Prepositions (movement, place, and time)

Prepositional Phrase

A phrase beginning with a preposition that contains a noun phrase or a pronoun.

Structure of a Prepositional Phrase

The structure is: preposition + [article +] [adjective +] noun or preposition + pronoun.

Prepositions of Movement

Prepositions that refer to how something or someone moves from one location to another.

Prepositions of Place

Prepositions that tell the position of something or where something is.

Prepositions of Time

Prepositions that indicate when something happens, happened, or will happen.

Example of a Prepositional Phrase

In the sentence 'We can go through the caves,' 'through the caves' is the prepositional phrase.

Example of Movement Preposition

In the sentence 'We're going to go along the river until we get to the caves,' 'along' is the movement preposition.

Example of Place Preposition

In the sentence 'The gift shop is next to the main building,' 'next to' is the place preposition.

Example of Time Preposition

In the sentence 'We should be there at 10 AM on Saturday,' 'at' is the time preposition.

Differences in Preposition Usage

American and British English speakers may use different preposition patterns.