Relations shown by prepositions

Prepositions show various kinds of relations. The chief among them are given below.

Place

Important place prepositions are: in, at, on, across, among, behind, under, below, above, over etc.

The boy ran across the road.
She stood behind the door.
I met him at the club.
The cat is under the bed.
She sat among the children.

Time

Important time prepositions are: at, before, till, until, for, since, after, in

We started in the morning.
The meeting is at 10 o’clock.
We must return before sunset.
We will wait till tomorrow.
He stayed for a month.
It has been raining since morning.

Method and manner

Prepositions: by and with

He killed the spider with a stone.
He killed the spider by hitting it.
The letter came by post.
They fought with courage.

Reason and purpose

Prepositions: with, of, for

She trembled with anger.
He died of malaria.
Exercise is good for health.
They struggled for freedom.

Possession

Important prepositions indicating possession are: of, with and by.

Delhi is the capital of India.
I saw a boy with red hair.
He is a man of character.
He came by a lot of money.

Direction and Motion

Important prepositions indicating direction and motion are: into, on to, up, round and towards.

He fell into the well.
He walked towards the market.
He climbed up the tree.
The earth moves round the sun.