Prepositions 1

Here is a look at how certain prepositions are used:

About

She told me about her promotion.
The trip cost about €1000.
Do you know anything about painting?

Across

We walked across the square, taking in all the sights.

Against

Shoplifting is against the law.
I hope you didn’t lean against the wall. The paint’s still wet.

Along

I love walking along the coast.

At

John’s good at maths.
Look at that car. It’s amazing!
I’m meeting Peter at the cinema.

Behind

I was right behind the car involved in the accident.
There is a playground behind our house.

Beside

I sat beside a young newlywed couple on the flight.
(at the side)  

Besides

There were three other people besides me in the lift when it
(in addition to) stuck.

Between

What’s the difference between ‘cool’ and ‘chilly’?
Share the pizza between you.

By

That painting is by Picasso.
I go to work by bicycle.
She was standing by the side of the road.

For

He thanked her for the present.
We often go for a walk in the evening.
This message is for you.
I’ll be late from work. Don’t wait up for me.

From

He comes from Scotland.
I borrowed this book from Sarah.

In

He lives in Paris.
The train leaves in half an hour.

Of

Three of my classmates are from Argentina.
This shirt is made of silk.
We stepped out of the restaurant just as it started raining.

Lesson by Tristan, English teacher at EC Malta English school

Now choose the best word for the following:

• 1) We could reduce traffic in our city if everyone went to work __ bus.
  
  by
  in
  on
  
  
• 2) I have to spend Saturday __ the office.
  
  by
  in
  at
  
  
• 3) Be careful when you walk __ the road here. Cars drive way too fast.
  
  across
  into
  onto
  
  
• 4) You can lean the ladder __ the wall for now.
  
  at
  against
  on
  
  
• 5) This is the instruction manual __ my new TV. It's in every language except English.
  
  in
  of
  for
  
  
• 6) The film was __ interracial relationships.
  
  of
  on
  about
  
  
• 7) Peter is extremely good __ fixing electrical appliances.
  
  at
  for
  by
  
  
• 8) Your phone is __ the book on the shelf. That's why you can't see it.
  
  at
  behind
  in
  
  
• 9) I haven't yet understood what the red button on the remote is __.
  
  about
  of
  for
  
  
• 10) The shop is __ a church on its left and a train station on its right.
  
  between
  at
  by
  
  
• 11) Sarah lives __ a quiet little street not far from the shops.
  
  for
  in
  at
  
  
• 12) The table is made __ walnut.
  
  of
  by
  with
  
  
• 13) I received a letter __ my sister in Ireland.
  
  to
  by
  from
  
  
• 14) __ John nobody liked the musical.
  
  For
  Besides
  Beside