Prepositions of Place
Prepositions of place tell us where something or someone is. Common ones include in, on, at, under, above, between, next to, behind, and in front of. Choosing the right preposition often depends on convention, so practice in context.
WHEN TO USE
Use prepositions of place to describe where people, objects, or places are located in relation to each other. Choose 'in' for enclosed spaces, 'on' for surfaces, and 'at' for specific points or locations.
STRUCTURE
in + enclosed spaceThe keys are in the drawer.
on + surfaceThe book is on the table.
at + specific point/locationShe is waiting at the bus stop.
SIGNAL WORDS
- in
- on
- at
- under
- above
- between
- next to
- behind
- in front of
- near
EXAMPLES
The cat is under the table.
My keys are on the shelf.
She is standing in front of the school.
The bank is between the café and the library.
He lives in a small apartment in the city centre.
COMMON MISTAKES
She is in the bus stop.
She is at the bus stop.
Use 'at' for specific points or locations like stops, stations, corners
The picture is in the wall.
The picture is on the wall.
Use 'on' for surfaces (walls, ceilings, floors)
Tip
Think of 'in' as being inside a container, 'on' as touching a surface, and 'at' as pointing to a specific spot on a map. This mental image helps choose the right preposition!