Preposition Definition

Learning a preposition definition is as important as learning the definition of any word. The following lists will help you know and recognize the preposition definition used in context with other words.

Remember, it's best to learn prepositions in combination with other words as they often follow set patterns.

Place (in, on, under, over, near, beside, etc.)

Your book is on the table. Direction (to, toward, into, through, etc.)

The football player ran through the stadium to the other end.

Time (in, on, at, etc.) We can meet at five o'clock.

Agent (by) This book was written by a famous author.

Instrument (by, with) I heard the news by television. (Communication)

She came by bus. (Transportation)

He opened the door with a key. (Instrument or tool)

TIP:

We use by + no article for communication and transportation.

Examples: by phone, by radio, and by bus, by car

Accompaniment (with)

I like spaghetti with white sauce.

Mrs. Vajiona went to Thassos Island with her husband Georgios.

Purpose (for) He went to the store for milk and bread.

TIP:

Never use for + verb + ing to express the purpose of the verb.

Example: He went to the store for buying milk and bread. This is wrong usage and a common mistake!

Partition / Possession (of) They painted the front of the building white and green.

He broke the top ofthe table with his fist.

Measure (by, of) We buy our olive oil by the 16 kilo container.

Please buy a quart of milk from the market. Similarity (like)

Mary walks like her mother.

Capacity (as) Bill worked as a fireman until a year ago.

The following lists contain verbs that are followed by full infinitives, objects plus full infinitives, gerunds and/or that clauses. The importance of knowing them can't be stressed enough.

I've included them here specifically to help those who need to improve their preposition definition understanding.

• Verbs or verb expressions followed by a full infinitive

*can also be followed by a that clause

• Verbs followed by an object + full infinitive

*can also be followed by a that clause

• Verbs and verb expressions followed by a gerund

*can also be followed by a that clause