Preposition Worksheets

Prepositions link all types of words together and help them make better sense to the reader. They help us understand the relationship of objects. For example: The book and the table are in the kitchen. This gives you a basic understanding. If we added another preposition, it makes it even clearer. The book is on top of the table in the kitchen. We have a clear picture in our mind about the relationship of those two objects and their relationship to each other.

Spot the Preposition
We have you point out the prepositions and then use them in sentences. We have you find and place prepositions in contextual situations.

The Object of Prepositions
Proper usage and grammar are required for this one. Uncover the object that is being modified by the preposition in each case.

Prepositional Phrases
We have you find the preposition and then piece it together with the object to create a phrase. We have you piece together prepositions and their object into a full on phrases.

Beat the Clock: Preposition Quiz
Who doesn't need a quick quiz to use with their students? A quick review of a ton of skills related to prepositions. You can use it as a practice quiz for students.

Using Prepositions
We ask you to create and use your own words in a paragraph. A quick review of a ton of skills related to prepositions. You can use it as a practice quiz for students.

Match the Preposition
Plop the words into the passage to make it grammatically correct. We have you place premade prepositions into sentences.

Prepositions: Mr Pea's Grocery Store
Describe the location of grocery items while using the skills that are presented in this unit. This is a fun one for students. Write a sentence, using a preposition to describe locations of grocery items.

Preposition Puzzles
Unscramble some words and then use words with proper grammatical form. Students always get stuck on number eight and sometimes nine gives them a problem too.

Prepositions Test
A great thorough test for the skills found here. Students always get stuck on number eight and sometimes nine gives them a problem too.

Preposition Word Search
A word search that can be seen as a review unit. Find all the prepositions in the word search. An answer key is in there too.

Why Do We Use Prepositions in a Sentence?

Prepositions are a common part of the English language, and you will hear them a lot in your everyday life, in various contexts and different ways. Without the use of prepositions such as "to", "in", "at", etc., our sentences wouldn't make much sense, and we wouldn't be able to comprehend many things. You are in the right place if you want to learn more about prepositions, types of prepositions, and how to use a preposition. Let's first discuss what a preposition is and why we use it.

What is a Preposition?

Prepositions are the words used to connect nouns, pronouns, or noun phrases to other parts of the sentences. In short, they form a link between sentences. They are used to indicate relationships between words, time, space, location, and direction of a noun or give introductions. Let's look at a few different prepositions and their examples to understand the use of prepositions better.


1. Indicating time using a preposition: on, at, in, during, before, after, etc.

- Sam will meet us at 4:30.
- Sam was born on July 8.
- Sam was born during the holidays.


2. Indicating location using a preposition: on, in, at, etc.

- They saw the movie at the theatre.
- The bottle is in the cupboard.
- The bottle is on the table.


3. Indicating movement using a preposition: to, across, through, over, into, around, etc.

- The dog ran across the field.
- The football went through the window.
- Peter drove around the block.


4. Indicating manner using a preposition: on, with, by, in, like, etc.


- They go to school by bus.
- Sarah traveled on foot.
- The young boy reacted with anger.


5. Indicating action using a preposition: by, with.


- This song was sung by Haley.
- Paul is cutting the wood with his electric saw.
- George's house was built by his father.


6. Indicating quantity using a preposition: by, of.


- His shops sell cloth by the meter.
- I bought a kilogram of potatoes for the salad.
- One-third cup of chocolate is used in the recipe.


7. Indicating source using a preposition: by, from.


- The donation came from Nancy's grandmother.
- Finn receives pocket money from his father.
- This note was written by his wife.


8. Indicating possession using a preposition: with, of, and to.


- That house belonged to Sophie's late father.
- I saw a boy with a blue bag.
- He is a friend of my brother.


Types of Prepositions

Let's learn more uses of prepositions by learning about different types of prepositions. Following are the 8 types of prepositions:

1. Simple Preposition- Short words determining the relationship between words are known as simple prepositions. Simple prepositions include on, by, for, at, in, of, from, out, into, till, upon, under, down, with, etc.

For example:
- Dad is in the kitchen.
- He dived into the pool.
- Holidays are starting from tomorrow.
- The mouse is under the rug.


2. Compound Preposition - A preposition established by connecting two or more words, one prepositional word, and a non-prepositional word before a noun, pronoun, adjective, and adverb is known as a compound preposition. Compound prepositions include among, across, before, inside, outside, besides, due to, depending on, without, about, etc.

For example:
- The restaurant is beside the movie theatre.
- They are about to finish the game.
- The money will be equally distributed among all of us.
- The exam was postponed due to rain.


3. Double Preposition - A combination of two prepositional words is known as a double preposition. Double prepositions include onto, into, upon, inside of, from within, out of, next to, according to, because of, etc.

For example:
- She came out from behind the curtains.
- He was sitting next to me.
- Because of his hard work, he did not fail.
- They ran out of fuel.

4. Disguised Preposition - A preposition that is indirectly used or implemented in a sentence is known as a disguised preposition.

Disguised prepositions include a implying on and o implying of.

For example:
- She got a gift from a friend.
- They played soccer once a week
- He will arrive at 5 o'clock.
- It is two o'clock in the afternoon.


5. Phrasal Preposition - A preposition grouped together in three or more words, including verbs, adverbs, and other words, is known as a phrasal preposition.
Phrasal prepositions include on account of, as soon as, in addition to, as far as, on top of, in front of, as long as, in spite of, with the exception of, etc.


For example:
- She was speaking in reference to environmental issues.
- I'll take you as long as you don't ask about it.
- On account of the new law, smoking is now illegal.
- According to her will, the house will be given to her niece.


6. Participle Preposition - A participle verb (verb -ing or -ed) functioning as a preposition is known as a participle preposition. Participle prepositions include regarding, following, during, considering, including, excluding etc.


For example:
- She works during the night.
- Sam wants to talk regarding his employment.
- Considering the quality of the dress, it is quite expensive.
- Following are the rules for tomorrow's game.


7. Detached Preposition - A preposition used with interrogative or relative pronouns or adverbs is known as a detached preposition. It is used at the end of a sentence.
Detached prepositions include in, at, for, to, with, from, etc.


For example:
- Whom are you going with?
- Which song are you listening to?
- Who do you work for?


8. Appropriate Preposition - A preposition that follows sone nouns, verbs, and adjectives is known as an appropriate preposition. Appropriate prepositions include acceptable to, addicted to, to adapt, aware of, etc.

For example:
- Certain conditions are not acceptable to him.
- Mark is addicted to drugs.
- I am aware of my sister's financial situation.

Prepositions are a part of speech that connect words to give them a definite meaning. They help us indicate the time, location, movement, manner, direction, quantity of a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase. Some of the common examples of prepositions are of, with, in, at, to, from, over, etc. Moreover, there are eight types of prepositions, including simple, compound, participle, detached, and more. We hope that this article helped you learn more about prepositions and their uses.