00 / Prepositions
Prepositions of place (position)
Prepositions 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.
A1Beginner
01 / 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.
02 / 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.
03 / Examples
04 / 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'.
05 / Practice
The shoes are _____ the bed. (Position: lower than the bed)
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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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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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Answer: opposite
Why: We use 'opposite' when two things are on different sides of a space, such as a street, and face each other.