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Prepositions of Place, Time, Direction, and Exclusion

Prepositions are essential elements of English grammar, connecting nouns, pronouns, and phrases to other words in a sentence. They help indicate relationships of place, time, and direction, providing clarity and detail in communication. At NLS Learn, we offer a thorough understanding of prepositions, ensuring you use them accurately and confidently.

Prepositions of Place

Prepositions of place indicate the location of something in relation to other objects. Here are some common prepositions of place with examples:

In: The book is in the bag.
On: The laptop is on the desk.
At: She is at the door.
Next to: The school is next to the park.
Between: The café is between the bank and the bookshop.
Behind: The cat is behind the sofa.
Under: The keys are under the mat.
Above: The picture hangs above the fireplace.

Prepositions of Time

Prepositions of time specify when something happens. Here are some frequently used prepositions of time with examples:

At: The meeting starts at 10 AM.
On: Her birthday is on Monday.
In: We will visit Paris in April.
By: Please submit the report by Friday.
During: The store is open during the day.
Since: He has lived here since 2010.
For: They have been married for ten years.

Prepositions of Direction

Prepositions of direction describe the movement from one place to another. Here are some common prepositions of direction with examples:

To: She is going to the office.
Into: The dog jumped into the pool.
Onto: He climbed onto the roof.
Towards: The car moved towards the city.
Through: The tunnel goes through the mountain.
Past: They walked past the shop.
Around: We drove around the block.
Across: She swam across the river

Prepositions of Exclusion and Exception

Prepositions of Exclusion and Prepositions of Exception play crucial roles in English grammar, helping us specify what is left out or what deviates from the norm. Understanding these prepositions enhances clarity in both written and spoken communication.

Prepositions of Exclusion are used to indicate that something is not included or left out. Common examples include:

Except: "Everyone except John attended the meeting"
Without: "She left without her umbrella"

On the other hand Prepositions of Exception are employed to make exceptions to a general rule or statement. They highlight deviations or exclusions from the usual rule. Examples include:

Besides: "We served a variety of desserts, besides sponge cake of course"
But: "I enjoy all fruits but bananas"

These prepositions help refine our communication by specifying what is not included or what does not conform to expectations. Mastery of these concepts is essential for clear and precise language use.

Test your Prepositions!

Level: A1

Choose the right preposition of time, place, and direction:

the morning, I walk school with my friend. We go past the big tree and turn left the corner. My school is the right, next to the bakery.

the day, we have classes the classroom.

Level: A2/B1

Choose the right preposition of time, place, direction and exclusion:

the early morning, I sat quietly the edge of the park, watching the sun rise in the sky. The cool breeze gently brushed against my skin as I gazed the horizon, where the first rays of light painted the clouds with shades of pink and orange. By this time, the park was still empty, for a few early joggers making their way down the path.

the distance, the sound of birds chirping filled the air, creating a peaceful melody. I noticed a couple walking the trees, their footsteps barely audible on the soft grass. It was a perfect moment, a serene pause in the day that seemed to stretch on forever, even though I knew it would soon pass.

Why Mastering Prepositions is Important

Using prepositions correctly is crucial for effective communication in English. Incorrect use of prepositions can lead to misunderstandings and confusion. By mastering prepositions of place, time, and direction, you can:

Enhance Clarity: Clearly convey the relationships between objects, events, and locations.
Improve Fluency: Speak and write more naturally and accurately.
Boost Confidence: Feel more confident in your English language skills.

Why Choose NLS Learn for Preposition Mastery?

Expert Instructors: Learn from experienced teachers who specialise in English grammar.
Personalised Lessons: Receive tailored instruction based on your current level and goals.
Practical Exercises: Engage in interactive exercises and real-life scenarios to practice using prepositions.
Comprehensive Resources: Access a wealth of resources, including guides, worksheets, and quizzes.

Get Started with NLS Learn

Ready to master prepositions of place, time, direction, and exclusion? Join NLS Learn today and take the first step toward improving your English grammar skills. Contact us now to book your personalised lessons and achieve your language goals.