Prepositions are special words that help us understand the relationship between different things in a sentence. They tell us about position, direction, time, and how things are connected to each other. Think of prepositions as little helper words that give us important clues about where things are or when they happen!
Position Prepositions
These prepositions tell us where things are located.
Above and Below
Above: Shows that something is higher than something else
The airplane flew above the clouds.
Mom put the cookie jar above the refrigerator.
Below: Shows that something is lower than something else
The fish swam below the surface of the water.
The temperature dropped below freezing.
Under and Over
Under: Shows that something is directly beneath something else
The cat is sleeping under the bed.
I found my missing toy under the couch.
Over: Can mean above something or covering something
The bridge goes over the river.
She spread a blanket over the picnic table.
Around and Through
Around: Shows movement in a circle or near something
The children danced around the maypole.
We walked around the park three times.
Through: Shows movement from one side to another side of something
The train went through the tunnel.
Light shines through the window.
Direction Prepositions
These prepositions show movement from one place to another.
Into and Out of
Into: Shows movement toward the inside of something
The rabbit hopped into its burrow.
Pour the milk into the bowl.
Out of: Shows movement from inside to outside
The butterfly emerged out of its cocoon.
Jack jumped out of the pool.
From and To
From: Shows a starting point
The letter came from my grandmother.
We traveled from New York to California.
To: Shows a destination or endpoint
I’m going to the store.
Please hand this note to your teacher.
Time Prepositions
These prepositions help us talk about when things happen.
Since and By
Since: Shows when something started
I have lived here since 2020.
She has been my friend since kindergarten.
By: Shows a deadline or specific time
Please finish your homework by dinner time.
The package will arrive by Friday.
Other Important Prepositions
With:
Shows companionship or the tool used for an action
I went to the movie with my sister.
She painted the picture with watercolors.
Upon:
A more formal way of saying “on”
Once upon a time…
The queen placed the crown upon his head.
Far:
Shows distance (often used with “from”)
The school isn’t far from my house.
We can see far into the distance from here.
