Prepositions of Place in English

Today, we're going to dive into an important topic in English grammar: prepositions of place. Prepositions are words that help us understand the position or location of something. Mastering prepositions of place will help you communicate more clearly and accurately in everyday situations. Let’s explore some of the most common prepositions of place and learn how to use them in different contexts!

Prepositions of place are words that describe the location or position of something or someone in relation to another object, person, or place. 

1. Common Prepositions of Place:

• In
• On
• At
• Under
• Above
• Below
• Next to / Beside
• Between
• Behind
• In front of
• Near
• Opposite

2. Usage of Prepositions of Place

In

• Used for enclosed spaces or areas (within boundaries).
• The cat is in the box.
• She lives in New York.
• There’s a coin in my pocket.

• In a city, country, or room.
• I’m in the kitchen.
• They are in the park.

On

• Used for surfaces or flat areas.
• The book is on the table.
• There is a picture on the wall.

• Used for transport (except cars).
• Joseph is on the bus.
• She was on the plane to Paris.

• Days and dates.
• I will meet Milinda on Monday.
• His birthday is on January 15th.

At

• Used for specific points or locations.
• She is at the door.
• They are at the bus stop.
• I’m at the office.

• For events or activities.
• I was at the concert.
• He’s at a meeting right now.

Under

• Used for a position directly below something, often touching it.
• The shoes are under the table.
• The cat is hiding under the bed.

Above

• Used for a position higher than something, but not necessarily directly above.
• The lamp is above the table.
• The birds are flying above the city.

Below

• Used for a position lower than something, but not necessarily directly below.
• The river is below the hill.
• There’s a basement below the ground floor.

Next to / Beside

• Used to describe something immediately adjacent or very close to another thing.
• The bank is next to the supermarket.
• The dog is lying beside me.

Between

• Used for something located in the middle of two objects, people, or places.
• The park is between the school and the library.
• He’s sitting between Tom and Jack.

Behind

• It can refer to something being at the back of or further along from a particular point or object .
• The car is parked behind the building.

In front of

• Used for a position directly ahead or before something or someone.
• The bus stop is in front of the store.
• She is standing in front of the classroom.

Near

• Used for something that is close by or within a short distance.
• The coffee shop is near my house.
• There is a park near the office.

Opposite

• Used for something that is directly across from or facing another thing.
• The bank is opposite the post office.
• He sat opposite her at the table.

3. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the wrong preposition for location:
• Incorrect: The cat is in the table.
• Correct: The cat is on the table.

• Confusing "in" and "on" for surfaces and boundaries:
• Incorrect: I live in a small town on the countryside.
• Correct: I live in a small town in the countryside.

• Not considering whether the location is specific (use "at") or general (use "in"):
• Incorrect: I’ll meet you in the cinema at 7 PM.
• Correct: I’ll meet you at the cinema at 7 PM.

4. Positioning Prepositions of Place in a Sentence

• Prepositions typically come before the noun they modify:
• The dog is under the table.
• She is next to me.

• When the preposition is part of a prepositional phrase, it might include an article, noun, or adjective:
• The keys are on the wooden desk.
• The cat is under the big tree.

Tasks

Task: Complete with the appropriate preposition of place.

1. The children are playing ….. the yard.
2. The keys are …. the desk.
3. She is waiting ….. the bus stop.
4. The dog is sleeping …… the table.
5. The painting is hanging …… the fireplace.
6. The office is …… the restaurant.
7. The hotel is …….to the beach.
8. The bank is ……. the supermarket and the bookstore.
9. He is sitting ……. me.
10. The statue is ……. the museum.
11. There’s a grocery store……. my house.
12. The library is ……… the school.

The correction:

1. In
2. On
3. At
4. Under
5. Above
6. Below
7. Next 
8. Between
9. Behind
10. In front of
11. Near
12. Opposite 

Recapitulation of the lesson

Great job, everyone! Now you should have a better understanding of how to describe locations and positions of things. Remember, these little words may seem simple, but they play a huge role in making your English more precise and natural.