B1nounlanguageeducation
US/ˌprep.əˈzɪʃ.ən/
UK/ˌprep.əˈzɪʃ.ən/
a word such as 'in', 'on' or 'at' that shows place, time or direction, usually before a noun
In context
'In', 'on' and 'at' are the prepositions that learners mix up most often.
You can't always translate a preposition directly from Vietnamese into English.
Some verbs are always followed by the same preposition, like 'depend on'.
Words that go with preposition
noun + preposition
- preposition of placea word like in or under that shows whereUnder is a preposition of place in the sentence about the cat and the table.
- preposition of timea word like at or on that shows whenWe use the preposition of time on with days of the week.
verb + preposition
- followed by a prepositioncoming with a preposition straight after itThe adjective interested is usually followed by a preposition.
- end with a prepositionfinish a sentence with a word like to or atSome teachers say you should never end a sentence with a preposition.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
We discussed about the plan.Correct: We discussed the plan.