Shaky English Logo
BlogBusinessesSchoolsDownload the App

Resources

Blog

Follow us:

Services

TeachersSchoolsBusinesses

Contact & Legal

Contact UsFeedback & IdeasPrivacy PolicyTerms of Use

© 2026 Shaky English. All rights reserved.

  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. Parts of Speech & Usage
  4. What is a Preposition?
Parts of Speech & Usage

What is a Preposition?

1 min read
Share:

A preposition is a small word that shows a relationship between other words in a sentence. It often describes direction, location, time, or introduces an object.

Common Functions of Prepositions

  • Direction: I sent a letter to you.
  • Location: Someone is at the door.
  • Time: We will arrive by noon.
  • Introducing an object: She brought a basket of apples.

Prepositions are typically followed by an object — a noun, noun phrase, or pronoun.

Ending a Sentence with a Preposition

There is no rule in modern English that says a sentence cannot end with a preposition. This is a common myth from older grammar traditions. In fact, ending with a preposition can sound more natural and less formal.

  • This is the person I was talking about. ✅
  • This is the person about whom I was talking. 🧐 (Correct but formal or awkward)

💡 Tip

  • Prepositions often describe where, when, or how.
  • They’re usually followed by an object: to the store, in my bag, after lunch.
  • It’s okay to end a sentence with a preposition — if it sounds natural.

Test your knowledge 📝

Question 1 sur 6Score: 0/6

I put the keys ___ the table.

Discover the app: Shaky English

Join 100,000 people who are improving their English skills on the Shaky English app

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Other similar rules

Common confusions

Defuse vs. Diffuse

Defuse and diffuse sound very similar, but their meanings are completely different. One is about reducing danger or tension, and the other is about spreading something out. Defuse Defuse means to mak...

Read more→
A bit of theory

A lot vs. Allot vs. Alot

Do you write a lot, allot, or even alot? 😬 Only two of those are real words — and one is a mistake you’ll want to avoid! A lot A lot (two words) means “a large amount” or “many.” It’s informal but...

Read more→
Agreement rules

Passive Voice

The passive voice is used when the focus is on the action, not the person or thing doing it. It’s formed with the verb to be + past participle of the main verb. Active: The chef cooked the meal. Pass...

Read more→
Common confusions

Your vs. You're

Your shows that something belongs to you. It’s a possessive adjective. Your phone is ringing. 📱 (The phone belongs to you.) I love your new haircut. ✂️ Is this your water bottle? You're is...

Read more→
Conjugation

Possessive Nouns

When we want to show that something belongs to someone or something, we use a possessive noun. In English, this usually means adding an apostrophe (‘) — sometimes with an “s.” Singular possessive nou...

Read more→
Common confusions

May vs. Might

What’s the difference between may and might? They’re similar, but not always the same. Let’s break it down so you know when to use each one. May May is used to talk about things that are likely to hap...

Read more→
Common confusions

That vs. Which

Confused about when to use that or which? You’re not alone — this is one of the trickiest grammar points, even for native speakers! That That is used to give essential information — information that...

Read more→
Conjugation

Much vs. Many

Much and many both mean “a lot of,” but we use them in different situations depending on the noun. When to use “many” Use many with countable nouns — things you can count one by one. How many bo...

Read more→