PREPOSTION
Definition of Preposition
A preposition is a word used before
a noun or pronoun to show its relationship with other words in a
sentence. It often indicates direction, location, time, cause, manner, or
possession.
Examples
of Prepositions:
- in, on, at, to, for, from, with, about, under, over,
between, behind, etc.
Uses of Prepositions
1.
Prepositions of Place/Position
Used to show the location of
something
- Examples:
- The book is on the table.
- She sat beside me.
- The keys are under the sofa.
2.
Prepositions of Time
Used to show time or when something
happens.
- Examples:
- We will meet at 5 o’clock.
- I was born in July.
- He left on Monday.
3.
Prepositions of Direction/Movement
Used to show movement from one place
to another.
- Examples:
- She went to school.
- He walked into the room.
- The cat jumped onto the table.
4.
Prepositions of Cause, Reason, or Purpose
Used to show the reason or cause of
something.
- Examples:
- He was punished for lying.
- She was crying because of the pain.
5.
Prepositions of Manner, Means, or Agent
Used to show the way or method
something happens.
- Examples:
- He came by car.
- The letter was written with a pen.
- The cake was made by my sister.
6.
Prepositions of Possession
Used to show ownership or
relationship.
- Examples:
- The house of my uncle.
- A friend of mine.
7.
Prepositions in Phrasal Verbs
Used as part of verbs that have a
different meaning when combined.
- Examples:
- Look after (take care of)
- Give up (quit)
- Run out of (finish supply)
1. Preposition "in"
"In" is used to show enclosed space, months, years, periods
of time, and larger areas.
Uses
and Examples:
A. Place/Location (inside
something):
- She is in the room.
- The keys are in the bag.
B. Time (longer periods):
- I was born in July.
- We visited Japan in 2020.
- He will arrive in the morning.
C. Countries/Cities/Neighborhoods:
- He lives in Kathmandu.
- She works in Chitwan.
D. Books, newspapers, etc.:
- I read it in the newspaper.
- It is explained in this book.
2. Preposition "on"
"On" is used to show surface, days, specific dates, and
devices or means of transport.
Uses
and Examples:
A. Place/Location (on surface):
- The book is on the table.
- There’s a sticker on the wall.
B. Time (specific days/dates):
- The meeting is on Monday.
- She was born on July 15.
C. Media/Devices:
- I saw it on TV.
- He posted a photo on Facebook.
D. Means of transport:
- He is on the bus.
- We went on a ship.
3.
Preposition "at"
"At" is used to show a specific point in time or place.
Uses
and Examples:
A. Place (specific points or
locations):
- She is at the door.
- We met at the station.
- He is at the hospital (as a visitor or
location).
B. Time (precise time):
- The train arrives at 6 p.m.
- I will call you at noon.
C. Events or buildings (seen as
point locations):
- They were at the party.
- We met at the cinema.
Summary Table
|
Preposition |
Use for |
Example |
|
in |
Enclosed space, months, years,
cities |
She lives in Kathmandu. |
|
on |
Surface, days, dates, devices |
The photo is on the wall. |
|
at |
Specific time/location |
I’m at the station. |
Prepositions using before vehicles (Particular situation)
1.
"In" + Vehicle
Use "in" when referring to private or enclosed vehicles where
you sit inside.
Examples:
- I am in the car.
- She is in a taxi.
- They were in a truck.
Rule: Use "in" for cars, taxis, vans, jeeps,
or small boats — vehicles you get into.
2.
"On" + Vehicle
Use "on" when referring to public or open transport or
vehicles where you can stand or walk around.
Examples:
- He is on the bus.
- We were on the train.
- She got on the plane.
- They rode on a bicycle.
- He was on a motorbike.
Rule: Use "on" for buses, trains, planes,
bicycles, motorbikes, ships, etc.
3.
"By" + Vehicle (General Means of Transport)
Use "by" when you are talking about the mode of transport in
general, without an article (a/the).
Examples:
- I go to school by bus.
- She traveled by car.
- They went by plane.
- We came by boat.
- He arrived by taxi.
Note: Do not use "a" or
"the" with "by":
- ✅ Correct: I went by bus.
- ❌ Incorrect: I went by the bus.
Summary Table:
|
Preposition |
Used with |
Example |
|
in |
Enclosed/private vehicles |
She is in the car. |
|
on |
Public or open vehicles |
He is on the bus. |
|
by |
Mode of transport (general) |
I traveled by train. |
Use of "in" and "into" — Explained with Examples
1.
"In" – (Position/Location)
Used to show something is inside
a place or space and not moving.
Examples:
- The books are in the bag.
- She is sitting in the room.
- There’s milk in the glass.
Key Idea: "In" = already inside → shows position
or state.
2.
"Into" – (Movement/Direction)
Used to show movement from
outside to inside.
Examples:
- She went into the room.
- He jumped into the pool.
- Put the phone into your pocket.
Key Idea: "Into" = moving inside → shows action
or movement.
Quick
Comparison Table:
|
Preposition |
Meaning |
Example |
|
in |
Already inside |
The keys are in the drawer. |
|
into |
Moving from outside in |
He put the keys into the
drawer. |
Tip in Nepali:
- "In" = भित्र छ
मेरो किताब झोलामा छ। → My book is in the bag. - "Into" = भित्र
पसेको कार्य
उसले किताब झोलामा हाल्यो। → He put the book into the bag.
Use of "on" and "onto" — Explained with
Examples
"On" and "onto"
both relate to surfaces, but their use is different. Here's how:
1.
"On" – (Position/Location)
Used to show that something is already
resting on a surface.
Examples:
- The phone is on the table.
- There is a book on the shelf.
- She sat on the chair.
Key Idea: "On" = already placed on the surface
(no movement).
2.
"Onto" – (Movement/Direction)
Used when something moves from
one place to a surface.
Examples:
- She jumped onto the bed.
- He climbed onto the roof.
- The cat leapt onto the table.
Key Idea: "Onto" = movement toward a surface.
Quick Comparison Table
|
Preposition |
Meaning |
Example |
|
on |
Already on a surface |
The book is on the table. |
|
onto |
Movement to a surface |
He threw the book onto the
table. |
Tip in Nepali
- "On" = माथि छ
गिलास टेबलको माथि छ। → The glass is on the table. - "Onto" = माथि
राखिएको/हालेको कार्य
उसले गिलास टेबलको माथि राख्यो। → He put the glass onto the table.
Use of ‘ON and Upon’
1.
"On" – Used for both Rest and Motion (common and modern)
When
showing REST (no movement):
- Something is already placed or resting on a
surface.
Examples:
- The book is on the table. (rest)
- She sat on the bench. (rest)
When
showing MOTION (with movement):
- Used with verbs of motion followed by a surface.
Examples:
- He jumped on the bed. (motion)
- The cat climbed on the roof. (motion)
"On" is flexible –
used in both static and movement contexts.
2.
"Upon" – Mainly Formal or Literary, Often Implies Motion or Sudden
Action
When
showing REST (formal/literary):
- Similar to “on,” but less common in casual use.
Examples:
- The crown rested upon his head. (rest – poetic)
- Her hands lay upon the Bible. (rest –
formal)
When
showing MOTION (more frequent with 'upon'):
- Often used to emphasize sudden or formal movement
or an action starting.
Examples:
- He leapt upon the horse. (motion – sudden
action)
- She knocked upon the door. (motion –
formal)
- Upon
entering the room, they fell silent. (beginning of action)
"Upon" gives a more
dramatic, formal, or literary tone.
Summary Table
|
Context |
On (Modern) |
Upon (Formal/Literary) |
|
Rest |
The book is on the table. |
The crown lay upon his
head. |
|
Motion |
He jumped on the bed. |
He jumped upon the bed. |
|
Start of action |
– |
Upon hearing the news, he wept. |
Use
of ‘By’ and ‘With’
1.
"By" – Shows the Doer, Method, or Means
a.
To show the doer of an action (especially in passive voice)
- The cake was made by my mother. ✅
- The letter was written by him.
"By" tells who did the action.
b.
To show means of transport or communication
- She came by bus.
- I talked to him by phone.
"By" means how something was done.
c.
To show nearness or location
- He is standing by the door. ✅ (near)
- The shop is by the river.
2.
"With" – Shows the Tool, Instrument, or Companion
a.
To show the tool or object used to do something
- He cut the paper with scissors
- She wrote with a pen.
- I opened the can with a knife.
"With" shows what was used to do the action.
b.
To show someone is accompanied
- She came with her brother.
- I went to the market with my friends.
c.
To describe how someone looks or behaves
- The man with a red hat is my uncle.
- She smiled with joy.
1.
"In" – Used for Time, Place, and Situation
A.
"In" for Time (after a period of time)
Means "within" a
certain time or "after" certain duration
Examples:
- I will call you in 10 minutes.
- The train will arrive in an hour.
B.
"In" for Place (inside something)
Examples:
- She is in the room.
- The money is in the bag.
2.
"After" – Used for Time and Sequence
A.
"After" for Time (following something)
Means "later than"
or "next in time."
Examples:
- I will go to school after lunch.
- She called me after the meeting.
B.
"After" for Order or Following Something
Examples:
- He ran after the thief.
- They named the baby after her grandmother.
Use of Before
1.
"Before" to Show Time (Earlier Than Something)
Used when something happens earlier
than another event.
Examples:
- I brushed my teeth before breakfast.
- She arrived before 10 a.m.
- Please come before noon.
2.
"Before" to Show Order or Priority
Used when one person or thing comes earlier
or first in order.
Examples:
- Your name comes before mine in the list.
- He spoke before me in the meeting.
3.
"Before" to Show Physical Position (Less common)
Used when something is in front
of or facing something else.
Examples:
- The teacher stood before the class.
- He kneeled before the king.
Use of "Within"
1.
"Within" – Means “Inside a period of time” or “Not later than”
- Used to say something will happen before the end
of a specific time.
Examples:
- Please finish the work within two hours.
- The package will arrive within a week.
2.
"Within" – Means “Inside a certain area or limit”
- Used to talk about space or boundaries.
Examples:
- Stay within the marked lines.
- The house is located within the city limits.
- All employees must remain within the office
premises.
Use of For & About
1.
Use of "For"
A.
Purpose / Reason
Used to show the purpose or
reason something is done.
- I bought a gift for you.
- She studies for the exam.
B.
Duration of Time
Used to express how long
something lasts.
- He stayed here for two hours.
- They lived in Nepal for five years.
C.
Benefit / Recipient
Shows who benefits or receives
something.
- This present is for my mother.
- The award is for the best student.
2. Use of "About"
A. Concerning / Regarding
Used to talk concerning a topic
or subject.
- We talked about the movie.
- The book is about history.
B.
Approximate / Around
Used to show approximate amount
or number.
- There were about 20 people at the party.
- The price is about $50.
Use of From & To
1. Use of
"From" देखि / बाट
A.
Starting Point in Time or Place
Shows the beginning of
something.
- I live from Kathmandu.
- The class is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
B.
Source or Origin
Shows where something comes from.
- This gift is from my friend.
- She comes from Nepal.
C.
Cause or Reason
Shows the cause of something.
- He suffers from a cold.
- She died from an illness.
2. Use of
"To" सम्म / तिर
A.
Destination or Direction
Shows the end point or goal
of movement.
- I am going to school.
- The train goes to Pokhara.
B.
Recipient
Shows to whom something is
given or directed.
- Give this letter to Ram.
- She spoke to her teacher.
C.
Limit or Range
Shows the end point of a range
(time, number, place).
- The shop is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- The temperature rose to 30 degrees.
Use of Between & Among
1. Use of
"Between" बीचमा (दुई वस्तु/व्यक्ति)
A.
Used when talking about two things or people
- The book is between the table and the chair.
- The secret is between you and me.
B.
Used when referring to distinct, individual items or people
- The negotiations between the two countries were
successful.
2. Use of
"Among" बीचमा (तीन वा बढी समूहका लागि)
A.
Used when talking about more than two things or people (a group)
- She was among her friends.
- The money was divided among the five children.
B.
Used to show being part of a group
- There is no one like him among all the players.
Additional Prepositions
1.
Beside
Meaning: Next to or at the side of
Example: She sat beside me.
(नेर/छेउमा)
2.
Besides
Meaning: In addition to / Also
Example: Besides English, he speaks French.
(त्यसका साथै / बाहेक)
3.
Across
Meaning: From one side to the other side
Example: They walked across the street.
(पार, एक छेउदेखि अर्को छेउसम्म)
4.
Above
Meaning: Higher than something (not touching)
Example: The clock is above the door.
(माथि)
5.
Over
Meaning: Higher than and often covering or moving across
Example: A bird flew over the house.
(माथि, पार गरेर)
6.
Under
Meaning: Below or beneath something
Example: The shoes are under the bed.
(तल)
7.
Below
Meaning: Lower than or under (not necessarily directly beneath)
Example: The temperature is below zero.
(मुनि / तल)
8.
Down
Meaning: Moving from a higher to a lower place
Example: He ran down the hill.
(तल्ला तर्फ)
9. Beneath मुनि / तल्ला / तल
Meaning
Means directly under
something, often more formal or poetic than "under."
Examples:
- The keys are beneath the book.
- She felt that the job was beneath her. (meaning
"not suitable for her")
Use of
"Since" देखि
Meaning:
Used to show the starting point
of an action or event that continues until now.
Examples:
- I have lived here since 2010.
- She has been working since morning.
Use of "For" को
लागि / समयसम्म
Meaning:
Used to show the duration or
length of time an action or event lasts.
Examples:
- I have lived here for 5 years.
- He stayed in Nepal for two months.
Applied part of prepositions, including lists of:
1. Nouns followed by
prepositions
2. Adjectives followed
by prepositions
3. Verbs followed by
prepositions
Each section
includes common examples with meanings and sample sentences.
1. Nouns Followed by
Prepositions
These
combinations often describe a relationship,
reason, or reaction.
|
Noun |
Preposition |
Example Sentence |
|
Reason |
for |
What's the reason
for your absence? |
|
Demand |
for |
There is a high demand for skilled nurses. |
|
Interest |
in |
He has an interest
in music. |
|
Responsibility |
for |
I have responsibility
for the project. |
|
Solution |
to |
Is there a solution
to this problem? |
|
Relationship |
with |
She has a good relationship with her boss. |
|
Influence |
on |
His words had a big influence on me. |
|
Concern |
about |
There's concern
about climate change. |
|
Access |
to |
Students have access to the library. |
|
Attitude |
towards |
What’s your attitude
towards success? |
2. Adjectives Followed by
Prepositions
These describe
emotions, attitudes, or states of being.
|
Adjective |
Preposition |
Example Sentence |
|
Afraid |
of |
She is afraid
of dogs. |
|
Good |
at |
He is good
at drawing. |
|
Interested |
in |
I am interested
in science. |
|
Proud |
of |
They are proud
of their culture. |
|
Different |
from |
This is different
from that one. |
|
Responsible |
for |
She’s responsible
for the team. |
|
Angry |
with/at |
He’s angry
with his friend. |
|
Famous |
for |
Nepal is famous
for Mount Everest. |
|
Similar |
to |
Your idea is similar to mine. |
|
Worried |
about |
I’m worried
about the exam. |
These show feelings or opinions in connection with a particular topic or object.
3. Verbs Followed by
Prepositions
These
combinations are known as prepositional
verbs.
|
Verb |
Preposition |
Example Sentence |
|
Listen |
to |
I always listen
to music while studying. |
|
Depend |
on |
We depend on
rain for farming. |
|
Believe |
in |
Do you believe
in ghosts? |
|
Wait |
for |
I'm waiting
for the bus. |
|
Apologize |
for |
He apologized
for being late. |
|
Suffer |
from |
She suffers
from asthma. |
|
Look |
at |
Please look
at the board. |
|
Agree |
with |
I agree with
your opinion. |
|
Laugh |
at |
They laughed
at the joke. |
|
Rely |
on |
You can rely
on me. |
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