What Are Prepositions
Prepositions indicate relationships between other words in a sentence. Many prepositions tell where something is or when something happened. The meaning changes quite a bit in different contexts.
Examples:
- The book is on the table. (Preposition on tells where is the book)
- He will arrive at six o clock (preposition at tells when he will arrive)
They can also indicate more abstract ideas; such as purpose or contrast.
Examples:
- We went for a walk despite the rain.
Types of Prepositions
Prepositions indicate direction, time, location, and spatial relationships, as well as other abstract types of relationships.
1. Direction: Look to the left and you’ll see our destination.
2. Time: We’ve been working since this morning.
3. Location: We saw a movie at the theatre.
4. Space: The dog hid under the table.
Preposition Examples
- I should rewrite the analysis of my report.
- Simona picked her jacket from the store.
- Did you receive the gift from your friend?
- We are making bed for ten guests tonight.
Unnecessary Prepositions
Too many prepositions can be a sign of flabby writing.
Examples:
- Alex hit the baseball up over the fence.
- Alex hit the baseball over the fence.
- Where is your brother at?
- Where is your brother?
- The meeting is scheduled for at 3 p.m.
- The meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m.
Examples:
- For many people, the reality of an entry into a new area of employment is cause for a host of anxieties.
- Shorter, more direct, and easier sentence:
- Changing careers make many people anxious.
- Alex hit the baseball up over the fence.
- Get rid of the up. You don’t need it:
- Alex hit the baseball over the fence.