Prepositions List: 45+ Common English Prepositions with Examples

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Prepositions are small words that show relationships between other words in a sentence. They help express place, time, movement, and relationships, and are essential for clear and natural English communication.

Prepositions List

Common English prepositions illustrated by place, time, and movement examples

Prepositions of Place

Preposition Use Example
in inside an enclosed space (large or general) The keys are in the bag.
on on a surface The book is on the table.
at at a specific point or address She is at the bus stop.
under below something The cat is under the chair.
over above or covering The lamp hangs over the desk.
between in the middle of two things The café is between the bank and the store.

Prepositions of Time

Preposition Use Example
in months, years, seasons, long periods She was born in July.
on days and dates The meeting is on Monday.
at exact times The class starts at 9 a.m.
for duration of time I stayed there for two hours.
since starting point in time She has lived here since 2020.
during within a period He fell asleep during the movie.

Prepositions of Movement and Direction

Preposition Use Example
to movement toward a destination They went to the office.
into movement from outside to inside She walked into the room.
onto movement to a surface The cat jumped onto the sofa.
across from one side to the other He ran across the street.
through from one end to the other inside something The train went through the tunnel.

Commonly Confused Prepositions

Prepositions Difference Example
in vs. into in = location
into = movement		 The phone is in my pocket.
I put the phone into my pocket.
above vs. over above = higher, no contact
over = covering or movement		 The clock is above the door.
A blanket is over the bed.
for vs. since for = duration
since = starting time		 I waited for an hour.
I have waited since noon.

Common Prepositional Phrases

  • afraid of
  • interested in
  • good at
  • responsible for
  • different from
  • depend on

Last Updated on January 19, 2026

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