We can use prepositions to express time, place and movement within a sentence. Some examples of prepositions are:

  • in
  • on
  • below
  • for
  • since
  • behind
  • at
  • with
  • across
  • in front
  • under
  • underneath

Typically, we find prepositions within prepositional phrases, which means a preposition + a noun. Prepositional phrases often include determiners and adjectives:

  • She is going to France.
  • The backpack is under the desk.
  • The new school is on the old cemetery

Although prepositions can be difficult to define, there are some rules that will help you.

Prepositions

Prepositions of time

Prepositions Uses Example

in

Parts of the day

Month

Year

Centuries

Season

in the afternoon

in June

in 2004

in the eighteenth century

in the summer

at

Clock time (specific time)

Night

at 2 o’clock

at night / at nighttime

on

Days

Dates

on Tuesday

on February 10th


Unlock full access by logging in. Registered users can explore the entire lesson and more.

keyboard_arrow_up