Parts of Speech & Usage

What is a Preposition?

1 min read

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.

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That vs. Which

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Who vs. That

Ever wondered if you should say “the person who...” or “the person that...”? Let’s clear that up once and for all 👇 Who Who is used when you're talking about people. It introduces a clause that giv...

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Parts of Speech & Usage

What is a Preposition?

1 min read

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

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

Other similar rules

Common confusions

That vs. Which

Common mistakes

Conditional Forms (Zero, First, Second, Third)

Vocabulary

Punctuation in Parentheses

Conjugation

Gerund vs. Infinitive (e.g. enjoy doing vs. want to do)

Common confusions

Who vs. That

Conjugation

Articles: A, An, The

Common mistakes

Using “will” vs. “going to” for future

Common confusions