8 Types of Prepositions with Useful Examples: Definition & Examples

Prepositions are an essential part of the English language. They are short words that usually come before a noun, pronoun, or gerund to show the relationship between the object of the preposition and other words in the sentence. There are many different types of prepositions, each serving a specific purpose in conveying meaning and context. In this article, we will explore 8 types of prepositions and provide examples of their usage in sentences. Whether you’re a student, a writer, or someone who simply wants to improve their English language skills, this guide will help you better understand how prepositions work and how to use them effectively in your writing and speech. So, let’s dive in and explore the eight types of prepositions with examples.

8 Types of Prepositions with Examples

1. Time Prepositions

Time prepositions are used to indicate when an action is taking place. Some common time prepositions include “at,” “on,” and “in.”

Examples:

• I will meet you at 3 PM.
• We have a meeting on Friday.
• She was born in 1990.

2. Place Prepositions

Place prepositions are used to indicate where something is located. Some common place prepositions include “in,” “on,” “at,” and “under.”

Examples:

• The book is on the table.
• She lives in the city.
• The cat is under the bed.

3. Direction Prepositions

Direction prepositions are used to indicate the direction of movement. Some common direction prepositions include “to,” “from,” and “toward.”

Examples:

• She walked to the store.
• He is coming from the office.
• We are heading toward the beach.

4. Agentive Prepositions

Agentive prepositions are used to indicate the agent that performs an action. Some common agentive prepositions include “by” and “with.”

Examples:

• The cake was made by my sister.
• He wrote the letter with a pen.

5. Instrumental Prepositions

Instrumental prepositions are used to indicate the tool or instrument used to perform an action. Some common instrumental prepositions include “with,” “by,” and “using.”

Examples:

• They opened the can with a can opener.
• The sculpture was made by hammering metal.
• He solved the puzzle using logic.

6. Manner Prepositions

Manner prepositions are used to indicate how an action is performed. Some common manner prepositions include “with,” “in,” and “by.”

Examples:

7. Possessive Prepositions

Possessive prepositions are used to indicate possession or ownership. Some common possessive prepositions include “of” and “for.”

Examples:

• The car belongs to John.
• The keys are for the house.

8. Purpose Prepositions

Purpose prepositions are used to indicate the purpose or intended use of something. Some common purpose prepositions include “for,” “with,” and “to.”

Examples:

• She bought the dress for the party.
• We need a hammer to fix the chair.
• He wrote the essay with the intention to persuade.

Conclusion

Prepositions play a critical role in English grammar. By understanding the different types of prepositions and how they function, you can use them correctly and effectively in your writing and speech. Practice using prepositions in your daily communication to enhance your grammar skills.