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

A bit of theory

Farther vs. Further

Do we go farther or further? 🛣️ These two words are close in meaning, but there’s a small difference that can help you sound more precise! Farther Farther is used for physical distance — things you...

Read more→
Common mistakes

Stop / Remember / Forget / Try + gerund vs. infinitive

Some verbs can be followed by either -ing (gerund) or to + verb (infinitive), but the meaning changes. The most important ones at B2/C1 level are stop, remember, forget, and try. 1. Stop Stop + -...

Read more→
Conjugation

In / On / At for place

In, on, and at are also used to describe location. The difference depends on how we see the place: as a space, a surface, or a point. In → inside a space (3D) Use in when something is inside a space...

Read more→
Conjugation

What Is an Adverb?

An adverb is a word that modifies or gives more information about a verb, adjective, another adverb, or even a whole sentence. It helps answer questions like how?, when?, where?, and how often? Adver...

Read more→
Common confusions

Peak vs. Peek vs. Pique

Peak, peek, and pique sound the same but have very different meanings. Mixing them up is extremely common, so here’s how to keep them clear. Peak Peak is a noun or verb related to the highest point o...

Read more→
Common confusions

Capital vs. Capitol

Capital and capitol sound identical, but their meanings are very different. One is used in many contexts, while the other is used in only one very specific situation. Capital Capital has several comm...

Read more→
Conjugation

Go home (no "to")

In English, we usually say go to + place (go to the park, go to the office). However, some common place words do not use to. The most important one is home. 1. “Go home” (no “to”) Home behaves like a...

Read more→
Common confusions

Emigrate vs. Immigrate

Emigrate and immigrate both deal with moving from one country to another — but the direction of movement is different. This small detail changes everything. Emigrate Emigrate means to leave your coun...

Read more→