places, things, and ideas are connected in time, space, and thought. In this guide, you’ll find the most important English prepositions, each with a clear example sentence. Use it as a quick reference when you write, speak, or check homework. Read the examples aloud, notice the patterns, and then try creating your own sentences. With regular practice, prepositions will start to feel natural, and your English will sound smoother, more precise, and more confident. Keep this page handy and return whenever you feel unsure.
- about – We talked about the weather all afternoon.
- between – She sat between her two best friends.
- outside – The children are playing outside the house.
- above – The mirror hangs above the fireplace.
- beyond – The village lies beyond the river.
- over – The plane flew over the city.
- aboard – We climbed aboard the train just in time.
- but – Everyone but Tom agreed with the plan.
- past – We walked past the library on our way home.
- across – The dog ran across the street.
- by – We stayed at a hotel by the sea.
- regarding – I have a question regarding your last email.
- after – We went for coffee after the meeting.
- concerning – The manager spoke concerning the new rules.
- round – We walked round the park after dinner.
- against – The ladder was leaning against the wall.
- despite – Despite the rain, they continued playing.
- since – We have lived here since last year.
- along – We strolled along the beach at sunset.
- down – He ran down the stairs quickly.
- than – This box is heavier than that one.
- alongside – The boat moved alongside the pier.
- during – Please do not talk during the movie.
- through – We drove through the tunnel.
- amid – She stayed calm amid the chaos.
- except – Everyone except James arrived on time.
- throughout – Music played throughout the night.
- among – The keys are somewhere among those books.
- for – This gift is for you.
- to – We are going to the market.
- around – They built a fence around the garden.
- from – I received a letter from my cousin.
- toward/s – We walked toward the station together.
- as – She works as a nurse in the hospital.
- in – The toys are in the box.
- under – The cat is hiding under the bed.
- astride – He sat astride the motorcycle, waiting.
- including – The price is $20, including tax.
- underneath – Your shoes are underneath the table.
- at – We met at the bus stop.
- inside – They waited inside the building.
- unlike – Unlike his brother, he is very quiet.
- atop – A flag stood atop the tall tower.
- into – She poured the milk into the glass.
- until/till – I will stay here until the rain stops.
- bar – Bar one typo, your essay is perfect.
- like – This soup tastes like my mother’s cooking.
- unto – Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
- before – Wash your hands before dinner.
- near – They live near the train station.
- up – We climbed up the hill slowly.
- behind – The dog is hiding behind the sofa.
- of – She is afraid of spiders.
- upon – He knocked upon the door three times.
- below – The sun disappeared below the horizon.
- off – The cat jumped off the table.
- with – I went to the party with my friends.
- beneath – There is a cave beneath the cliffs.
- on – The book is on the desk.
- within – Please finish this work within an hour.
- beside – She sat beside her mother.
- onto – He stepped onto the stage nervously.
- without – I can’t leave without my phone.
- besides – Besides English, she speaks French.
- out – He hurried out the door in a rush.
