Definition and Examples of Preposition | How to Use Prepositions in a Sentence

• Simple prepositions
• Double prepositions
• Compound prepositions
• Participle prepositions
• Phrase prepositions

Examples of Preposition

Simple Prepositions

Simple prepositions are words like at, for, in, off, on, over, and under. These common prepositions can be used to describe a location, time, or place.

Some examples of common prepositions used in sentences are:

• He sat on the chair.
• There is some milk in the fridge.
• She was hiding under the table.
• The cat jumped off the counter.
• He drove over the bridge.
• She lost her ring at the beach.
• The book belongs to Anthony.
• They were sitting by the tree.
• We are running in the gym today.
• The sun is above the clouds.
• She lives near her workplace.
• She drew the picture with a crayon.
• He swam at the lake.
• I walked down the street.
• We located the key for the lock.
• The car went through the tunnel.
• I got a package from a friend.
• I have liked that song since 1999.
• She put the flowers by the window.
• The food was placed on the table.

Double Prepositions

Double prepositions are two simple prepositions used together, often indicating direction. Some examples are into, upon, onto, out of, from within.

• Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess.
• The baby climbed onto the table.
• It is up to us to find the answer.
• The loud noise came from within the stadium.
• She never leaves without her phone.
• The bird sat atop the oak tree.
• The caterpillar turned into a butterfly.
• I was unable to get out of the appointment.

Compound Prepositions

Compound prepositions (or complex prepositions) consist of two or more words, usually a simple preposition and another word, to convey location. Some examples are in addition to, on behalf of, and in the middle of.

• She sat across from Marie.
• I attended the meeting on behalf of my company.
• We were in the middle of the storm.
• He has gym class in addition to his regular classes today.
• He picked up the penny from beneath the couch.
• Aside from singing, she also plays the piano at the bar.
• My car is parked in front of the mailbox.
• The weather will be good this weekend according to Tom.

Participle Prepositions

Participle prepositions have endings such as -ed and -ing. Examples are words such as considering, during, concerning, provided.

• She is interested in anything concerning horses.
• He works one job during the day and another at night.
• The dog kept following him home.
• All the neighbors were there including the new one.
• The principal was asking questions regarding her behavior.
• Considering his age, he did a great job.
• He was frustrated at the situation.
• The teacher said no talking during class.

Phrase Prepositions

Phrase prepositions (or prepositional phrases) include a preposition, an object, and the object’s modifier. Examples include phrases like on time, at home, before class, and on the floor.

• I will get to the conference on time.
• The baseball game was canceled after the heavy rain.
• John found his homework under the bed.
• The children loved the gifts from their grandparents.
• He succeeded with a little help.
• We met to discuss the project before class.
• She left muddy footprints on the clean floor.
• According to his wishes, his funeral will be private.