Prepositions of place (position)
A1 BeginnerPrepositions of place describe the location of a person or object in relation to another point. These words help clarify spatial relationships such as being behind, under, or across from something.
Overview
Prepositions of place are used to show the position of a noun. Common A1 prepositions include:
- Under: lower than or covered by something.
- Behind: at the back of something.
- Opposite: facing something from the other side.
Sentence Structure
Subject + Verb (be) + Preposition + Noun Phrase
The preposition usually follows the verb 'to be' and comes before the noun phrase that acts as the reference point.
Examples
Common mistakes
The chair is opposite of the door.
The chair is opposite the door.
In British English, 'opposite' is used as a preposition without 'of'.
The ball is under to the bed.
The ball is under the bed.
Do not use 'to' after 'under' or 'behind'.
Practice
The shoes are _____ the bed. (Position: lower than the bed)
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under
Answer:under
Why:We use 'under' to describe an object that is in a lower position than another object.
I cannot see the sun because it is _____ the clouds.
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behind
Answer:behind
Why:We use 'behind' when one object is covered or hidden by another object in front of it.
The library is _____ the park. They are facing each other.
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opposite
Answer:opposite
Why:We use 'opposite' when two things are on different sides of a space, such as a street, and face each other.