Understanding Prepositional Phrases: Clear Examples and Guide

Prepositional phrases are important parts of English, helping to add detail, clarity, and variety to sentences.

Whether describing a location, or a time or explaining a relationship between ideas, you can use prepositional phrases to make the meaning clear.

In this article, we’ll explore prepositional phrases, and how they function in sentences, and provide plenty of examples to help you understand their use. By the end, you’ll be able to identify and use prepositional phrases confidently in your writing and communication. Let’s get started!

50 Prepositional Phrase Examples

about the movie

  • Refers to something related to or concerning a movie.
  • We had a long discussion about the movie after watching it.

according to the report

  • Based on what the report says or states.
  • According to the report, sales have increased by 20%.
  • Useful for students when referring to sources or evidence in writing.

after school

  • Indicates the time period following the end of the school day.
  • Let’s meet at the park after school.

at first glance

  • Means upon initial observation or impression.
  • At first glance, the problem seemed easy to solve.
  • Often used to describe initial reactions that might change later.

at night

  • Refers to the time during darkness after the day has ended.
  • I prefer studying at night when it’s quiet.

at risk of failure

  • Refers to being in danger of not succeeding.
  • The project is at risk of failure if we don’t meet the deadline.
  • Often used to discuss potential problems or challenges.

at the end of the day

  • Means after everything is considered or when all is said and done.
  • At the end of the day, we need to focus on what’s important.
  • Common in conversational English to summarize or conclude a point.

before dinner

  • Refers to the time period preceding the evening meal.
  • She usually goes for a walk before dinner.

behind the curtain

  • Refers to something hidden or not visible to others.
  • The actors waited nervously behind the curtain.
  • Can also be used metaphorically to describe secrets or behind-the-scenes activities.

between two buildings

  • Indicates a location in the space separating two structures.
  • There is a narrow path between two buildings.

by all means

  • Means certainly or absolutely, often used to give permission.
  • By all means, take a seat and join us.
  • Useful for ESL students to express agreement or encouragement.

by means of technology

  • Refers to using technology as a method or tool.
  • We communicated by means of technology during the lockdown.

by the river

  • Refers to a location close to or along a river.
  • They enjoyed a picnic by the river.

during the summer

  • Indicates the time period in the summer season.
  • We usually travel during the summer.

for a long time

  • Refers to an extended period.
  • He has been waiting for a long time.

for example

  • Used to introduce one or more specific illustrations of a point.
  • Many countries rely on tourism; for example, Spain and Thailand.
  • Useful in writing to provide clear examples for a statement.

for lack of better options

  • Indicates that a decision was made because there were no better choices.
  • We chose this hotel for lack of better options.

for the sake of clarity

  • Means to ensure understanding or make something easier to comprehend.
  • I will explain the process again for the sake of clarity.
  • Useful in both written and spoken English when emphasizing explanation.

for the time being

  • Refers to a temporary period.
  • Let’s stay here for the time being and see what happens.

in accordance with the rules

  • Means following or complying with a set of rules or guidelines.
  • The players acted in accordance with the rules of the game.
  • Often used in formal writing to indicate adherence to regulations.

in addition to that

  • Used to add another point or idea.
  • She works as a teacher. In addition to that, she writes books.

in case of emergency

  • Refers to situations where immediate action is required.
  • In case of emergency, call this number.

in favor of change

  • Means supporting or preferring change.
  • Many employees are in favor of change in the company.

in front of me

  • Refers to something located directly before or facing someone.
  • There was a beautiful painting in front of me.

in front of the house

  • Refers to the area directly before the house.
  • The car is parked in front of the house.

in light of recent events

  • Means considering or because of recent developments.
  • In light of recent events, the meeting has been postponed.
  • Often used to introduce decisions or actions influenced by new information.

in line with our goals

  • Refers to something that aligns or agrees with set objectives.
  • The new policy is in line with our goals for sustainability.
  • Useful in formal or professional settings to show consistency with plans.

in my opinion

  • Used to express personal views or beliefs.
  • In my opinion, this is the best solution to the problem.

in search of happiness

  • Refers to actively looking for joy or contentment.
  • They moved to the countryside in search of happiness.
  • Often used metaphorically to describe life goals.

in terms of quality

  • Means regarding or considering the aspect of quality.
  • This brand is better in terms of quality.
  • Common in comparisons or evaluations.

in the long run

  • Refers to a long period or the future.
  • Regular exercise is beneficial in the long run.

in the middle of the room

  • Refers to the central area within a room.
  • There was a large table in the middle of the room.

in the morning

  • Refers to the early part of the day before noon.
  • She likes to go jogging in the morning.

next to the park

  • Indicates a location adjacent to or beside the park.
  • Their house is next to the park.

on account of the weather

  • Means because of the weather.
  • The game was canceled on account of the weather.
  • Useful when explaining reasons for a decision or action.

on behalf of my team

  • Means representing or acting for a group of people.
  • I would like to thank you on behalf of my team.
  • Common in formal or polite speech.

on the weekend

  • Refers to the period including Saturday and Sunday.
  • We usually go hiking on the weekend.

on top of the world

  • Means feeling extremely happy or successful.
  • She felt on top of the world after winning the award.
  • Informal and often used to describe personal emotions.

out of control

  • Refers to something that cannot be managed or regulated.
  • The situation quickly got out of control.

out of sight, out of mind

  • Means forgetting something when it is not visible or present.
  • I put the junk in the attic because out of sight, out of mind.
  • Often used to describe human nature or behavior.

over the rainbow

  • Refers to an ideal or imagined place of happiness.
  • She dreams of living somewhere over the rainbow.
  • Often associated with hope or unreachable goals.

under normal circumstances

  • Refers to conditions that are typical or expected.
  • Under normal circumstances, we finish work by 5 p.m.

under pressure

  • Means feeling stressed or forced to act quickly.
  • He works well even when under pressure.

under the bed

  • Refers to a location beneath a bed.
  • The cat is hiding under the bed.

with a smile on my face

  • Means performing an action while appearing happy or cheerful.
  • I completed the task with a smile on my face.

with great enthusiasm

  • Means showing strong excitement or eagerness.
  • She accepted the challenge with great enthusiasm.

with my friends

  • Refers to being in the company of friends.
  • I spent the weekend with my friends.

with regard to your question

  • Means referring to or concerning the question asked.
  • With regard to your question, I’ll send the details later.
  • Often used in formal communication to address specific points.

with respect to your request

  • Refers to addressing or concerning a request made.
  • With respect to your request, we need more information.
  • Useful for polite or professional writing.

without a doubt

  • Means being absolutely certain or confident.
  • She is, without a doubt, the best candidate for the job.

50 Common Prepositional Phrases

  1. In the classroom
    • Meaning: Inside the classroom
    • Example: We learn English in the classroom.
  2. On the chair
    • Meaning: Positioned on the chair
    • Example: I found my jacket on the chair.
  3. At the store
    • Meaning: In the store
    • Example: Let’s buy groceries at the store.
  4. By the window
    • Meaning: Beside or near the window
    • Example: She likes to read by the window.
  5. With my family
    • Meaning: Accompanied by my family
    • Example: I celebrate holidays with my family.
  6. At the beach
    • Meaning: Located at the beach
    • Example: We build sandcastles at the beach.
  7. Under the bed
    • Meaning: Positioned beneath the bed
    • Example: The cat is hiding under the bed.
  8. In the kitchen
    • Meaning: Inside the kitchen
    • Example: We cook meals in the kitchen.
  9. Between the friends
    • Meaning: Positioned in the space separating two friends
    • Example: I sat between my friends at the movie.
  10. During the summer
    • Meaning: Throughout the summer
    • Example: We go swimming during the summer.
  11. With my classmates
    • Meaning: Accompanied by my classmates
    • Example: I work on group projects with my classmates.
  12. On the shelf
    • Meaning: Positioned on the shelf
    • Example: The books are on the shelf.
  13. In the garden
    • Meaning: Inside the garden
    • Example: We plant flowers in the garden.
  14. Beside the tree
    • Meaning: Positioned alongside the tree
    • Example: We had a picnic beside the tree.
  15. At the party
    • Meaning: In the party
    • Example: I met new friends at the party.
  16. With my teacher
    • Meaning: Accompanied by my teacher
    • Example: I learn new things with my teacher.
  17. In the car
    • Meaning: Inside the car
    • Example: We travel in the car.
  18. By the door
    • Meaning: Positioned near the door
    • Example: The coat is by the door.
  19. In the living room
    • Meaning: Inside the living room
    • Example: We watch TV in the living room.
  20. Between the buildings
    • Meaning: Positioned in the space separating two buildings
    • Example: The alley is between the buildings.
  21. At the office
    • Meaning: In the workplace or business location
    • Example: I work at the office from 9 to 5.
  22. On the floor
    • Meaning: Positioned on the ground or a surface
    • Example: The cat is sleeping on the floor.
  23. With my neighbors
    • Meaning: Accompanied by my neighbors
    • Example: We had a barbecue with my neighbors.
  24. In the park
    • Meaning: Inside the boundaries of the park
    • Example: Children play games in the park.
  25. Beside the river
    • Meaning: Positioned next to the river
    • Example: We set up our picnic beside the river.
  26. During the lesson
    • Meaning: Throughout the duration of the lesson
    • Example: Students listen attentively during the lesson.
  27. With my friends
    • Meaning: Accompanied by friends
    • Example: I love going shopping with my friends.
  28. At the airport
    • Meaning: In the location of the airport
    • Example: We meet guests at the airport.
  29. On the wall
    • Meaning: Positioned on a vertical surface
    • Example: The painting is on the wall.
  30. Between the seats
    • Meaning: Positioned in the space separating two seats
    • Example: I found my lost keys between the seats.
  31. In the picture
    • Meaning: Within the boundaries of the picture
    • Example: There is a cat in the picture.
  32. With my classmates
    • Meaning: Accompanied by classmates
    • Example: I often study with my classmates.
  33. At the museum
    • Meaning: In the location of the museum
    • Example: We saw beautiful art at the museum.
  34. On the counter
    • Meaning: Positioned on a horizontal surface, often in the kitchen or a store
    • Example: The keys are on the counter.
  35. With my colleagues
    • Meaning: Accompanied by colleagues or coworkers
    • Example: I attended a meeting with my colleagues.
  36. Under the tree
    • Meaning: Positioned beneath the tree
    • Example: We found shade under the tree.
  37. During the test
    • Meaning: Throughout the duration of the test
    • Example: Students remain quiet during the test.
  38. Beside the door
    • Meaning: Positioned alongside the door
    • Example: There is a coat rack beside the door.
  39. With my siblings
    • Meaning: Accompanied by siblings
    • Example: I like to play games with my siblings.
  40. At the cinema
    • Meaning: In the location of the cinema or movie theater
    • Example: We watched a new movie at the cinema.
  41. In the picture
    • Meaning: Within the boundaries of a visual representation
    • Example: There is a house in the picture.
  42. On the shelf
    • Meaning: Positioned on a horizontal surface for storage
    • Example: The books are on the shelf.
  43. Between the lines
    • Meaning: Positioned in the space separating two lines of text
    • Example: The important information is between the lines.
  44. In the corner
    • Meaning: Positioned in one of the corners of a space
    • Example: Put the chair in the corner.
  45. At the bus stop
    • Meaning: In the location of the bus stop
    • Example: We waited for the bus at the bus stop.
  46. Under the umbrella
    • Meaning: Positioned beneath the protective cover of an umbrella
    • Example: We stayed dry under the umbrella during the rain.
  47. During the party
    • Meaning: Throughout the duration of the party
    • Example: I had a great time during the party.
  48. Beside the lake
    • Meaning: Positioned next to the lake
    • Example: We set up our picnic beside the lake.
  49. In the mirror
    • Meaning: Within the reflective surface of a mirror
    • Example: I saw myself in the mirror.
  50. With my roommates
    • Meaning: Accompanied by roommates
    • Example: I share my apartment with my roommates.

What are Prepositions

Place

  • on
  • in
  • at
  • under
  • below
  • above
  • beside
  • near

movement

  • through
  • across
  • up
  • down
  • over
  • around

time

  • in
  • on
  • at

Prepositions used in Prepositional Phrases

Place:

  1. In
    • The cat is sleeping in the basket.
    • There is a book in the library.
    • She lives in the city.
  2. On
    • The cup is on the table.
    • The painting is hanging on the wall.
    • There’s a stain on the carpet.
  3. Under
    • The cat is hiding under the bed.
    • We found a gift under the Christmas tree.
    • The keys are under the mat.
  4. Behind
    • The car is parked behind the house.
    • The sun is setting behind the mountains.
    • I found my keys behind the sofa.
  5. Between
    • The restaurant is between the bank and the pharmacy.
    • There’s a park between the school and the hospital.
    • The choice is between option A and option B.

Time: 6. During

  • The movie started during the storm.
  • She reads books during her lunch break.
  • We met during the summer vacation.
  1. After
    • We’ll have dinner after the movie.
    • The concert starts after 7 PM.
    • I’ll call you after my meeting.
  2. Before
    • The store closes before 9 PM.
    • Please finish your homework before bedtime.
    • They arrived before the party started.

Direction: 9. Toward

  • The bird is flying toward the horizon.
  • We walked toward the city center.
  • She moved toward the exit.
  1. Across
    • We walked across the bridge.
    • The cat leaped across the fence.
    • I saw them across the street.

Others: 11. With – She painted the picture with watercolors. – They traveled with their friends. – I cut the cake with a knife.

  1. About
    • He talked about his vacation.
    • The book is about space exploration.
    • Let’s chat about our plans.
  2. Without
    • She went to the store without her wallet.
    • We managed without their help.

He completed the project without any mistakes.

Prepositions used in Prepositional Phrases

  1. About
  2. Above
  3. Across
  4. After
  5. Against
  6. Along
  7. Amid
  8. Among
  9. Around
  10. At
  11. Before
  12. Behind
  13. Below
  14. Beneath
  15. Beside
  16. Between
  17. Beyond
  18. By
  19. Despite
  20. Down
  21. During
  22. For
  23. From
  24. In
  25. Inside
  26. Into
  27. Near
  28. Of
  29. Off
  30. On
  31. Onto
  32. Out
  33. Outside
  34. Over
  35. Past
  36. Through
  37. Throughout
  38. To
  39. Toward
  40. Under
  41. Underneath
  42. Until
  43. Up
  44. Upon
  45. With
  46. Within
  47. Without

Examples of Prepositional Phrases

  1. About: She is writing a book about her travels.
  2. Above: The bird flew above the clouds.
  3. Across: We walked across the bridge to get to the other side.
  4. After: We went for ice cream after the movie.
  5. Against: He leaned against the wall.
  6. Along: They strolled along the beach at sunset.
  7. Amid: The flowers bloomed amid the green grass.
  8. Among: She found her keys among the papers on the desk.
  9. Around: We sat around the campfire and told stories.
  10. At: They met at the coffee shop.
  11. Before: Finish your homework before you go to bed.
  12. Behind: The car is parked behind the building.
  13. Below: The treasure chest was hidden below the sand.
  14. Beneath: The cat found shade beneath the tree.
  15. Beside: He stood beside his best friend.
  16. Between: The playground is between the school and the library.
  17. Beyond: The mountains stretch beyond the horizon.
  18. By: She sat by the window and enjoyed the view.
  19. Despite: Despite the rain, we went for a walk.
  20. Down: The ball rolled down the hill.
  21. During: We sang songs during the concert.
  22. For: They have been friends for many years.
  23. From: I received a letter from my pen pal.
  24. In: There is a cat in the box.
  25. Inside: The cookies are inside the jar.
  26. Into: He jumped into the pool.
  27. Near: The grocery store is near the park.
  28. Of: A cup of coffee is on the table.
  29. Off: The cat jumped off the bed.
  30. On: The keys are on the counter.
  31. Onto: She climbed onto the roof.
  32. Out: We played outside in the garden.
  33. Outside: It’s snowing outside.
  34. Over: The plane flew over the mountains.
  35. Past: We walked past the old building.
  36. Through: We walked through the forest.
  37. Throughout: She smiled throughout the entire presentation.
  38. To: They went to the park.
  39. Toward: We walked toward the city center.
  40. Under: The cat is hiding under the bed.
  41. Underneath: The treasure is underneath the rock.
  42. Until: They stayed up until midnight.
  43. Up: She climbed up the stairs.
  44. Upon: The cat perched upon the roof.
  45. With: I went to the party with my friends.
  46. Within: The answer is within the book.
  47. Without: He managed without any help.

Conclusion

If you want to learn more about prepositions visit the prepositions page, or visit the parts of speech page.

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