Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. What Are Prepositions of Place?
  3. Common Prepositions of Place
  4. How to Use Prepositions of Place
  5. Common Mistakes with Prepositions of Place
  6. Prepositions of Place Exercises
  7. Answers
  8. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Prepositions of Place in English! Prepositions of place are words that help us describe where things are in relation to other objects. They are essential for giving directions, describing locations, and discussing spatial relationships.

This guide is designed for ESL students who want to master the use of prepositions of place. We’ll cover the most common prepositions, explain how to use them correctly, provide plenty of examples, and offer exercises to test your understanding. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident using prepositions of place in everyday English.

What Are Prepositions of Place?

Prepositions of place are words that indicate the location of a person, place, or thing. They show the relationship between a noun and another word in a sentence, telling us where something is.

For example:

  • The cat is on the roof.
  • She lives in London.
  • They are waiting at the bus stop.

Common Prepositions of Place

Let’s explore the most common prepositions of place and how to use them.

In

In is used to indicate that something is inside an area or space.

  • The books are in the box.
  • She is in the kitchen.

On

On is used when something is in contact with a surface.

  • The keys are on the table.
  • There is a painting on the wall.

At

At is used to indicate a specific point or location.

  • They are at the cinema.
  • We will meet at the corner.

Under

Under means below something.

  • The dog is hiding under the bed.
  • The ball rolled under the car.

Above

Above means higher than something else.

  • The clock is above the door.
  • The helicopter flew above the city.

Between

Between is used when something is in the middle of two things.

  • The park is between the school and the library.
  • She sat between her friends.

Among

Among is used when something is in the middle of a group.

  • He found his wallet among the clothes.
  • She was happy to be among friends.

Next to

Next to means beside or adjacent to something.

  • The supermarket is next to the bank.
  • She sat next to me.

Behind

Behind means at the back of something.

  • The garden is behind the house.
  • The sun disappeared behind the clouds.

In Front of

In front of means ahead of something.

  • There is a bus stop in front of the building.
  • He stood in front of the mirror.

How to Use Prepositions of Place

Using prepositions of place correctly is important for clear communication. Here are some guidelines with examples.

Using “In”

Use “in” for enclosed spaces, cities, countries, and months.

  • She lives in France.
  • The milk is in the fridge.

Using “On”

Use “on” for surfaces, days, and dates.

  • The book is on the shelf.
  • We will meet on Monday.

Using “At”

Use “at” for specific locations, times, and addresses.

  • They are at school.
  • We will meet at 3 p.m.

Using Other Prepositions

Here are more examples:

  • The cat is hiding under the table.
  • The picture is hanging above the sofa.
  • She sat between her parents.
  • He found his keys among the papers.
  • The bakery is next to the post office.
  • The car is parked behind the building.
  • There is a fountain in front of the museum.

Common Mistakes with Prepositions of Place

Let’s look at some typical errors and how to correct them.

1. Confusing “In” and “On”

❌ She is on the kitchen.

✅ She is in the kitchen.

Tip: Use “in” for enclosed spaces like rooms.

2. Incorrect Use of “At”, “In”, “On”

❌ They live at London.

✅ They live in London.

Tip: Use “in” for cities and countries.

3. Misusing “Between” and “Among”

❌ She shared the sweets between her friends.

✅ She shared the sweets among her friends.

Tip: Use “between” for two items and “among” for more than two.

4. Using “On” Instead of “At” for Specific Locations

❌ Let’s meet on the bus stop.

✅ Let’s meet at the bus stop.

Tip: Use “at” for specific points or locations.

5. Omitting Prepositions

❌ The cat is hiding the bed.

✅ The cat is hiding under the bed.

Tip: Remember to include the correct preposition to indicate location.

Prepositions of Place Exercises

Now it’s time to practise! Complete the following exercises to test your understanding.

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Preposition

Select the correct preposition to complete each sentence.

  1. The picture is _______ the wall. (in/on)
  2. They are sitting _______ the table. (at/in)
  3. The dog is _______ the sofa. (under/between)
  4. She lives _______ Manchester. (on/in)
  5. Let’s meet _______ the cafe. (at/on)

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition of place.

  1. The book is _______ the shelf.
  2. He stood _______ the mirror.
  3. The car is parked _______ the garage.
  4. There is a garden _______ the house.
  5. She sat _______ her best friend.

Exercise 3: Correct the Mistakes

Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.

  1. The cat is hiding on the bed.
  2. They arrived in the airport.
  3. He is between his colleagues.
  4. She put the keys in the table.
  5. We are going at home.

Exercise 4: Match the Prepositions

Match each preposition with the correct picture description.

  1. Under
  2. Above
  3. Between
  4. Behind
  5. Next to
  1. The lamp is _______ the table.
  2. The rabbit is _______ the box and the basket.
  3. The ball is _______ the chair.
  4. The bird is _______ the tree.
  5. The cat is _______ the sofa.

Exercise 5: Write Sentences

Use the given prepositions to write sentences about the picture (imagine a simple scene).

  1. In
  2. On
  3. At
  4. Next to
  5. Behind

Answers

Exercise 1

  1. The picture is on the wall.
  2. They are sitting at the table.
  3. The dog is under the sofa.
  4. She lives in Manchester.
  5. Let’s meet at the cafe.

Exercise 2

  1. The book is on the shelf.
  2. He stood in front of the mirror.
  3. The car is parked in the garage.
  4. There is a garden behind the house.
  5. She sat next to her best friend.

Exercise 3

  1. The cat is hiding under the bed.
  2. They arrived at the airport.
  3. He is among his colleagues.
  4. She put the keys on the table.
  5. We are going home.

Exercise 4

  1. The lamp is above the table.
  2. The rabbit is between the box and the basket.
  3. The ball is behind the chair.
  4. The bird is in the tree.
  5. The cat is next to the sofa.

Exercise 5

Your sentences may vary. Here are some examples:

  1. The flowers are in the vase.
  2. The book is on the desk.
  3. They are waiting at the bus stop.
  4. The lamp is next to the sofa.
  5. The tree is behind the house.

Conclusion

Understanding and using prepositions of place correctly is essential for clear communication in English. By learning the common prepositions and practising their use, you’ll be able to describe locations and give directions with confidence.

If you have any questions, thoughts, or would like to share your own sentences using prepositions of place, please leave a comment below. Happy learning!

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