What is a Preposition in English Grammar?

In English grammar, a preposition is a word used before a noun or pronoun to show its relation with the other words of the sentence. The word ‘preposition’ can be separated as

Preposition = Pre + position

Here, ‘pre‘ means before, while ‘position‘ means place.

Here are some examples of sentences that contain prepositions:

The cat is sitting on the couch.

The preposition “on” links the noun “couch” to the verb “sitting.”

She will meet us at the park.

The preposition “at” links the noun “park” to the verb “meet.”

I'm going to the store.

The preposition “to” links the noun “store” to the verb “going.”

The book is under the table.

The preposition “under” links the noun “table” to the verb “is.”

He is from Brazil.

The preposition “from” links the noun “Brazil” to the verb “is.”

She will be arriving on the next flight.

The preposition “on” links the noun “flight” to the verb “arriving.”

We are going to the movies with our friends.

The preposition “with” links the noun “friends” to the verb “going.”

In the sentences given above, the words – on, at, to, under, from, on, and with have been used before the nouns – couch, park, store, table, Brazil, flight, and friends, respectively. They show their relationship with other words – cat, she, I, book, he, she, we of the sentences. Therefore, the words – on, at, to, under, from, on, and with are prepositions.

Preposition List with Examples

Here is a complete list of prepositions in English grammar:

about
above
across
after
against
along
among
around
as
at
before
behind
below
beneath
beside
besides
between
beyond
but
by
despite
down
during
except
for
from
in
inside
into
like
near
of
off
on
onto
opposite
out
outside
over
past
per
since
through
throughout
till
to
toward
under
underneath
until
up
upon
with
within
without

About

The preposition “about” has several meanings and uses. It can indicate that something is directed towards or related to a particular person, thing, or topic. For example:

I’m thinking about going to the movies. (directed towards)
The book is about the history of Rome. (related to)

“About” can also indicate an approximate amount or number. For example:

The party is about twenty people. (approximate number)
I’m about 5’10” tall. (approximate amount)

In addition, “about” can indicate movement around or near a particular place. For example:

She walked about the garden. (movement around)
There are a few houses about. (near)

Finally, “about” indicates something is being discussed or written about. For example:

The meeting is about the new marketing strategy. (being discussed)
This article is about the benefits of meditation. (being written about)

Above

The preposition “above” is used to describe something higher than something else or over or on top of something else. For example:

The clouds are above the mountains.
The bird is flying above the trees.
The picture is hanging above the fireplace.

You can also use “above” to describe something greater than a number or quantity. For example:

The temperature today is above 100 degrees.
The company’s profits are above expectations.

In addition, “above” can describe something mentioned or referred to earlier in a text or conversation. For example:

As mentioned above, the company’s profits are above expectations.
The instructions above should help you troubleshoot the problem.

Note that “above” is usually used with a noun or pronoun, and it is followed by the word “the” when it refers to a specific noun.

Across

The preposition “across” indicates movement or position from one side of something to the other. For example:

She walked across the street. (movement from one side of the street to the other)
The bird flew across the sky. (movement from one side of the sky to the other)
The river runs across the city. (position from one side of the city to the other)

“Across” can also describe the distance or range over which something extends. For example:

The bridge stretches across the river. (describes the distance the bridge extends over the river)
The storm swept across the region. (describes the range over which the storm affected an area)

In addition, “across” can be used to describe the spread of something, such as an emotion or a feeling. For example:

A smile spread across her face. (describes the spread of the emotion of happiness)
A sense of dread washed across him. (describes the spread of the emotion of fear)

After

The preposition “after” indicates a time or a place that follows something else. For example:

I will call you after dinner.
She left the room after him.

In the first sentence, “after dinner” indicates a time that follows the present moment. In the second sentence, “after him” indicates a place that is behind or behind the position of the person being referred to.

“After” can also be used to mean “later than” or “in the time following.” For example:

The store closes after 9 PM.
He was born after the war ended.

In these examples, “after” indicates a time later than the time referred to.

“After” can also be used to mean “in pursuit of” or “as a result of.” For example:

She ran after the thief.
After much contemplation, he decided to accept the job offer.

In the first sentence, “after” indicates pursuit. In the second sentence, “after” indicates a result.

Against

The preposition “against” indicates opposition or resistance. It can be used to describe a person or thing that is opposing or opposing the action of another person or thing. For example:

The team was playing against the rival school.
She leaned against the wall.
The soldier fought against the enemy.
The company is competing against other businesses for the contract.

The preposition “against” can also describe the surface with which something is in contact. For example:

The cat lay stretched out against the warm sun.
He rested his head against the pillow.
The picture was hanging against the wall.

In addition, “against” can be used to describe a background or reference point for comparison or contrast. For example:

The new policy is a significant improvement against the old one.
She measured the height of the building against her height.

Along

The preposition “along” is used to indicate that something is happening along a path or route. For example:

She walked along the river. (The river is the path or route the person follows.)
We drove along the highway. (The highway is the path or route the car follows.)
The train runs along the tracks. (The tracks are the path or route that the train is following.)

“Along” can also indicate that something is happening in the same direction as something else. For example:

The cat ran along the fence. (The cat is running in the same direction as the fence.)
The plane flew along the coastline. (The plane is flying in the same direction as the coastline.)

“Along” can also be used to indicate that something is happening in the presence of someone or something else. For example:

He sat along the wall. (The person is sitting in the presence of the wall.)

Among

The preposition “among” refers to a relationship between three or more things or people. It is used to indicate that something or someone is a part of a group or is in the midst of other things or people. For example:

The pencil is among the pens on the desk. (The pencil is one of the things on the desk that is a pen.)
The cat is hiding among the bushes. (The cat is in the midst of the bushes.)
The prize was divided among the three winners. (The three winners shared the prize.)

It is important to note that “among” should be used when referring to a group of three or more things or people. If you are referring to a group of only two, you should use the preposition “between.”

Around

The preposition “around” indicates that something or someone is in a circular or circularly moving position in relation to something else. It can also indicate the general area or vicinity of something. For example:

The cat was sitting around the tree.
We walked around the lake.
The store is located around the corner.

In addition to its spatial uses, “around” can also indicate that something is happening or exists in the general vicinity of a specific time. For example:

The party will be happening around 7 pm.
The new movie comes out around Easter.

“Around” can also be used as an adjective to describe something circular or shaped like a circle. For example:

The bracelet has an around the shape.

Finally, “around” can be used as an adverb to indicate that something is happening or exists in the general vicinity or many places. For example:

The rumor is going around that he is quitting his job.
You can find her around town most days.

As

The preposition “as” has a number of different uses and meanings, depending on the context in which it is used.

As a preposition of time: “As” can be used to indicate when something happens. For example: “I usually wake up at 7:00 am, as I have to go to work.”

As a preposition of role or function: “As” can be used to describe the role or function of someone or something. For example: “She works as a teacher at the local school.”

As a preposition of comparison: “As” can be used to compare two things. For example: “He plays as well as his sister.”

As conjunction: “As” can be used to introduce a clause that explains the reason for something. For example: “I didn’t go to the party, as I was feeling sick.”

In these cases, the preposition “as” provides additional information about the noun or pronoun that follows it. Choosing the correct preposition to use in a sentence is essential to convey the intended meaning.

At

The preposition “at” indicates a specific location or time. Here are some examples of how the preposition “at” can be used:

I’m at the store. (indicates location)
The party is at my house. (indicates location)
She arrives at 6 pm. (indicates time)
The library closes at 9 pm. (indicates time)

The preposition “at” can also be used to indicate a particular point in time, such as “at midnight” or “at noon.”

In addition, the preposition “at” can be used to indicate a specific target or recipient, as in the phrases “aim at,” “look at,” or “throw at.”

Before

‘Before’ is a preposition to indicate a time or event prior to something else. It can also be used to indicate a location in front of something. For example:

I will finish my homework before dinner. (indicating a time)
She stood before the judge. (indicating a location)

In addition, before can be used as an adjective to mean “earlier than” or “in advance of.” For example:

The before mentioned statement.

It can also be used as an adverb to mean “in front of” or “previously.” For example:

He stood before the door.
We had never seen this before.

Finally, ‘before’ can be used as a conjunction to introduce a clause that specifies the time or event at which something will happen. For example:

Before I leave, I need to pack my bags.

Behind

The preposition “behind” indicates a location (back side), typically in relation to something else. For example:

The cat is hiding behind the couch.
The child stood behind the tree, peering out at the street.
The bus stopped behind the car at the red light.

In each of these sentences, the preposition “behind” indicates that the noun (couch, tree, car) is located in a position that is farther back or farther away from the speaker or viewer.

“Behind” can also indicate a lack of support or involvement. For example:

Their captain left the team behind.
He was left behind in the race because of an injury.

In these sentences, “behind” indicates that the noun (team, he) is not receiving support or is not involved in the action described.

Below

“Below” is a preposition that refers to a location that is lower in position or lesser in value or rank. It is often used to describe the position of one thing relative to another. For example:

The book is below the table.
The city is located below sea level.
The meeting room is located below the lobby.

It can also describe a person or thing that is less important or less significant. For example:

He was ranked below his colleagues in the company.

In some cases, “below” can describe a quantity less than a certain level or standard. For example:

The temperature is below freezing.
His grades are below average.

Beneath

The preposition “beneath” means “below” or “under.” It is used to indicate a position lower than something else, often with the implication of being covered or hidden by it. For example:

A blanket is beneath the sheets of a bed.
A tunnel runs beneath a mountain.

In addition to its physical meaning, “beneath” can also be used figuratively to indicate a lower status or position in relation to something else. For example:

Someone is beneath you in terms of social status.

In general, “beneath” describes a relative position or status relationship, with one thing being lower or inferior.

Beside

“Beside” is a preposition that indicates position or location. It indicates that something is next to or alongside something else. For example:

The cat is sleeping beside the fireplace.
She stood beside him as he spoke.
There is a tree beside the house.

In these sentences, the word “beside” indicates the relationship between the nouns or pronouns and their location. The cat is sleeping next to the fireplace, she is standing next to him, and the tree is next to the house.

Besides

The preposition “besides” indicates that something or someone is in addition to something else. It can indicate the presence of something else besides the thing being mentioned or that something else is present in addition to what has already been mentioned. For example:

She has a dog and a cat, besides a bird.

In this sentence, the speaker indicates that the person has a dog, a cat, and a bird.

There are many good restaurants besides those we’ve already tried in this city.

In this sentence, the speaker indicates that there are other good restaurants in the city besides the ones that have already been tried.

“Besides” can also indicate that something else is present in addition to what has already been mentioned. For example:

I don’t have any other plans for the weekend besides going to the movies.

In this sentence, the speaker indicates that they don’t have plans for the weekend besides going to the movies.

Besides being a great musician, he’s also a talented artist.

In this sentence, the speaker indicates that the person is a great musician and talented artist.

Between

The preposition “between” is used to show a relationship of separation or distinction between two things or groups of things. It can be used to indicate a range or interval. For example:

The temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees.

‘Between’ can also describe a relationship of mutual connection or separation between two people or things. For example:

The river runs between the two towns.
There is a fence between the two houses.
She was standing between the two trees.

“Between” can also describe a relationship of inclusion, shared experience, or ownership. For example:

The money was split between the two of us.”

It is important to note that “between” describes a relationship between two things or groups of things, while “among” describes a relationship between three or more things or groups. For example, you would say, “The cat is hiding among the bushes,” not “The cat is hiding between the bushes.”

Beyond

“Beyond” is a preposition that means on or to the other side of something. It can also indicate that something is greater or more extreme than something else. For example:

The river is beyond the mountain. (The mountain is between the speaker and the river.)
She is beyond help. (It is not possible to help her.)
He is beyond frustrated. (He is extremely frustrated.)

Here are a few more examples of “beyond” used in different contexts:

The town is beyond the horizon. (The town is too far away to be seen.)
The restaurant is beyond our budget. (The restaurant is too expensive for us.)
The solution to the problem is beyond my understanding. (I am not able to understand the solution.)

But

“But” can also be used as a preposition, showing a relationship between a noun or pronoun and some other word in the sentence. When used as a preposition, it means “except for” or “other than.” For example:

Everyone but Maria has arrived. (This means that everyone except for Maria has arrived.)
I have nothing but time. (This means that all I have is time.)
There is nothing here but dust. (This means that there is only dust here.)

“But” is a conjunction used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously mentioned. It is often used to express a qualification or exception to a previous statement. For example:

I usually enjoy the beach, but it was too cold today.
He would come with us but changed his mind at the last minute.
She’s usually very punctual, but she was late today.

It’s important to note that “but” should not be used to begin a sentence, as it is a conjunction and not a coordinating conjunction. Instead, use “however” to begin a sentence when introducing a contrasting idea.

By

The preposition “by” has several different meanings and uses.

One everyday use of “by” is to indicate the means or method by which something is done. For example:

I traveled to Paris by plane.
She sent the letter by email.

“By” can also indicate the person or thing that acts. For example:

The book was written by Jane Austen.
The painting was done by my sister.

In addition, “by” can be used to indicate the person or thing that is responsible for or causes something. For example:

The project was completed by the end of the year.
The building was destroyed by the fire.

“By” can also indicate the time when something happens. For example:

The movie starts at 7:00, and I must be there by 6:45.
We have to finish the report by Monday.

Finally, “by” can indicate the location of something in relation to something else. For example:

The store is located by the park.
She stood by the door.

Despite

‘Despite’ is a preposition used to introduce a clause that contains information that contrasts with or contradicts what has been said previously. It is typically followed by a noun, a pronoun, or a gerund (-ing verb form). For example:

Despite the cold weather, I decided to go for a walk.

In this sentence, the clause “despite the cold weather” introduces information that contrasts with the decision to go for a walk. It implies that walking in cold weather would be unexpected or unusual, but the speaker went for a walk anyway.

Another example:

Despite being tired, I agreed to stay and help with the project.

In this sentence, the clause “despite being tired” introduces information that contradicts the decision to stay and help with the project. It implies that the speaker would typically not have agreed to stay and help because they were tired, but they made an exception in this case.

The preposition “despite” expresses a contrast or contradiction between two ideas or actions.

Down

The preposition “down” can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used to indicate direction, location, or position.

Direction:

I walked down the street. (indicates the direction of movement)
The bird flew down from the tree. (indicates the direction of movement)

Location:

The cat is sitting down on the mat. (indicates the location of the cat)
I left my keys down on the table. (indicates the location of the keys)

Position:

He lay down on the bed. (indicates the position of the person)
She put the book down on the desk. (indicates the position of the book)

In addition to these uses, “down” can also be used in idiomatic expressions such as “down the drain” (wasted or lost) and “down in the dumps” (feeling sad or depressed).

During

The preposition “during” indicates that something happened during a particular period. It can refer to a specific event or activity that took longer.

For example, you can say, “I went to the beach during my vacation,” indicating that you visited the beach at some point. Or, you can say, “I worked at the store during the summer,” to indicate that you were employed at the store at some point within the summer season.

In addition to indicating a specific event or activity, “during” can also describe a general state or condition that existed over time. For example, you can say, “I was sick during the week,” to indicate that you were in a state of illness at some point within the week.

Overall, the preposition “during” describes something that happened within a specific period and is a valuable tool for communicating when events or activities occurred.

Except

The preposition “except” introduces an exception or excludes something from a group or list. A noun or pronoun typically follows it. For example:

I will eat anything except broccoli. (exception)
Everyone came to the party except for Mary. (exclusion)

In the first sentence, the speaker says they are willing to eat anything but will not eat broccoli. In the second sentence, the speaker says that everyone else came to the party, but Mary did not.

It is important to note that “except” is not a conjunction and cannot be used to join two clauses. Instead, it introduces a noun or pronoun that is being excluded or excepted. For example:

I will eat anything except broccoli is my least favorite food. (incorrect use of “except” as a conjunction)
I will eat anything. Broccoli is my least favorite food, except I will eat it if I have to. (correct use of “except” as a preposition)

For

The preposition “for” is a word that is used to indicate a duration of time, a purpose, or a recipient. Some examples of how the word “for” can be used as a preposition are:

I am going to the store for an hour. (duration of time)
The cake is for my friend’s birthday. (recipient)
She is studying for the exam. (purpose)

In the first example, the word “for” indicates the duration of time that the speaker will be going to the store. In the second example, the word “for” indicates the cake recipient, the speaker’s friend. In the third example, the word “for” indicates the purpose of the speaker’s studying, which is to prepare for the exam.

From

The preposition “from” indicates a point of origin or a starting point. It shows the relationship between two things, one moving or being transmitted from the other. For example:

The package is being shipped from Japan. (Japan is the point of origin for the package.)

“From” can also indicate a separation or distance between two things. For example:

The bird flew from the tree. (The bird is separating itself from the tree.)
She lives a few hours’ drive from here. (There is a distance between the speaker’s location and the place where the person lives.)

In addition to these uses, “from” can also be used to indicate a source or cause. For example:

The information is from a reliable source. (The source of information is reliable.)
The noise is coming from the construction site. (The construction site is the source of the noise.)

Finally, “from” can also indicate a period or duration. For example:

The sale starts at 9 am and goes on from that time until 5 pm. (The sale lasts for the duration of time from 9 am until 5 pm.)

In

The preposition “in” describes the relationship between a noun or pronoun and a place or location. It can be used to describe physical locations, such as being in a room or a house, or it can be used to describe more abstract locations, such as being in a state of mind or a situation.

Here are a few examples of how the preposition “in” can be used:

I am in the kitchen. (physical location)
The cat is in the box. (physical location)
She is in a good mood today. (abstract location)
I am in trouble. (abstract location)

In addition to its preposition, “in” can also be used as an adverb, an adjective, and a prepositional phrase. For example:

He arrived in the afternoon. (adverb)
She lives in New York. (prepositional phrase)

Inside

“Inside” is a preposition to indicate that something or someone is within the interior of an object or a space. For example, you might say, “I left my keys inside the house,” or “She was hiding inside the closet.”

In both of these cases, “inside” indicates the location of the keys or the person within the confines of the house or the closet. “Inside” can also describe the location of something within the boundaries of a larger entity, such as “The museum is located inside the park.”

When used with the pronouns “me,” “you,” “him,” “her,” “it,” or “them,” “inside” can also indicate that something is contained within the body or mind of a person or animal. For example, “I have a headache inside my head,” or “There’s a lot of love inside her heart.”

Overall, “inside” is a versatile preposition used to describe the location or containment of something or someone within the boundaries of another object or space.

Into

The preposition “into” is used to indicate movement or action that is directed toward the inside of something. It can also indicate that something is being transformed or changed into something else. For example:

She walked into the room. (indicating movement towards the inside of the room)
He turned the dough into rolls. (indicating that the dough was transformed into rolls)

“Into” can also be used to indicate the goal or result of an action. For example:

She poured the water into the glass. (indicating that the goal of the action was to get the water into the glass)
He invested all of his money into the company. (indicating that the goal of the action was to put his money into the company)

In addition to these uses, “into” can also indicate that something is being incorporated or included as a part of something else. For example:

She merged her company into a giant corporation. (indicating that her company was being incorporated into the giant corporation)
He incorporated several new ideas into his project. (indicating that the new ideas were being included as a part of his project)

Like

The preposition “like” has a number of different uses in the English language. It can indicate similarity, express preference, or introduce an example or subject.

One everyday use of “like” indicates a similarity or a likeness between two things. For example, you might say, “She looks like her mother,” to indicate that the two people have a similar appearance. You can also use “like” to compare two things more generally, as in “This restaurant is like a home away from home.”

“Like” can also be used to express a preference or to say that you enjoy something. For example, you might say, “I like pizza,” to indicate that you enjoy eating it.

Finally, “like” can introduce an example or subject. For example, you might say, “Like many other people, I enjoy spending time outdoors,” to introduce the subject of enjoying outdoor activities as an example.

Near

Preposition “near” is used to indicate proximity or closeness. It can describe the physical location of something or someone in relation to something else. For example:

The cat is near the couch.
I live near the beach.

It can also be used to describe a time that is close to a particular point or event. For example:

We will meet near the end of the day.”
The store closes at 9 p.m. so that I will arrive near closing time.”

In addition, “near” can describe a similarity or a relationship between two things. For example:

The two houses are near each other.

Overall, the preposition “near” is a helpful word to describe proximity, similarity, and relation in space and time.

Of

The preposition “of” indicates possession, ownership, or a relationship between two things. It is often used to indicate that something belongs to someone or something else. For example:

The book is a gift of my uncle. (possession)
The coat is made of wool. (material)
She is a member of the club. (membership)

In addition to indicating possession or relationship, “of” can also be used to express a distance or separation. For example:

He is two hours of drive from here. (distance)
She is a couple of inches taller than me. (distance)

“Of” can also indicate a relationship between two things that are not necessarily owned or possessed. For example:

The capital of France is Paris. (relationship)
She is the daughter of the president. (relationship)

The preposition “of” is a versatile word used to express many relationships and connections between people, places, and things.

Off

The preposition “off” can indicate that something or someone is physically or metaphysically separated from something else. For example, you might say, “I took the hat off the hook,” to describe removing a hat from a hook on a wall.

Here are some other ways that the preposition “off” can be used:

To describe the separation of an object from a surface: “The cat jumped off the table.”
To describe the separation of a person or thing from a place or location: “I’m getting off the bus at the next stop.”
To describe the detachment of an object from a larger object: “She pulled the label off the bottle.”
To describe the reduction of an amount or quantity: “I’m trying to cut off 10 pounds.”
To describe the cessation of an activity or state: “I’m turning off the TV and going to bed.”
To describe the departure of a vehicle or person from a place: “The plane took off from JFK airport.”

There are many other ways that the preposition “off” can be used, and the specific meaning can vary depending on the context in which it is used.

On

“On” is a preposition that typically indicates a relationship of location or time. For example, you might say, “The book is on the table,” to describe the location of the book, or “The sale is on Monday,” to describe a time when something will happen.

There are many different ways that the preposition “on” can be used. Here are a few examples:

To describe the surface on which something is sitting or lying: “The cat is on the couch,” “There’s a map on the wall.”
To describe how something is positioned: “She wore the bracelet on her wrist,” “He had a bandage on his knee.”
To describe the day of the week or the date: “The party is on Friday,” “I’ll see you on the 20th.”
To describe the method of transportation: “She arrived on a plane,” “He left on foot.”
To describe a television or radio program: “I saw your interview on the news,” “I heard your song on the radio.”

As with all prepositions, “on” can be somewhat idiomatic and vary depending on the context and the language being used.

Onto

“Onto” is a preposition that indicates movement or position. It is used to indicate that something is in the process of being moved to a surface or positioned on top of something else. For example:

She placed the books onto the shelf. (The books were not previously on the shelf, but they are being moved there.)
He climbed onto the roof. (He was not previously on the roof, but he is moving there.)
The cat jumped onto the table. (The cat was not previously on the table, but it is now.)
The plane flew onto the runway. (The plane was not previously on the runway, but it is now.)

In general, “onto” is used when there is a sense of movement or placement, whereas “on” is used when there is a static position or location. For example:

The vase is on the table. (The vase is not moving and is just in a static position on the table.)
The bird flew onto the branch. (The bird was not previously on the branch, but it is now moving onto it.)

Opposite

The preposition “opposite” indicates that something is on the other side of a space or dividing line from something else. For example:

The park is across the street from the library, opposite the museum.
The red car is parked opposite the blue car.

In these sentences, the preposition “opposite” is used to show that the library is on the opposite side of the street from the park and that the blue car is on the opposite side of the space from the red car.

It’s important to note that the preposition “opposite” is often used with a noun or pronoun, but it can also be used with a verb. For example:

The two teams are playing opposite each other on the field.

In this sentence, the verb “playing” is used with the preposition “opposite” to show that the two teams face each other on the field.

Out

The preposition “out” has a variety of uses in the English language. It can indicate movement or direction, as in, “I walked out of the room.” It can also indicate distance or separation, as in, “I live a few miles out of town.”

“Out” can also indicate that something is no longer contained or enclosed, as in, “I took the cat out of the bag.” It can also indicate that something is visible or noticeable, as in “The sun is out.”

In addition, “out” can indicate that something is no longer in use or functioning, as in “The light went out.” It can also indicate that something is no longer valid or acceptable, as in, “I’m sorry, that answer is out.”

Finally, “out” can indicate the end of a time or activity, as in, “I’m finished working for the day; I’m clocking out.”

Outside

“Outside” is a preposition used to indicate that something is located on the exterior of a place or object. For example, you might say, “The cat is sitting outside the house,” which means the cat is located outside the house.

You can also use “outside” to indicate that something is not contained within a particular area or boundary. For example, you might say, “The museum is located outside the city limits,” which means that the museum is not within the city’s boundaries.

Over

The preposition “over” typically indicates movement or position above something else or something that covers something else.

Here are some examples of how “over” can be used:

The plane flew over the city. (movement above something)
The cat sat on the windowsill and looked over the garden. (position above something)
She put a blanket over the bed. (something covering something else)

“Over” can also indicate a period or the end of a range:

The project will take over the next six months to complete. (time period)
The price of the item is $50 and over. (end of a range)

In addition, “over” can be used to indicate a change in power or authority:

After the election, the Democrats took over control of the government. (change in power)
The manager will be out of the office for the day, so I will be in charge over the team. (authority)

Past

The preposition “past” refers to a point or time that is earlier than the present. For example:

She grew up in a small town a few miles past the city limits.
I’m leaving work early today because my flight leaves at 6:00 p.m., just past rush hour.

“Past” can also be used to refer to a location that is farther along in a particular direction. For example:

The museum is a few blocks past the park on the left side of the street.
We drove past several farms before reaching the small town.

In addition, “past” can refer to the time elapsed since a particular point. For example:

It has been five years past since I last saw her.
It’s been a long time past since we last spoke.

Finally, “past” can be used as an adjective to describe something that happened or existed in the past. For example:

The past few months have been very stressful for me.
He always talks about his past experiences as a soldier.

Per

The preposition “per” is a Latin term that means “through” or “by means of.” In English, it is used to indicate a rate or ratio. For example:

She earns $20 per hour. (This means she earns $20 for every hour she works.)
The cost of the item is $10 per pound. (This means that the cost for each pound of the item is $10.)

“Per” can also be used to indicate division. For example:

The price of the tickets is $100 per person. (This means that the price is divided equally among the number of people attending.)

In addition to these uses, “per” can also indicate in relation to or in accordance with. For example:

She received an A+ per her professor’s grading scale. (This means that she received an A+ in relation to or in accordance with her professor’s grading scale.)

Since

The preposition “since” refers to a point in time. It can indicate that something began at a specific time in the past and continues up until now. For example:

I have been living in New York since 2005.
She has been studying Spanish since high school.
We have been waiting here since 3 o’clock.

“Since” can also be used to mean “because” or “as.” For example:

“I have been studying hard since I want to do well on the test.” (meaning “because”)
“She has been practicing the piano every day since she wants to become a professional musician.” (meaning “because”)
“I have been feeling sick since I ate that undercooked chicken.” (meaning “because”)
“We have been saving money since we want to take a trip to Europe.” (meaning “because”)
“He has been working out since he wants to get in shape.” (meaning “because”)

“Since” can also mean “from the time that.” For example:

Since she arrived, we have been having a great time. (meaning “from the time that she arrived”)
Since he started working at the company, sales have increased by 20%. (meaning “from the time that he started working at the company”)
Since the weather has been excellent, we have spent a lot of time outdoors. (meaning “from the time that the weather has been nice”)
“Since they got married, they have been delighted.” (meaning “from the time that they got married”)

Through

“Through” is a preposition that describes a movement or the passing of something from one side or end to the other side or end of something. It can also describe movement or passage within something or to a point beyond it. For example:

He walked through the door. (movement from outside to inside)
She drove through the tunnel. (movement from one end to the other)
The light shines through the window. (movement within something)
They traveled through several countries on their trip. (movement to a point beyond something)

“Through” can also describe a situation in which something is accomplished or completed. For example:

He made it through the marathon. (accomplished or completed the marathon)
She managed to get through the day despite feeling ill. (accomplished or completed the day)

In addition, “through” can describe a connection or relationship between two things. For example:

The wire runs through the conduit. (a connection between the wire and the conduit)
The book was written by an author who lived through several wars. (a relationship between the author and the wars)

Throughout

Throughout is a preposition that means “during the whole period of,” “in every part of,” or “extending from one end to the other.” It is often used to describe the extent or range of something, such as an experience or a process.

For example, you might say, “I was tired throughout the entire flight,” to describe how you felt during the entire flight. You could also say, “The river runs throughout the valley” to describe the extent of the river’s presence.

Throughout is also used to describe how something is present or active in every part of something. For example, you might say, “Flowers were blooming throughout the garden,” to describe how flowers were present and blooming in every part of the garden.

Overall, the preposition throughout describes the extent, range, or presence of something over a while or in every part of something.

Till

“Till” is a preposition that means “up to” or “until.” It often indicates a point in time at which something will happen or stop happening. For example:

I’ll wait till you get home.
We have to work till the project is finished.
I’ll stay here till it gets dark.

“Till” can also be used to mean “to” or “as far as.” For example:

We walked till the end of the road.
I can’t go any further till I rest for a bit.

To

The preposition “to” expresses various relationships, such as motion, direction, or purpose. For example:

I’m going to the store. (motion)
The book is on the table next to the lamp. (location)
She gave the money to her sister. (indirect object)
He wanted to talk to you. (purpose)

“To” can also be used as part of the infinitive form of verbs, such as “to eat,” “to see,” or “to go.” It can also be used as a conjunction to indicate an intended recipient, as in, “I wrote a letter to my friend.”

In addition, “to” is used to indicate a range or a specific point within a range, as in “The temperature is expected to range from 60 to 70 degrees tomorrow” or “The price of the stock rose from $10 to $15 per share.”

Toward

The preposition “toward” is used to indicate movement in the direction of someone or something. It can also refer to the direction or position of something relative to someone or something else. For example:

She turned toward the door. (movement in the direction of the door)
The bird flew toward the tree. (movement in the direction of the tree)
He reached out his hand toward the cookie. (position of the hand relative to the cookie)
The house is located toward the center of town. (position of the house relative to the center of town)

“Toward” can also be used to indicate a tendency or inclination. For example:

She has a positive attitude toward work. (tendency to have a positive attitude toward work)
He has a tendency toward procrastination. (inclination to procrastinate)

Under

“Under” is a preposition that generally indicates a relationship of spatial position in which one object is directly below or beneath another. It can also describe a state of being covered or concealed by something. For example:

The cat is under the table. (The cat is directly below the table.)
The box is under the bed. (The box is directly beneath the bed.)
The blanket is under the pillow. (The blanket is covering the pillow.)

In addition to its spatial meanings, “under” can also be used to describe a state of being subject to or controlled by something or someone. For example:

The employee is under the supervisor’s supervision. (The employee is subject to the supervision of the supervisor.)
The country is under the dictator’s rule. (The dictator controls the country.)

Underneath

The preposition “underneath” means below or beneath something else. It can also be used to mean covered by something else. For example:

The cat is sleeping underneath the table.
She wore a coat underneath her jacket to stay warm.

In both sentences, “underneath” is used to describe the position of something in relation to something else. In the first sentence, the cat is beneath the table. In the second sentence, the coat is worn below the jacket.

Note that “underneath” is often used instead of “under” when the object referred to is large or more prominent. For example, it is more common to say, “The car is parked underneath the tree” rather than “The car is parked under the tree.”

Until

The preposition “until” indicates a time when something will happen or before something must happen. It can describe a time leading up to a particular event or point in time. For example:

I will wait until 5 o’clock. (5 o’clock is the point in time at which the waiting will end.)
I will wait until my flight leaves. (The flight’s departure time is the point in time at which the waiting will end.)
I will work until I finish this project. (The project completion is the point in time at which the work will end.)

In each of these examples, the word “until” indicates that something will continue to happen until a specific point in time, and then it will stop happening.

It is important to note that “until” is different from “by,” which indicates a deadline. For example:

I will finish this project by Friday. (Friday is the deadline for completing the project.)

So, while “until” indicates a point in time at which something will stop happening, “by” indicates a point in time by which something must be completed.

Up

The preposition “up” can be used in a variety of ways.

To indicate direction: For example, We walked up the hill.
To indicate movement from a lower position to a higher position: For example, She climbed up the ladder.
To indicate location: For example, The bird is up in the tree.
To indicate completion: For example, She finished the project up on time.
To indicate increased intensity or quantity: For example, Prices went up after the hurricane.

It is essential to pay attention to the context in which “up” is used, as it can have different meanings depending on how it is used in a sentence.

Upon

“Upon” is a preposition that means “on top of,” “on,” or “supported by.” It is often used to describe the position or location of something or someone in relation to something else. For example:

The vase was placed upon the table.
He sat upon the couch and opened his laptop.
The cat was curled up upon the windowsill.

“Upon” can also be used to describe the happening or occurrence of something. For example:

The news of her promotion came upon us unexpectedly.
Upon arriving at the party, we were greeted by the host.

With

The preposition “with” is a word that links nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words in a sentence. It is used to indicate the presence or accompaniment of someone or something. For example:

I ate my breakfast with a fork. (indicating the use of a fork to eat breakfast)
She is friends with him. (indicating a relationship between the two people)
He traveled to Paris with his family. (indicating that the family was present during the trip to Paris)

Some common phrases that use the preposition “with” include “with ease,” “with pleasure,” and “with regard to.”

“With ease” means easily or without difficulty. For example: “She finished the marathon with ease, despite the hot weather.”

“With pleasure” means willingly and happily. For example: “I would be happy to help with the cooking, with pleasure.”

“With regard to” means in relation to or concerning. For example: “With regard to the matter we discussed earlier, I have made a decision.”

Within

The preposition “within” is used to indicate a location or time that is inside or within the boundaries of something. For example:

The park is within walking distance of my house.
She will arrive within the hour.

It can also be used to indicate that something is inside or enclosed by something else, as in:

There is a small pond within the garden.
He kept the watch within a velvet-lined case.

In this sense, “within” can describe a physical location and a more abstract or metaphorical location or situation. For example:

The solution to the problem was found within the existing data.
She found a sense of peace within herself.

Finally, “within” can be used to indicate a range or limit of something, as in:

The temperature must stay within a specific range for the experiment to be successful.”
She can complete the task within the allotted time.”

Overall, the preposition “within” describes a location or situation inside or enclosed by something else or indicates a range or limit of something.

Without

‘Without’ is a preposition that typically indicates the absence or lack of something or someone. For example:

I can’t believe I left my keys at home. I’ll have to go back without them.
She’s allergic to dairy, so she can’t eat ice cream without getting sick.

Without can also indicate that something is done or occurs without using something else. For example:

She was able to complete the puzzle without any help.
The project was a success without any additional funding.

In addition, without can be used to indicate that something or someone is not present or included. For example:

The concert was sold out, and I didn’t have a ticket, so I had to watch it without attending.
The team won the championship without their star player, who was injured.