Comprehensive list of prepositions: A complete guide with examples

Mik aka NatureCrankByMik aka NatureCrank Updated on
A dog sitting near the water at sunset illustrating the preposition "near."
The dog is near the water. This is a classic example of a preposition of place showing the relationship between the dog and the water.
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Prepositions are the unsung heroes of the English language, quietly weaving connections between words to bring clarity and meaning to our sentences. Defined as words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another element in a sentence—often indicating direction, location, time, or manner—prepositions are essential for effective communication.

In this guide, we provide a comprehensive list of 51 common prepositions, ranging from daily essentials like “in” and “on” to more advanced terms like “notwithstanding.”

Writer’s Tip: Keeping a physical copy of Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association
or a Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary on your desk is the best way to master complex prepositional phrases and formal writing standards.

51 common prepositions in English

The following list includes single-word prepositions and compound phrases, organized with clear examples to show how they function in natural speech and writing.

Single-word prepositions

PrepositionExample sentence
AboutHe talked about his new job.
AboveThe stars are above the clouds.
AcrossShe walked across the bridge.
AfterWe’ll meet after dinner.
AgainstHe leaned against the wall.
AlongThey walked along the beach.
AmongShe felt at home among friends.
AroundHe looked around the room.
AtI’ll see you at noon.
BeforePlease come before 5 PM.
BehindThe cat is hiding behind the couch.
BelowThe temperature is below zero.
BeneathThe treasure lies beneath the sand.
BesideHe sat beside his sister.
BesidesBesides being a teacher, I’m also a lifelong learner.
BetweenThe secret is between you and me.
BeyondThe path continues beyond the forest.
ByShe stood by the door.
DespiteHe succeeded despite the challenges.
DownShe walked down the stairs.
DuringIt rained during the night.
ExceptEveryone was there except him.
ForThis gift is for you.
FromI received a letter from my friend.
InShe’s in the kitchen.
InsideThe keys are inside the drawer.
IntoHe jumped into the pool.
LikeShe looks like her mother.
NearThere’s a park near my house.
OfHe’s a friend of mine.
OffHe fell off the ladder.
OnThe book is on the table.
OntoShe climbed onto the roof.
OutHe went out for a walk.
OutsideThe children are playing outside.
OverThe plane flew over the city.
PastHe walked past the shop.
SinceI’ve known her since childhood.
ThroughThey walked through the woods.
ThroughoutShe was happy throughout the day.
TillWait till I come back.
ToShe gave the book to me.
Toward(s)He moved towards the exit.
UnderThe dog is under the table.
UnderneathThe wallet was underneath the bed.
UntilWe waited until the rain stopped.
UpHe climbed up the mountain.
UponOnce upon a time…
WithHe came with his brother.
WithinThe answer lies within you.
WithoutHe left without saying goodbye.

Compound prepositions

Compound prepositions (or complex prepositions) consist of two or more words functioning as a single unit.

  • According to: According to the weather forecast, it’ll rain.
  • Because of: The game was canceled because of the rain.
  • Close to: He lives close to the station.
  • Due to: The delay was due to heavy traffic.
  • Except for: Everything was perfect, except for the weather.
  • In front of: There’s a car in front of the house.
  • In spite of: In spite of the cold, she went out.
  • Instead of: She went jogging instead of watching TV.
  • Next to: The library is next to the school.
  • On account of: The event was postponed on account of the storm.
  • Out of: He made a sculpture out of clay.

Frequently asked questions about prepositions

The five most frequently used prepositions in the English language are of, in, to, for, and with. According to linguistic data on frequencies in the English language, these five words alone account for a significant percentage of all preposition usage in both written and spoken English.

This is a common point of confusion. The simplest rule is: A preposition almost always has an object.

  • Preposition: “He fell down the stairs.” (The stairs is the object).
  • Adverb: “He fell down.” (No object; down describes the verb fell). If the word is followed by a noun or pronoun that it’s relating back to the sentence, it’s a preposition.

No. The “rule” against ending sentences with prepositions is a leftover from 18th-century grammarians who wanted to make English more like Latin. In modern English, ending with a preposition is often more natural.

  • Natural: “Who are you talking to?”
  • Stiff/formal: “To whom are you talking?”
  • Note: However, avoid “dangling” prepositions that add no meaning, such as saying “Where are you at?” instead of just “Where are you?”

This is one of the most searched preposition questions. Generally:

  • In refers to being inside a physical container or a defined space (e.g., in the room, in the park).
  • At refers to a specific point or a general location (e.g., at the entrance, at the bus stop).
  • Pro Tip: You are “at the library” if you are meeting someone there, but you are “in the library” if you are emphasizing that you are inside the building.

Visual learners often find it easier to memorize these relationships with physical cues. These English Grammar Educational Posters are perfect for classrooms or home offices to keep prepositions of place top-of-mind.

A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun (the “object”). These phrases act like big adjectives or adverbs to give more detail.

  • Example: “The book on the shelf is mine.” (On the shelf describes which book).

This is a quirk of English that confuses many learners. A good rule of thumb is the “stand up” rule: if the vehicle is large enough that you can stand up and walk around (bus, train, plane, ship), use on. If you have to crouch to enter and must stay seated (car, taxi, truck), use in.

Common preposition mistakes to avoid

IncorrectCorrectWhy?
Bored ofBored with“With” is the standard idiomatic partner for “bored.”
Different thanDifferent from“From” is preferred in formal writing to show distinction.
Arrived toArrived atYou arrive at a destination, you move to a destination.
Discuss aboutDiscuss“Discuss” already implies “talk about,” so “about” is redundant.

Mastering English grammar

This list covers a significant portion of the most frequently used prepositions. However, because language is always evolving, new combinations are formed regularly. For those looking to master the nuances of English, consider exploring these related topics:

If you want to move beyond lists and start practicing, we highly recommend the English Grammar in Use Workbook. It is widely considered the “gold standard” for practicing prepositions and sentence structure.

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Mik aka NatureCrank

About the author
Mik is a veteran, educator, and writer who has lived off-grid and nomadic since 2020. His perspective is shaped by a diverse career in both for-profit and non-profit management, as well as years of experience as an instructor in biology, psychology, health, and ESL.

By blending his formal studies in counseling and science with the practical realities of life on the trail, Mik provides a unique, grounded approach to nature-based healing. When he isn’t documenting the natural world through wildlife photography and geology, he is exploring the intersection of scientific research and the restorative power of the outdoors.

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