PREPOSITION
The word
used before a noun, pronoun and a noun phrase indicating different relations is
called a Preposition. The word preposition means ‘that which is placed before’.
According to Oxford
Advanced Learner’s Dictionary: A
preposition is a
word or group of words, such as in,
from, to, out of and on
behalf of , used before a noun or pronoun to show place, position,
time or method.
At, by,
for, from, in, of, off, on, out, through, till, to, up, with, about, above,
across, against, along, amidst, among, amongst, around, before, behind, below,
beneath, beside, between, beyond, inside, outside, under, underneath, within,
without, like, past, according to, in accordance with, in place of, agreeably
to, in addition to, in reference to, along with, in (on) behalf of, in regard
to, away from, in case of, in spite of, because of, in comparison to, instead
of, by dint of, in compliance with, in the event of, by means of, in
consequence of, on account of, by reason of, in course of, owing to, by virtue
of, in favour of, with a view to, by way of, in front of, with an eye to,
conformably to, in lieu of, with reference to, for the sake of, in order to,
with regard to, barring, concerning, considering, during, notwithstanding,
pending, regarding, respecting, touching,
‘AT’
1 Used to say where something/somebody is or where
something happens: At the corner of the street / We changed at Crewe. They arrived late at the airport. At the
roundabout take the third exit. I'll be at home all morning. She's at Tom's (=
at Tom's house). I met her at the
hospital. How many people were there at the concert?
2 Used to say where somebody works or studies: He's
been at the bank longer than anyone else. She's at Yale (= Yale University).
3 Used to say when something happens: We
left at 2 o'clock. / At the end of the week / We woke at dawn. I didn't know at
the time of writing (= when I wrote). At night you can see the stars. (BrE) What are you doing
at the weekend?
4 Used to state the age at which somebody does something: She
got married at 25. He left school at the age of 16.
5 In the direction of or towards somebody / something: What
are you looking at? He pointed a gun at her. Somebody threw paint at the prime
minister.
6 Used after a verb to show that somebody tries to
do something, or partly does something, but does not succeed or complete it: He
clutched wildly at the rope as he fell. She nibbled at a sandwich (= ate
only small bits of it).
7 Used to state the distance away from something: I held
it at arm's length. Can you read a car number plate at fifty metres?
8 Used to show the situation somebody / something
is in, what somebody is doing or what is happening:
The country is now at war.
I felt at a disadvantage. I
think Mr Harris is at lunch.
9 Used to show a rate, speed, etc: He was
driving at 70 mph. The noise came at two-minute intervals (= once every
two minutes). Prices start at $1000.
The book retails at £19.95.
10 ~ somebody's/something's best/worst, etc. used
to say that somebody/something is as good, bad, etc. as they can be: This
was Murray at his best. The garden's at its most beautiful in June.
11 Used with adjectives to show how well somebody
does something: I'm good at French. She's hopeless at
managing people.
12 Used with adjectives to show the cause of something: They
were impatient at the delay. She was delighted at the result.
13 (Formal)
in response to something: They attended the dinner at the chairman's
invitation.
14 (NAmE)
used when giving a telephone number: You can reach me at 637-2335,
extension 354.
15 (Computing)
the symbol ( @ ) used in email addresses: / At that: used when you are giving an extra piece
of information: He managed to buy a
car after all—and a nice one at that.
Be at it
again: to be doing something,
especially something bad: Look at all
that graffiti—those kids have been at it again. / Where it's at (informal) a place or an activity that
is very popular or fashionable: Judging
by the crowds waiting to get in, this seems to be where it's at.
‘IN’
1 At a point within an area or a space: A country in Africa / The kids were playing in the street. It's in
that drawer. I read about it in the paper.
2 Within the shape of something; surrounded by something:
She
was lying in bed. / Sitting in an armchair / Leave the key in the lock. Soak it
in cold water.
3 Into something: He dipped his
brush in the paint. She got in her car and drove off.
4 Forming the whole or part of something / somebody;
contained within something / somebody: There are 31 days in May. All the
paintings in the collection / I recognize his father in him (= his character is similar to his father's).
5 During a period of time: in
2009, in the 18th century , in spring / summer / autumn / winter , in the fall ,
in March , in the morning / afternoon / evening , I'm getting forgetful in my
old age.
6 After a particular length of time: To return
in a few minutes/hours/days/months / It will be ready in a week's time (=
one week from now). She learnt to
drive in three weeks (= after three weeks she could drive).
7 (Used in negative sentences or after first, last, etc.)
for a particular period of time:
I haven't seen him in years. It's the
first letter I've had in ten days.
8 Wearing something: Dressed in their
best clothes / The man in the hat / To be in uniform / She was all in black.
9 Used to describe physical surroundings: We
went out in the rain. He was sitting alone in the darkness.
10 Used to show a state or condition: I'm in
love! The house is in good repair. I must put my affairs in order. / A man in
his thirties / The daffodils were in full bloom.
11 Involved in something; taking part in something: To act
in a play
12 Used to show somebody's job or profession: He is
in the army. She's in computers. In business
13 Used to show the form, shape, arrangement or
quantity of something: A novel in three parts / Roll it up in a
ball. They sat in rows. People flocked in their thousands to see her.
14 Used to show the language, material etc used: Say it
in English. She wrote in pencil. Put it in writing. I paid in cash. He spoke in
a loud voice.
15 Concerning something: She was not lacking
in courage. / A country rich in minerals / Three metres in length
16 While doing something; while something is
happening: In attempting to save the child from
drowning, she nearly lost her own life. In all the commotion I forgot to tell
him the news.
17 Used to introduce the name of a person who has a
particular quality: We're losing a first-rate editor in Jen.
18 Used to show a rate or relative amount: a gradient of one in five: A tax rate of 22
pence in the pound
‘INTO’
1 To a position in or inside something: Come into the house.
She dived into the water. He threw the letter into the fire. (Figurative)
She turned and walked off into the
night.
2 In the direction of something: Speak clearly into
the microphone. Driving into the sun, we had to shade our eyes.
3 To a point at which you hit somebody/something: The truck crashed
into a parked car.
4 To a point during a period of time: She
carried on working late into the night. He didn't get married until he was well
into his forties.
5 Used to show a change in state: The
fruit can be made into jam. Can you translate this passage into German? They
came into power in 2008. She was sliding into depression.
6 Used to show the result of an action: He was
shocked into a confession of guilt.
7 About or concerning something: An inquiry
into safety procedures
8 Used when you are dividing numbers: 3 into
24 is 8. He's into surfing in a big way.
‘ON’
1 In or into a position covering, touching or
forming part of a surface: A picture on a wall / There's a mark on your
skirt. / The diagram on page 5 / Put it down on the table. He had been hit on
the head. She climbed on to the bed. This could also be written onto the bed
2 Supported by somebody / something: She
was standing on one foot. Try lying on your back. Hang your coat on that hook.
3 Used to
show a means of transport: He was on
the plane from New York.
To travel on the bus / tube / coach / I came on my bike. A woman on horseback
4 Used to
show a day or date: He came on Sunday.
We meet on Tuesdays. On May the first/the first of May / On the evening of May
the first / On one occasion / On your birthday
5 Immediately
after something: On arriving home I
discovered they had gone. Please report to reception on arrival. There was a
letter waiting for him on his return.
6 About something
/ somebody: A book on South Africa
/ She tested us on irregular verbs.
7 Being carried
by somebody; in the possession of somebody: Have you got any money on you?
8 Used to
show that somebody belongs to a group or an organization: To be on the committee/staff/jury/panel / Whose
side are you on (= which of two or more different views do you support)?
9 Eating or
drinking something; using a drug or a medicine regularly: He lived on a diet of junk food. The doctor
put me on antibiotics.
10 Used to
show direction: On the left/right / He
turned his back on us.
11 At or
near a place: A town on the coast / A house
on the Thames / We lived on an estate.
12 Used to
show the basis or reason for something: A
story based on fact / On their advice I applied for the job.
13 Paid for
by something: To live on a pension / a
student grant / To be on a low wage / You can't feed a family on £50 a week.
Drinks are on me (= I am paying).
14 By means
of something; using something: She
played a tune on her guitar. The information is available on the Internet. We
spoke on the phone. What's on TV? The programme's on Channel 4.
15 Used with
some nouns or adjectives to say who or what is affected by something: A ban on smoking. He's hard on his kids. Go
easy on the mayo! (= do not take / give me too much)
16 Compared
with somebody/something: Sales are up
on last year.
17 Used to
describe an activity or a state: To be
on business / holiday / vacation. The book is currently on loan.
18 Used when
giving a telephone number: You can get
me on 020 7946 0887. She's on extension 2401.
‘AGAINST’
1 Opposing or
disagreeing with somebody/something: The
fight against terrorism. We're playing against the league champions next week.
We were rowing against the current. That's against the law. She was forced to
marry against her will. Are you for or against the death penalty? She is
against seeing (= does not want to see) him. I'd advise you against doing that.
2 Not to
the advantage or favour of somebody / something: The evidence is against him. Her age is against her.
3 Close to,
touching or hitting somebody / something: Put the piano there, against the wall. The rain beat against the
windows.
4 In order
to prevent something from happening or to reduce the damage caused by something:
An injection against rabies / They
took precautions against fire. Are we insured against theft?
5 With something
in the background, as a contrast: His
red clothes stood out clearly against the snow. (Figurative) The love
story unfolds against a background of civil war.
6 Used when
you are comparing two things: You must
weigh the benefits against the cost. Check your receipts against the statement.
What's the rate of exchange against the dollar?
‘BETWEEN’
1 In or
into the space separating two or more points, objects, people, etc: Q comes between P and R in the English
alphabet. I sat down between Jo and Diana. Switzerland
lies between France, Germany, Austria
and Italy.
The paper had fallen down between the desk and the wall. (Figurative) My job is somewhere between a secretary and a personal assistant.
2 In the
period of time that separates two days, years, events, etc: It's cheaper between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. Don't eat between meals.
Children must attend school between the ages of 5 and 16. Many changes took
place between the two world wars.
3 At some
point along a scale from one amount, weight, distance, etc. to another: It weighed between nine and ten kilos. The
temperature remained between 25 ° C and 30 ° C all week.
4 (Of a
line) separating one place from another: The
border between Sweden and Norway
5 From one
place to another: We fly between Rome and Paris
twice daily.
6 Used to
show a connection or relationship a
difference/distinction/contrast between two things: a link between unemployment
and crime. There's a lot of bad feeling between them. I had to choose between
the two jobs.
7 Shared by
two or more people or things: We ate a
pizza between us. This is just between you and me / between ourselves
(= it is a secret).
8 By putting
together the efforts or actions of two or more people or groups: We ought to be able to manage it between us.
China and India between
them account for a third of the world's population.
9 ~ doing something used to show that several activities are involved: Between working full-time and taking care of
the kids, he didn't have much time for hobbies.
‘AMONG’
1 Surrounded by somebody / something;
in the middle of somebody / something: A house among the trees. They strolled among the
crowds. I found the letter amongst his papers. It's OK, you're among friends
now.
2 Being included
or happening in groups of things or people: A British woman was among the survivors. He was among the last to
leave. This attitude is common among the under-25s. ‘What was wrong with the
job?’ ‘Well, the pay wasn't good, among other things.’ Discuss it among
yourselves (= with each other) first.
3 Used when
you are dividing or choosing something, and three or more people or things are
involved: They divided the money up
among their three children.
‘ABOUT’
1 On the
subject of somebody/something; in connection with somebody/something: A book about flowers. Tell me all about it.
What's she so angry about? There's something strange about him. I don't know
what you're on about (= talking about). There's nothing you can do about it now.
2 Used to
describe the purpose or an aspect of something: Movies are all about making money these days. What was all
that about? (= what was the reason for what has just happened?)
3 Busy with
something; doing something: Everywhere
people were going about their daily business. And while you're about it …
(= while you're doing that)
4 (Especially BrE) in many directions in
a place; here and there: We wandered
about the town for an hour or so. He looked about the room.
5 (Especially BrE) in various parts of a
place; here and there: The papers were
strewn about the room.
6 (Especially BrE) next to a place or
person; in the area mentioned: She's
somewhere about the office.
7 (Literary) surrounding somebody/something:
She wore a shawl about her shoulders. How/what
about…?
1 Used when
asking for information about somebody/something: How about Ruth? Have you heard from her? I'm having fish. What about
you?
2 Used to
make a suggestion: How about going for
a walk? (Especially NAmE )
How about we go for a walk? What about
a break?
‘BY’
1 Near somebody
/ something; at the side of somebody / something; beside somebody / something: A house by the river. The telephone is by
the window. Come and sit by me.
2 Used,
usually after a passive verb, to show who or what does, creates or causes something:
He was knocked down by a bus. A play
by Ibsen. Who's that book by? I was frightened by the noise.
3 Used for
showing how or in what way something is done: The house is heated by gas. May I pay by cheque? I will contact you by
letter. To travel by boat/bus/car/plane. To travel by air/land/sea. Switch
it on by pressing this button.
4 Used before
particular nouns without the,
to say that something happens as a result of something: They met by chance. I did it by mistake. The coroner's verdict was
‘death by misadventure’.
5 Not later
than the time mentioned; before: Can
you finish the work by five o'clock? I'll have it done by tomorrow. By this
time next week we'll be in New York.
He ought to have arrived by now/by this time. By the time (that) this
letter reaches you I will have left the country.
6 Past somebody
/ something: He walked by me without
speaking.
7 During something;
in a particular situation: To travel by
day / night. We had to work by candlelight.
8 Used to
show the degree or amount of something: The
bullet missed him by two inches. House prices went up by 10%. It would be
better by far (= much better) to…
9 From what
something shows or says; according to something: By my watch it is two o'clock. I could tell by the look on her face
that something terrible had happened. By law, you are a child until you are 18.
10 Used to
show the part of somebody / something that somebody touches, holds, etc.: I took him by the hand. She seized her by
the hair. Pick it up by the handle!
11 Used with
the to
show the period or quantity used for buying, selling or measuring something: We rented the car by the day. They're paid
by the hour. We only sell it by the metre.
12 Used to
state the rate at which something happens: They're improving day by day. We'll do it bit by bit. It was getting
worse by the minute (= very fast).
The children came in two by two (= in groups of two).
13 Used to
show the measurements of something: The
room measures fifteen feet by twenty feet.
14 Used when
multiplying or dividing: 6 multiplied
by 2 equals 12. 6 divided by 2 equals 3.
15 Used for
giving more information about where somebody comes from, what somebody does,
etc: He's German by birth. They're
both doctors by profession.
16 Used when
swearing to mean ‘in the name of’: I
swear by Almighty God…
‘WITH’
1 In the
company or presence of somebody / something: She lives with her parents. I have a client with me right now. A nice
steak with a bottle of red wine
2 Having or
carrying something: A girl with (=
who has) red hair, a jacket with a
hood. He looked at her with a hurt expression. They're both in bed with flu. A man
with a suitcase
3 Using something:
Cut it with a knife. It is treated
with acid before being analysed.
4 Used to
say what fills, covers, etc. something: The
bag was stuffed with dirty clothes. Sprinkle the dish with salt.
5 In opposition
to somebody / something; against somebody / something: To fight with somebody / to play tennis with somebody / at war with a
neighbouring country / I had an argument with my boss.
6 Concerning;
in the case of: Be careful with the
glasses. Are you pleased with the result? Don't be angry with her. With these
students it's pronunciation that's the problem.
7 Used when
considering one fact in relation to another: She won't be able to help us with all the family commitments she has. It's
much easier compared with last time.
8 Including:
The meal with wine came to $20 each.
With all the lesson preparation I have to do I work 12 hours a day.
9 Used to
show the way in which somebody does something: He behaved with great dignity. She sleeps with the window open. Don't
stand with your hands in your pockets.
10 Because of;
as a result of: She blushed with
embarrassment. His fingers were numb with cold.
11 Because of
something and as it happens: The
shadows lengthened with the approach of sunset. Skill comes with practice.
12 In the
same direction as something: Marine
mammals generally swim with the current.
13 Used to
show who has possession of or responsibility for something: The keys are with reception. Leave it with
me.
14 Employed
by; using the services of: She acted
with a touring company for three years. I bank with HSOMEBODYC.
15 Showing separation
from something / somebody: I could
never part with this ring. Can we dispense with the formalities?
16 Despite something:
With all her faults I still love her.
17 Used in
exclamations: Off to bed with you!
Down with school!
‘UNDER’
1 In, to or
through a position that is below something: Have you looked under the bed? She placed the ladder under (=
just lower than) the window. The dog
squeezed under the gate and ran into the road.
2 Below the
surface of something; covered by something: The boat lay under several feet of water.
3 Less than;
younger than: An annual income of
under £10 000 / It took us
under an hour. Nobody under 18 is allowed to buy alcohol.
4 Used to
say who or what controls, governs or manages somebody / something: The country is now under martial law. The
coinage was reformed under Elizabeth I (= when she was queen) . She has a staff of 19 working under her.
Under its new conductor, the orchestra has established an international
reputation.
5 According
to an agreement, a law or a system: Six
suspects are being held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Under the terms
of the lease you had no right to sublet the property. Is the television still
under guarantee?
6 Experiencing
a particular process: The hotel is
still under construction. The matter is under investigation.
7 Affected by
something: The wall collapsed under
the strain. I've been feeling under stress lately. I'm under no illusions about
what hard work this will be. You'll be under anaesomethingetic, so you won't
feel a thing.
8 Using a
particular name: She also writes under
the pseudonym of Barbara Vine.
9 Found in
a particular part of a book, list, etc: If
it's not under ‘sports’, try looking under ‘games’.
‘FOR’
1 Used to
show who is intended to have or use something or where something is intended to
be put: There's a letter for you. It's
a book for children. We got a new table for the dining room. This is the place
for me (= I like it very much).
2 In order
to help somebody / something: What can
I do for you (= how can I help you)? Can you translate this letter for me? I took her classes for her
while she was sick. Soldiers are fighting for their country.
3 Concerning
somebody / something: They are anxious
for her safety. Fortunately for us, the weather changed.
4 As a
representative of: I am speaking for
everyone in this department.
5 Employed by:
She's working for IBM.
6 Meaning: Shaking your head for ‘No’ is not universal.
7 In support
of somebody / something: Are you for
or against the proposal? They voted for independence in a referendum. There's a
strong case for postponing the exam. I'm all for people having fun.
‘What does Naomi think about the move?’ ‘She's all for it.’
8 Used to
show purpose or function: a machine
for slicing bread / Let's go for a walk. Are you learning English for pleasure
or for your work? What did you do that for (= Why did you do that)?
9 Used to
show a reason or cause: The town is
famous for its cathedral. She gave me a watch for my birthday. He got an award
for bravery. I couldn't speak for laughing. He didn't answer for fear of
hurting her.
10 In order
to obtain something: He came to me for
advice. For more information, call this number. There were over fifty
applicants for the job.
11 In exchange
for something: Copies are available
for two dollars each. I'll swap these two bottles for that one.
12 Considering
what can be expected from somebody / something: The weather was warm for the time of year. She's tall for her age. He's
not bad for a beginner. That's too much responsibility for a child.
13 Better, happier, etc. ~ something better, happier, etc. following something: You'll feel better for a good night's sleep.
This room would look more cheerful for a spot of paint.
14 Used to
show where somebody/something is going: Is
this the bus for Chicago?
She knew she was destined for a great future.
15 Used to
show a length of time: I'm going away
for a few days. That's all the news there is for now.
16 Used to
show that something is arranged or intended to happen at a particular time: An appointment for May 12 / We are invited
for 7.30.
17 Used to
show the occasion when something happens: I'm warning you for the last time—stop talking!
18 Used to
show a distance: The road went on for
miles and miles.
19 Used to
say how difficult, necessary, pleasant, etc. something is that somebody might
do or has done: It's useless for us
to continue. There's no need for you to go. For her to
have survived such an ordeal was remarkable. The box is too heavy for
me to lift. Is it clear enough for you to read?
20 Used to
show who can or should do something: It's
not for me to say why he left. How to spend the money is for you to decide.
‘OF’
1 Belonging
to somebody; relating to somebody: A friend
of mine / The love of a mother for her child / The role of the teacher / Can't
you throw out that old bike of Tommy's? / The paintings of Monet / When
you are talking about everything someone has painted, written, etc, use of.
When you are referring to one or more examples of somebody's work, use by a painting by Monet
2 Belonging
to something; being part of something; relating to something: The lid of the box / The director of the
company / A member of the team / The result of the debate
3 Coming from
a particular background or living in a place: a woman of Italian descent / The people of Wales
4 Concerning
or showing somebody / something: A story
of passion / A photo of my dog / A map of India
5 Used to
say what somebody/something is, consists of, or contains: The city of Dublin / The issue of housing / A crowd of
people / A glass of milk
6 Used with
measurements and expressions of time, age, etc: 2 kilos of potatoes / an increase of 2% / A girl of 12 / The fourth of
July / The year of his birth / (old-fashioned)
We would often have a walk of an
evening.
7 Used to
show somebody/something belongs to a group, often after some, a few , etc: Some of
his friends / A few of the problems / The most famous of all the stars
8 Used to
show the position of something / somebody in space or time: just north of Detroit / at the time of the revolution / (NAmE) at a quarter of eleven tonight (= 10.45 p. m)
9 Used after
nouns formed from verbs. The noun after ‘of’ can be either the object or the
subject of the action: The arrival of
the police (= they arrive) / Criticism
of the police (= they are criticized) / Fear of the dark / The howling of the wind
10 Used after
some verbs before mentioning somebody / something involved in the action: To deprive somebody of something / He was
cleared of all blame. Think of a number, any number.
11 Used after
some adjectives before mentioning somebody / something that a feeling relates
to: To be proud of something
12 Used to
give your opinion of somebody's behaviour: It was kind of you to offer.
13 Used when
one noun describes a second one: Where's
that idiot of a boy? (= the boy that you think is stupid)
‘FROM’
1 Used to
show where somebody / something starts: She
began to walk away from him. Has the train from Bristol arrived?
2 Used to
show when something starts: We're open
from 8 to 7 every day. He was blind from birth.
3 Used to
show who sent or gave something / somebody: A letter from my brother / Information from witnesses / the man from (=
representing) the insurance company
4 Used to
show what the origin of somebody / something is: I'm from Italy.
/ Documents from the sixteenth century / Quotations from Shakespeare / Heat from
the sun
5 Used to
show the material that something is made of: Steel is made from iron.
6 Used to
show how far apart two places are: 100
metres from the scene of the accident
7 Used to
show somebody's position or point of view: You can see the island from here. From a financial point of view the
project was a disaster.
8 ~ something (to something) used to show the range of something: The temperature varies from 30 degrees to minus
20. The store sells everything from shoelaces to computers.
Conditions vary from school to
school.
9 ~ something (to something) used to show the state or form of something/somebody before
a change: Things have gone from bad
to worse. Translating from English to Spanish / You need a break from
routine.
10 Used to
show that somebody/something is separated or removed: The party was ousted from power after eighteen years.
11 Used to
show that something is prevented: She
saved him from drowning.
12 Used to
show the reason for something: She
felt sick from tiredness.
13 Used to
show the reason for making a judgement: You
can tell a lot about a person from their handwriting. From what I heard the
company's in deep trouble.
14 Used when
distinguishing between two people or things: Is Portuguese very different from Spanish? I can't tell one twin from
the other. From…on: starting at the time mentioned and
continuously after that / From now
on you can work on your
own. She never spoke to him again from that day on.
‘THROUGH’
1 From one
end or side of something/somebody to the other: The burglar got in through the window. The bullet went straight through
him. Her knees had gone through (= made holes in) her jeans. The sand ran through (=
between) my fingers. The path led
through the trees to the river. The doctor pushed his way through the crowd. The
Charles River flows through Boston.
2 See, hear, etc. ~ something to see, hear, etc. something from the other side of an
object or a substance: I couldn't hear
their conversation through the wall. He could just make out three people
through the mist.
3 From the
beginning to the end of an activity, a situation or a period of time: The children are too young to sit through a
concert. He will not live through the night. I'm halfway through (=
reading) her second novel.
4 Past a
barrier, stage or test: Go through
this gate, and you'll see the house on your left. He drove through a red light (=
passed it when he should have stopped).
First I have to get through the exams. The bill had a difficult passage through
Parliament. I'd never have got through it all (= a difficult situation) without you.
5 Until,
and including: We'll be in New York Tuesday through
Friday.
6 By means
of; because of: You can only achieve
success through hard work. It was through him (= as a result of his
help) that I got the job. The
accident happened through no fault of mine.
‘TO’
1 In the
direction of something; towards something: I walked to the office. It fell to the ground. It was on the way to the
station. He's going to Paris.
/ My first visit to Africa / He pointed to
something on the opposite bank. Her childhood was spent travelling from place
to place.
2 ~ the something (of something) located in the direction mentioned from something:
Place the cursor to the left of the
first word. There are mountains to the north.
3 As far as
something: The meadows lead down to
the river. Her hair fell to her waist.
4 Reaching
a particular state: The vegetables
were cooked to perfection. He tore the letter to pieces. She sang the baby to
sleep. The letter reduced her to tears (= made her cry). His expression changed from amazement to
joy.
5 Used to
show the end or limit of a range or period of time: a drop in profits from $105 million to around $75 million / I'd say he
was 25 to 30 years old (= approximately 25 or 30 years old). I like all kinds of music from opera to
reggae. We only work from Monday to Friday. I watched the programme from
beginning to end.
6 Before the
start of something: How long is it to
lunch? (Especially BrE) It's five to ten (= five minutes
before ten o'clock).
7 Used to
show the person or thing that receives something: He gave it to his sister. I'll explain to you where everything goes. I
am deeply grateful to my parents. Who did she address the letter to? (Formal) To whom did she address the letter?
8 Used to
show the person or thing that is affected by an action: She is devoted to her family. What have you done to your hair?
9 Used to
show that two things are attached or connected: Attach this rope to the front of the car.
10 Used to
show a relationship between one person or thing and another: She's married to an Italian. / The Japanese
ambassador to France
/ The key to the door / The solution to this problem
11 Directed
towards; concerning: It was a threat
to world peace. She made a reference to her recent book.
12 Used to
introduce the second part of a comparison or ratio: I prefer walking to climbing. The industry today is nothing to what it
once was. We won by six goals to three.
13 Used to
show a quantity or rate: There are
2.54 centimetres to an inch. This car does 30 miles to the gallon.
14 In honour
of somebody / something: A monument to
the soldiers who died in the war / Let's drink to Julia and her new job.
15 While something
else is happening or being done: He
left the stage to prolonged applause.
16 Used after
verbs of movement to mean ‘with the intention of giving something’: People rushed to her rescue and picked her
up.
17 Used to
show somebody's attitude or reaction to something: His music isn't really to my taste. To her astonishment, he smiled.
18 Used to
show what somebody's opinion or feeling about something is: It sounded like
crying to me.
‘ABOVE’
1 At or to
a higher place or position than something / somebody: The water came above our knees. We were flying above the clouds. The people
in the apartment above mine / A captain in the navy ranks above a captain in
the army. They finished the year six places above their local rivals.
2 More than
something; greater in number, level or age than somebody/something: Inflation is above 6%. Temperatures have
been above average. We cannot accept children above the age of 10.
3 Of greater
importance or of higher quality than somebody / something: I rate her above most other players of her
age.
4 Too good
or too honest to do something: She's
not above lying when it suits her. He's above suspicion (= he is
completely trusted).
5 (Of a
sound) louder or clearer than another sound: I couldn't hear her above the noise of the traffic.
‘ACROSS’
1 From one
side to the other side of something: He
walked across the field. I drew a line across the page. A grin spread across
her face. Where's the nearest bridge across the river?
2 On the
other side of something: There's a
bank right across the street.
3 On or
over a part of the body: He hit him
across the face. It's too tight across the back.
4 In every
part of a place, group of people, etc. (throughout): Her family is scattered across the country.
This view is common across all sections of the community.
‘ALONG’
1 From one
end to or towards the other end of something: They walked slowly along the road. I looked along the shelves for the
book I needed.
2 In a line
that follows the side of something long: Houses
had been built along both sides of the river.
3 At a
particular point on or beside something long: You'll find his office just along the corridor.
‘BEYOND’
1 On or to
the further side of something: The
road continues beyond the village up into the hills.
2 Later than
a particular time: It won't go on
beyond midnight. I know what I'll be doing for the next three weeks but I
haven't thought beyond that.
3 More than
something: Our success was far beyond
what we thought possible. She's got nothing beyond her state pension.
4 Used to
say that something is not possible: The
bicycle was beyond repair (= is too badly damaged to repair). The situation is beyond our control.
5 Too far
or too advanced for somebody / something: The handle was just beyond my reach. The exercise was beyond the
abilities of most of the class. Be beyond somebody (informal) to be impossible for somebody
to imagine, understand or do / It's
beyond me why she wants to marry Jeff.
‘UP’
1 To or in
a higher position somewhere: She
climbed up the flight of steps. The village is further up the valley.
2 Along or
further along a road or street: We
live just up the road, past the post office.
3 Towards the
place where a river starts: A cruise
up the Rhine / Up and down something
in one direction and then in the opposite direction along something / I looked up and down the corridor.
‘AROUND’
1 Surrounding
somebody / something; on each side of something: The house is built around a central courtyard. He put his arms around
her.
2 On, to or
from the other side of somebody / something: Our house is just around the corner. The bus came around the bend.
There must be a way around the problem.
3 In a
circle: They walked around the lake.
4 In or to
many places in an area: They walked
around the town looking for a place to eat.
5 To fit in
with particular people, ideas, etc: I
can't arrange everything around your timetable!
‘BEHIND’
1 At or
towards the back of somebody / something, and often hidden by it or them: Who's the girl standing behind Jan? Stay
close behind me. / A small street behind the station / She glanced behind her. Don't
forget to lock the door behind you (= when you leave). The sun disappeared behind the clouds.
2 Making less
progress than somebody / something: He's
behind the rest of the class in reading. We're behind schedule (=
late).
3 Giving support
to or approval of somebody / something: She
knew that, whatever she decided, her family was right behind her.
4 Responsible
for starting or developing something: What's
behind that happy smile (= what is causing it)? He was the man behind the plan to build a new hospital.
5 Used to
say that something is in somebody's past: The accident is behind you now, so try to forget it. She has ten years'
useful experience behind her.
‘BELOW’
1 At or to
a lower level or position than somebody / something: He dived below the surface of the water. Please do not write below this
line. Skirts will be worn below (= long enough to cover) the knee.
2 Of a
lower amount or standard than somebody / something: The temperatures remained below freezing all day. Her work was well
below average for the class.
3 Of a
lower rank or of less importance than somebody / something: A police sergeant
is below an inspector.
‘WITHOUT’
1 Not having,
experiencing or showing something: They
had gone two days without food. He found the place without difficulty. She
spoke without much enthusiasm.
2 Not in
the company of somebody: Don't go
without me.
3 Not using
or taking something: Can you see
without your glasses? Don't go out without your coat.
4 Not doing
the action mentioned: ~ doing something He left without saying goodbye. You can't make an omelette without
breaking eggs. Without wanting to criticize, I think you could have done
better. (= used before you make a critical comment) / ~ somebody
doing something The party was
organized without her knowing anything about it.
‘DURING’
1 All through
a period of time: during the 1990s / There
are extra flights to Colorado
during the winter. Please remain seated during the performance.
2 At some
point in a period of time: He was
taken to the hospital during the night. I only saw her once during my stay in Rome. During is
used to say when something happens; for answers the question ‘how long?’ I stayed in London for a week. I stayed in London during a week.
‘UPON’
1 (formal, especially BrE) = on: The decision was based upon two considerations. Although the
word upon has the same meaning as on , it is usually used in more formal contexts
or in phrases such as once upon a time
and row upon row of seats .
2 …upon… used
to emphasize that there is a large number or amount of something: Mile upon mile of dusty road / Thousands upon
thousands of letters / (almost) upon you - If something in the
future is almost upon you, it is going to arrive or happen very soon. The summer season was almost upon them
again.
‘ONTO’
1 Used with
verbs to express movement on or to a particular place or position: Move the books onto the second shelf. She
stepped down from the train onto the platform.
2 Used to
show that something faces in a particular direction: The window looked out onto the terrace.
Be onto somebody
1 (informal) to know about what somebody
has done wrong: She knew the police
would be onto them.
2 To be
talking to somebody, usually in order to ask or tell them something: They've been onto me for ages to get a job. Be
onto something to know about something or be in a situation that could lead
to a good result for you / Scientists
believe they are onto something big. / She's onto a good thing with that new
job.
‘OVER’
1 Resting on
the surface of somebody / something and partly or completely covering them / it:
She put a blanket over the sleeping
child. He wore an overcoat over his suit. She put her hand over her mouth to
stop herself from screaming.
2 In or to
a position higher than but not touching somebody / something; above somebody / something:
They held a large umbrella over her.
The balcony juts out over the street. There was a lamp hanging over the table.
3 From one
side of something to the other; across something: A bridge over the river / They ran over the grass. They had a wonderful
view over the park.
4 On the
far or opposite side of something: He
lives over the road.
5 So as to
cross something and be on the other side: She climbed over the wall.
6 Falling from
or down from a place: The car had
toppled over the cliff. He didn't dare look over the edge.
7 All ~ in
or on all or most parts of something: Snow
is falling all over the country. They've travelled all over the world. There
were papers lying around all over the place.
8 More than
a particular time, amount, cost, etc: Over
3 million copies sold / She stayed in Lagos
for over a month. / He's over sixty.
9 Used to
show that somebody has control or authority: She has only the director over her. He ruled over a great empire. She
has editorial control over what is included.
10 During something:
We'll discuss it over lunch. Over the
next few days they got to know the town well. She has not changed much over the
years. He built up the business over a period of ten years. We're away over (=
until after) the New Year.
11 Past a
particular difficult stage or situation: We're
over the worst of the recession. It took her ages to get over her illness.
12 Because of
or concerning something; about something: An argument over money / A disagreement over the best way to proceed
13 Using something;
by means of something: We heard it
over the radio. She wouldn't tell me over the phone.
14 Louder than
something: I couldn't hear what he
said over the noise of the traffic.
Over and above
In addition to something: There are other factors over and
above those we have discussed.
‘TOWARDS’
1 In the
direction of somebody / something: They
were heading towards the German border.
She had her back towards me.
2 Getting closer
to achieving something: This is a
first step towards political union.
3 Close or
closer to a point in time: Towards the
end of April
4 In relation
to somebody / something: He was warm
and tender towards her. / Our attitude towards death
5 With the
aim of obtaining something, or helping somebody to obtain something: The money will go towards a new school
building (= will help pay for it).
‘AFTER’
1 Later than
something; following something in time: We'll
leave after lunch. They arrived shortly after 5. Not long after that he
resigned. Let's meet the day after tomorrow/the week after next. After
winning the prize she became famous overnight. After an hour I went home (=
when an hour had passed). (NAmE) It's ten after seven in the morning (= 7.10 a.m.)
2 … after… used
to show that something happens many times or continuously: Day after day of hot weather / I've told you
time after time not to do that.
3 Behind somebody
when they have left; following somebody: Shut
the door after you. I'm always having to clean up after the children (=
clean the place after they have left it dirty and untidy). He ran after her with the book. She was
left staring after him.
4 Next to
and following somebody/something in order or importance: Your name comes after mine in the list. He's
the tallest, after Richard. After you (= Please go first). After you with the paper (=
Can I have it next?).
5 In contrast
to something: It was pleasantly cool
in the house after the sticky heat outside.
6 As a
result of or because of something that has happened: I'll never forgive him after what he said.
7 Despite something;
although something has happened: I
can't believe she'd do that, not after all I've done for her.
8 Trying to
find or catch somebody / something: The
police are after him. He's after a job at our place.
9 About somebody
/ something: She asked after you (=
how you were).
10 In the
style of somebody / something; following the example of somebody / something: A painting after Goya / We named the baby
‘Ena’ after her grandmother.
11 After - (in
adjectives) happening or done later than the time or event mentioned: after-hours drinking (= after closing
time) / an after-school club / after-dinner
mints
After All
1 despite
what has been said or expected: So you
made it after all!
2 used when
you are explaining something, or giving a reason: He should have paid. He suggested it, after all.
Be after doing something (IrishE): 1
to be going to do something soon; to be intending to do something soon / 2
to have just done something
‘SINCE’
1 (used
with the present perfect or past perfect tense) from a time in the past until a
later past time, or until now: She's
been off work since Tuesday. We've lived here since 2006. I haven't eaten since
breakfast. He's been working in a bank since leaving school. Since the party
she had only spoken to him once. ‘They've split up.’ ‘Since when?’ That
was years ago. I've changed jobs since then. Use for, not since,
with a period of time I've been
learning English for five years. I've been learning English since five
years.
2 ~ when? used
when you are showing that you are angry about something: Since when did he ever listen to me?
‘DOWN’
1 From a
high or higher point on something to a lower one: The stone rolled down the hill. Tears ran down her face. Her hair hung
down her back to her waist.
2 Along;
towards the direction in which you are facing: He lives just down the street. Go down the road till you reach the
traffic lights. There's a bridge a mile down the river from here.
3 All through
a period of time: An exhibition of costumes down the ages (= from all periods
of history)
‘OPPOSITE’
1 On the
other side of a particular area from somebody/something, and usually facing
them: I sat opposite him during the
meal (= on the other side of the table). The bank is opposite the supermarket (= on the other side of
the road). Write your address opposite
(= next to) your name.
2 Acting in
a film/movie or play as the partner of somebody: She starred opposite Tom Hanks.
‘WITHIN’
1 before a
particular period of time has passed; during a particular period of time: You should receive a reply within seven
days. The ambulance arrived within minutes of the call being made. Two
elections were held within the space of a year.
2 Not further
than a particular distance from something: A house within a mile of the station / Is it within walking distance?
3 Inside the
range or limits of something: That
question is not within the scope of this talk. We are now within range of enemy
fire. He finds it hard to live within his income (= without spending
more than he earns).
4 (Formal) inside something / somebody: The noise seems to be coming from within the
building. There is discontent within the farming industry. Despite her
grief, she found a hidden strength within herself.
‘BENEATH’
1 (Formal) in or to a lower
position than somebody / something; under somebody / something: They found the body buried beneath a pile of
leaves. The boat sank beneath the waves.
2 Not good
enough for somebody: He considers such
jobs beneath him. They thought she had married beneath her (= married a
man of lower social status).
‘THROUGHOUT’
1 In or
into every part of something: They
export their products to markets throughout the world.
2 During the
whole period of time of something: The
museum is open daily throughout the year.
‘UNTO’
(Old Use): 1
to or towards somebody / something: The
angel appeared unto him in a dream.
2 Until a
particular time or event: The knights
swore loyalty unto death.
‘NEAR’
(Also near to,
nearer (to), nearest (to)) Near to is not usually used
before the name of a place, person, festival, etc.
1 At a
short distance away from somebody / something: Do you live near here? Go and sit nearer (to) the fire.
2 A short
period of time from something: My
birthday is very near Christmas. I'll think about it nearer (to) the time (=
when it is just going to happen).
3 Used before
a number to mean ‘approximately’, ‘just below or above’: Share prices are near their record high of
last year. Profits fell from $11 million to nearer $8 million.
4 Similar to
somebody/something in quality, size, etc: Nobody else comes near her in intellect. He's nearer 70 than 60. This
colour is nearest (to) the original.
5 ~ (doing) something close to a particular state: A state near (to) death / She was near to tears (= almost
crying). We came near to being
killed.
See (close/near) at hand at hand n. , close/dear/near to somebody's
heart at heart , be close to/near the mark at mark n.
‘NEXT TO’
1 In or
into a position right beside somebody / something: We sat next to each other.
2 Following
in order or importance after somebody / something: Next to skiing my favourite sport is skating.
3 Almost: Charles knew next to nothing about
farming. The horse came next to last (= the one before the last
one) in the race.
4 In comparison
with somebody / something: Next to her
I felt like a fraud.
‘BESIDE’
1 Next to or at the side of sb/sth: He sat beside her all night. A mill beside a
stream
2 Compared with sb/sth: My painting looks childish beside yours.
Prepositional Phrase
According to Henry Sweet,
“Grammar is an art and science of language.” The lorry is going away from the
city. I could not attend the party because of my illness. I along with my
family have just visited the International Trade Fair, 2014. She is standing in
front of our university for me. He came to Dhaka
with a view to He went to Nilkhet in order to buy some books. I have no opinion
regarding the matter. He is working in favour of me. On account of my illness,
I could not go to university. In stead of helping, he harmed me. Sorrow will be
healed in course of time. In spite of his honesty, he is not loved by all. He
sacrificed his life for the sake of our country. In case of fire, call the Fire
Brigade.
‘INSIDE’
(Also inside of especially in NAmE)
1 On or to
the inner part of sth/sb; within sth/sb: Go
inside the house. Inside the box was a gold watch. For years we had little
knowledge of what life was like inside China. You'll feel better with a
good meal inside you. (Figurative)
Inside most of us is a small child
screaming for attention.
2 In less than
the amount of time mentioned: The job
is unlikely to be finished inside (of) a year
‘OUTSIDE’
(Also outside of especially in NAmE)
1 On or to
a place on the outside of sth: You can
park your car outside our house.
2 Away from
or not in a particular place: It's the
biggest theme park outside the United
States. We live in a small village just outside Leeds.
3 Not part
of sth: The matter is outside my area
of responsibility. You may do as you
wish outside working hours.
4 Outside of apart
from: There was nothing they could do, outside of hoping things would get
better.
‘LIKE’
1 Similarity: Like her mother, she is beautiful too.
‘PAST’
1. Leaving behind: He is walking
past the office.
Dear Readers,
Please, never forget to comment and any correction or
suggestion regarding my writing will be largely appreciated.
Md. Saiful Alam
B. A. Honours and M. A. in English
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