Prepositions

Prepositions

What is a Preposition?

A preposition is a word that tells us where, when, or how something happens.

It shows the relationship between a noun (like a thing or a person) and something else in the sentence.

Use a Toy and a Box

Take a toy and a box, and show actions with it:

Preposition	Action	Sentence
in	Put toy inside the box	"The teddy is in the box."
on	Put toy on top of box	"The teddy is on the box."
under	Put toy below the box	"The teddy is under the box."
behind	Put toy at the back of box	"The teddy is behind the box."
in front of	Put toy before the box	"The teddy is in front of the box."
next to	Put toy beside the box	"The teddy is next to the box."

Tip: Children learn fast with action and movement. Let them place the toy and say the sentence.

Prepositions of Time – Explain with a Clock or Calendar

These tell when something happens.

Activity: Give a blank calendar and ask them to fill events using "on", "at", and "in".

Prepositions of Movement/Direction – Use Arrows or Toys

These show movement or where someone is going.

Prepositions = Position + Time + Direction

Fun Games to Teach Prepositions

1. Simon Says with Prepositions:
"Simon says put your hand on your head!"
"Simon says go under the table!"

2. Preposition Drawing:
Give children simple sentences and ask them to draw them.
Example: “The cat is under the chair.”

3. Preposition Song or Rhyme

Types of Prepositions

1. Prepositions of Place

Use	Examples
Show where something is located	on, in, under, above, behind, between, near, next to, over, inside
Sentences:
1.The book is on the table.
2.The keys are in the drawer.
3.The dog is under the bed.
4.The picture is above the couch.
5.The boy is behind the tree.
6.The ball is between the shoes.
7.The park is near my house.
8.He sat next to me.
9.The plane flew over the mountains.
10.The cat is inside the box.

2. Prepositions of Time

Use	Examples
Show when something happens	at, on, in, before, after, since, until, by, during, from…to
Sentences:
The train arrives at 5 p.m.
Her birthday is on Monday.
We met in June.
She left before dinner.
He arrived after school.
I’ve been here since morning.
Wait until evening.
Finish this by noon.
I slept during the movie.
We work from 9 to 5.

3. Prepositions of Direction

Use	Examples
Show movement from one place to another	to, into, onto, out of, off, toward, through, across, along, up
Sentences:
He walked to the shop.
She went into the room.
The cat jumped onto the chair.
He got out of the car.
The bird flew off the tree.
She moved toward the window.
They went through the tunnel.
He ran across the road.
We walked along the beach.
They climbed up the hill.

4. Prepositions of Manner/Means

Use	Examples
Show how something is done	with, by, like, via, through
Sentences:
She cut it with scissors.
He traveled by car.
He acted like a hero.
The message came via email.
They solved it through teamwork.
She opened the box with a key.
The room is lit by candles.
He answered with confidence.
They painted with brushes.
We talked by phone.

5. Prepositions of Cause/Reason

Use	Examples
Show why something happened	because of, due to, for, owing to, thanks to
Sentences:
He was late because of traffic.
The match was canceled due to rain.
He was rewarded for honesty.
The delay happened because of a breakdown.
She smiled thanks to the gift.
He was punished for cheating.
We stayed in due to the storm.
He cried because of pain.
The flight was delayed owing to fog.
She was praised for her kindness.

6. Prepositions of Comparison

Use	Examples
Compare people or things	than, as…as, like, unlike, compared to
Sentences:
She is taller than me.
He runs as fast as a cheetah.
Unlike her sister, she's quiet.
He is stronger than before.
This phone is better than that one.
He acts like a leader.
She’s as clever as her brother.
Compared to last year, he improved.
Unlike you, I enjoy studying.
This bike is faster than mine.

ENGLISH BY SANJAY SIR