Prepositions List in English
What are prepositions?
A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word in a sentence. Prepositions are very common in English, and they can be used to express a variety of relationships, such as location, direction, time, and purpose.
List of Prepositions
Here’s a list of 100 prepositions in English:
- about
- above
- across
- after
- against
- along
- among
- around
- at
- before
- behind
- below
- beneath
- beside
- between
- beyond
- by
- concerning
- considering
- despite
- down
- during
- except
- for
- from
- in
- inside
- into
- like
- near
- next
- of
- off
- on
- onto
- out
- outside
- over
- past
- regarding
- round
- since
- through
- throughout
- to
- toward
- under
- underneath
- until
- unto
- up
- upon
- with
- within
- without
- across from
- ahead of
- apart from
- as for
- as of
- as per
- as to
- aside from
- because of
- by means of
- due to
- except for
- far from
- in accordance with
- in addition to
- in front of
- in spite of
- instead of
- on account of
- out of
- owing to
- prior to
- regardless of
- with regard to
- as far as
- as long as
- as soon as
- as though
- by way of
- in between
- in place of
- in view of
- on behalf of
- on top of
- per
- save
- such as
- thanks to
- up to
- vis-à-vis
- with respect to
Prepositions with Usage and Example
Here are the usage and examples of each preposition:
- About:
- Use: Used to indicate the subject of a conversation or the topic of discussion.
- Example: “We had a long conversation about our future plans.”
- Above:
- Use: Used to indicate something at a higher position or level than something else.
- Example: “The bird flew high above the clouds.”
- Across:
- Use: Used to indicate movement or position from one side to another.
- Example: “They walked across the bridge to get to the other side of the river.”
- After:
- Use: Used to indicate time or sequence following something else.
- Example: “We went out for dinner after the movie.”
- Against:
- Use: Used to indicate opposition or contact with a surface.
- Example: “The cat rubbed against my leg.”
- Along:
- Use: Used to indicate movement in a parallel direction or alongside something.
- Example: “We walked along the beach, enjoying the sunset.”
- Among:
- Use: Used to indicate being a part of a group or surrounded by others.
- Example: “He felt comfortable among his friends.”
- Around:
- Use: Used to indicate movement in a circular direction or to show proximity.
- Example: “They sat around the campfire, sharing stories.”
- At:
- Use: Used to indicate a specific location, time, or event.
- Example: “We met at the restaurant at 7 p.m.”
- Before:
- Use: Used to indicate time, place, or event prior to another.
- Example: “We arrived before the show started.”
- Behind:
- Use: Used to indicate position at the back of something or someone.
- Example: “The car behind us honked impatiently.”
- Below:
- Use: Used to indicate position lower than something else.
- Example: “The treasure was buried below the old oak tree.”
- Beneath:
- Use: Used to indicate position or location underneath something.
- Example: “The keys were hidden beneath the doormat.”
- Beside:
- Use: Used to indicate position next to or alongside something.
- Example: “She sat beside her sister during the concert.”
- Between:
- Use: Used to indicate position or location in the space separating two things.
- Example: “The library is located between the school and the park.”
- Beyond:
- Use: Used to indicate something farther away or outside a specified limit.
- Example: “Their house is just beyond the hill.”
- By:
- Use: Used to indicate proximity, agency, or method.
- Example: “He stood by the door, waiting for her.”
- Concerning:
- Use: Used to indicate the subject or matter being discussed or considered.
- Example: “We need to talk concerning your performance.”
- Considering:
- Use: Used to introduce a factor to be taken into account.
- Example: “Considering the weather, we decided to postpone the picnic.”
- Despite:
- Use: Used to indicate something happening or existing in spite of something else.
- Example: “She continued working despite feeling tired.”
- Down:
- Use: Used to indicate movement from a higher to a lower position.
- Example: “He walked down the stairs to the basement.”
- During:
- Use: Used to indicate a period of time in which something happens.
- Example: “We went for a walk during the afternoon.”
- Except:
- Use: Used to exclude something or someone from consideration.
- Example: “Everyone came to the party except Tom.”
- For:
- Use: Used to indicate purpose, duration, or recipient.
- Example: “She bought flowers for her mother’s birthday.”
- From:
- Use: Used to indicate origin, source, or starting point.
- Example: “The package came from overseas.”
- In:
- Use: Used to indicate position, location, or inclusion within something.
- Example: “He found his keys in the drawer.”
- Inside:
- Use: Used to indicate position within or on the inner side of something.
- Example: “The cat is inside the house.”
- Into:
- Use: Used to indicate movement or transformation to a point within something.
- Example: “She walked into the room.”
- Like:
- Use: Used to indicate similarity or resemblance.
- Example: “She sings like an angel.”
- Near:
- Use: Used to indicate proximity or closeness to something.
- Example: “There’s a grocery store near our house.”
- Next:
- Use: Refers to something coming immediately after another.
- Example: “We’ll meet at the cafe next Tuesday.”
- Of:
- Use: Indicates possession, origin, or association.
- Example: “The color of the sky is blue.”
- Off:
- Use: Indicates movement away from something.
- Example: “She jumped off the diving board.”
- On:
- Use: Indicates position above and in contact with a surface.
- Example: “The book is on the table.”
- Onto:
- Use: Indicates movement onto a surface.
- Example: “He climbed onto the roof.”
- Out:
- Use: Indicates movement away from the inside or towards the exterior.
- Example: “He walked out of the room.”
- Outside:
- Use: Indicates exterior position.
- Example: “They played outside the house.”
- Over:
- Use: Indicates movement above or covering something.
- Example: “The bird flew over the tree.”
- Past:
- Use: Indicates movement beyond a point in space or time.
- Example: “She walked past the store.”
- Regarding:
- Use: Concerning or with respect to something.
- Example: “Regarding your question, I will get back to you.”
- Round:
- Use: Indicates movement in a circular manner or position.
- Example: “They sat round the table.”
- Since:
- Use: Indicates a starting point in time or cause.
- Example: “They have been friends since childhood.”
- Through:
- Use: Indicates movement from one end to another or a process of completion.
- Example: “He walked through the tunnel.”
- Throughout:
- Use: Indicates coverage over a whole area or period of time.
- Example: “She worked throughout the night.”
- To:
- Use: Indicates movement towards a destination or target.
- Example: “He went to the store.”
- Toward:
- Use: Indicates movement in the direction of something.
- Example: “She walked toward the sunset.”
- Under:
- Use: Indicates position below or covered by something.
- Example: “The cat hid under the bed.”
- Underneath:
- Use: Indicates position below or beneath something.
- Example: “The keys were underneath the newspaper.”
- Until:
- Use: Indicates a point in time up to which something continues.
- Example: “The store is open until 9 p.m.”
- Unto:
- Use: Archaic form of ‘to’, indicating motion or direction towards something.
- Example: “The gifts were given unto the children.”
- Up:
- Use: Indicates movement in a direction towards a higher position.
- Example: “He climbed up the stairs.”
- Upon:
- Use: Indicates being on top of or in contact with something.
- Example: “She placed the book upon the shelf.”
- With:
- Use: Indicates association or accompaniment.
- Example: “She went for a walk with her dog.”
- Within:
- Use: Indicates position inside or an enclosed space.
- Example: “The treasure was hidden within the cave.”
- Without:
- Use: Indicates absence or lack of something.
- Example: “She went to the store without her wallet.”
- Across from:
- Use: Indicates a position opposite or facing something.
- Example: “The park is across from the library.”
- Ahead of:
- Use: Indicates being in front of or ahead in position.
- Example: “He finished ahead of his competitors.”
- Apart from:
- Use: Indicates separation or exclusion from something.
- Example: “Apart from the rain, the weather was pleasant.”
- As for:
- Use: Introduces a topic or concern.
- Example: “As for the plans, they are still under discussion.”
- As of:
- Use: Indicates a starting point in time.
- Example: “As of tomorrow, the new policy will take effect.”
- As per:
- Use: Used to indicate accordance with something.
- Example: “As per the instructions, please submit your report by Friday.”
- As to:
- Use: Used to introduce a topic or indicate an opinion.
- Example: “As to the meeting agenda, it will be discussed later.”
- Aside from:
- Use: Used to indicate an exception or exclusion.
- Example: “Aside from John, everyone attended the party.”
- Because of:
- Use: Used to indicate the reason for something.
- Example: “The game was canceled because of the rain.”
- By means of:
- Use: Used to indicate the method or instrument used.
- Example: “The message was delivered by means of email.”
- Due to:
- Use: Used to indicate the cause or reason.
- Example: “The flight was delayed due to bad weather.”
- Except for:
- Use: Used to indicate exclusion.
- Example: “Everyone attended the meeting except for Sarah.”
- Far from:
- Use: Used to indicate a contrast with what is expected.
- Example: “The weather is far from ideal for a picnic.”
- In accordance with:
- Use: Used to indicate compliance or conformity with something.
- Example: “All employees must act in accordance with company policies.”
- In addition to:
- Use: Used to indicate something added.
- Example: “In addition to his salary, he receives a bonus.”
- In front of:
- Use: Used to indicate location in front of something.
- Example: “The car was parked in front of the house.”
- In spite of:
- Use: Used to indicate contrast or opposition.
- Example: “In spite of the rain, the picnic went ahead as planned.”
- Instead of:
- Use: Used to indicate substitution or preference.
- Example: “She chose tea instead of coffee.”
- On account of:
- Use: Used to indicate the reason for something.
- Example: “The event was canceled on account of low attendance.”
- Out of:
- Use: Used to indicate movement from a place or origin.
- Example: “He ran out of the room in a hurry.”
- Owing to:
- Use: Used to indicate the cause or reason.
- Example: “The project was delayed owing to unforeseen circumstances.”
- Prior to:
- Use: Used to indicate something that happened before a particular time.
- Example: “Prior to the meeting, he reviewed the agenda.”
- Regardless of:
- Use: Used to indicate lack of consideration for something.
- Example: “He treats everyone equally, regardless of their background.”
- With regard to:
- Use: Used to indicate concerning or in relation to something.
- Example: “With regard to your inquiry, please contact customer service.”
- As far as:
- Use: Used to indicate the extent or limit of something.
- Example: “As far as I know, the event is still scheduled for tomorrow.”
- As long as:
- Use: Used to indicate a condition or requirement that must be met.
- Example: “You can stay out as long as you’re back before midnight.”
- As soon as:
- Use: Used to indicate something that happens immediately after another action or event.
- Example: “As soon as she finishes her homework, she can go outside to play.”
- As though:
- Use: Used to indicate a comparison or hypothetical situation.
- Example: “She acted as though she had never met him before.”
- By way of:
- Use: Used to indicate a route or method of passing through or achieving something.
- Example: “We traveled to the city by way of the scenic route.”
- In between:
- Use: Used to indicate a location or position between two things.
- Example: “The cat was hiding in between the couch cushions.”
- In place of:
- Use: Used to indicate substitution or replacement.
- Example: “He used olive oil in place of butter in the recipe.”
- In view of:
- Use: Used to indicate considering or taking into account something.
- Example: “In view of recent events, we have decided to cancel the trip.”
- On behalf of:
- Use: Used to indicate representing someone or speaking for someone else.
- Example: “I’d like to thank you on behalf of the entire team for your hard work.”
- On top of:
- Use: Used to indicate addition or something being above something else.
- Example: “She placed the book on top of the table.”
- Per:
- Use: Used to indicate a rate, ratio, or each.
- Example: “The price is $10 per person.”
- Save:
- Use: Used to indicate exception or exclusion.
- Example: “All were invited to the party, save for those who were out of town.”
- Such as:
- Use: Used to introduce examples or instances.
- Example: “There are many fruits such as apples, oranges, and bananas.”
- Thanks to:
- Use: Used to express gratitude or acknowledgment for something positive.
- Example: “Thanks to your help, we were able to finish the project on time.”
- Up to:
- Use: Used to indicate a limit or extent of responsibility or authority.
- Example: “It’s up to you to decide where we go for dinner.”
- Vis-à-vis:
- Use: Used to indicate a comparison or in relation to.
- Example: “His salary vis-à-vis his workload is disproportionate.”
- With respect to:
- Use: Used to indicate concerning or in relation to something.
- Example: “With respect to your inquiry, please contact customer service.”
Prepositions are a valuable tool for English speakers. They can be used to express a variety of relationships, and they can also be used to add clarity and precision to your writing. If you are not familiar with prepositions, I encourage you to learn more about them.