A1 English GrammarBasic Prepositions
Learn essential prepositions for location and movement: in, on, at, to, from, with. Understand when to use each preposition correctly.
1In, On, At for Place
These three prepositions are used for location: 'in' for enclosed spaces, 'on' for surfaces, and 'at' for specific points/addresses. Memorize common expressions as many are fixed.
In, On, At for Place
| Preposition | Use | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| in | enclosed spaces, cities, countries | in the room, in London, in France |
| on | surfaces, streets, floors | on the table, on Main Street, on the 2nd floor |
| at | specific points, addresses, events | at the door, at 123 Main St, at the party |
Examples
She is in the kitchen.
She is in the kitchen.
in = enclosed space
The book is on the shelf.
The book is on the shelf.
on = surface
I'll meet you at the station.
I'll meet you at the station.
at = specific point
They live in Japan.
They live in Japan.
in = country
2To and From (Direction)
Use 'to' for movement toward a destination and 'from' for the starting point or origin. These show direction and movement.
Examples
I go to work at 8 AM.
I go to work at 8 AM.
to = destination
She is from Brazil.
She is from Brazil.
from = origin
We walked to the park.
We walked to the park.
to = direction
The train goes from London to Paris.
The train goes from London to Paris.
from...to = start to end
3With, Without, For
'With' shows accompaniment or instrument. 'Without' shows absence. 'For' shows purpose, recipient, or duration.
With, Without, For
| Preposition | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| with | together with, using | with my friend, with a knife |
| without | absence of | without sugar, without help |
| for | purpose, recipient, duration | for work, for you, for 2 hours |
Examples
I live with my parents.
I live with my parents.
with = together
Coffee without milk, please.
Coffee without milk, please.
without = absence
This gift is for you.
This gift is for you.
for = recipient
I studied for three hours.
I studied for three hours.
for = duration
4Common Fixed Expressions
Many preposition uses are fixed expressions that must be memorized. There's often no logical rule - you just need to learn them.
Fixed Expressions
| Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
| at home / at work / at school | location |
| in bed / in hospital | location |
| on the phone / on TV | using/appearing |
| by car / by bus / by train | transport |
| on foot | walking |
Examples
She's at work right now.
She's at work right now.
at work (not 'in work')
I go to work by bus.
I go to work by bus.
by + transport
He's on the phone.
He's on the phone.
on the phone (calling)
I saw it on TV.
I saw it on TV.
on TV (not 'in TV')