Preposition makes a connection between a noun, pronoun or noun phase and another word or phase in a sentence. They explain relationships of sequence, space, and logic between the object of the sentence and the rest of the sentence. They help us understand order, time connections, and positions.
It shows how other words in a sentence are related. Many prepositions indicate the location of something or the time it occurred. Because most prepositions have many definitions, their meaning varies greatly depending on the context.
Classification of Preposition:
There are Eight types of Preposition:
- Simple Preposition
- Double Preposition
- Compound Preposition
- Phrase Preposition
- Participle Preposition
- Disguised Preposition
- Detached Preposition
1. Simple Preposition
This type of preposition consists of one word. We can not divide this preposition. That’s why it is called single preposition or simple preposition.
Example: in, at, on, to for, of, off, from, up, after, over, under, with, till, by, near, nice etc.
- I am from New York.
- I am working hard at Geography.
2. Double Preposition
This preposition consists of more than one preposition. Double Prepositions are always two separate preposition. Overall, this preposition is formed by simple- two prepositions.
Example: in + to = into, with + in = within, up + to = upto, onto = onto, up + on = upon, from + with + in = form within, with + out = with out etc.
- James left school without a diploma..
- Once upon a time, there was a popular person.
3. Compound Preposition
When noun, adjective or adverb is attached before simple preposition, that is called Compound Preposition. To form a Compound Preposition, we use “a” instead of “on” and “b” or “be” instead of “by”.
- Beyond (by + yond) Here, Yond= Adverb
- Between (by + twin) Here, twin = Noun or Adjective
- Below (by + low) Here, low =Adjective, Noun or Adverb
- Beside (by + side) Here, side = Noun
- Around (on + round) Here, round = Noun, Adjective or Adverb
- Above (on + by + up) Here, up = Adverb
- Across (on + cross) Here, cross= Noun, Adverb or Adjective.
- Behind (by + hind) Here, hind= Noun or Adjective.
- Before (by + fore) Here, fore= Noun, Adjective or Adverb.
- He was asking about the matter.
- She studied hard before her exam.
- The river is running across the town.
4. Phrase Preposition
A phrase preposition is a combination of two or more words that act together as a single preposition, expressing a relationship between two elements in a sentence. This preposition is used as either adjectives modifying nouns or adverbs modifying verbs. Above all, this type of preposition represents the specific meaning.
Example: On behalf of, By means of, By dint of, In accordance with, In lieu of, On account of, On account of, due to etc.
- The tournament was canceled due to rain.
- The old man walks slowly because of his backpain.
5. Participle Preposition
A participle preposition is a type of prepositional phrase where the preposition is followed by a present or past participle. This construction allows the prepositional phrase to modify a noun or pronoun in a sentence.
Example: considering, following, pending, provided etc.
- Considering the weather, the team decided to postpone the event.
- The dog kept him following home.
6. Disguised Preposition
A disguised preposition is a word that is used before any word in a way that builds a relationship with another word in a sentence. In most cases, the disguised preposition is used as an abbreviated form of prepositional phrases.
In this preposition, we use “a” or “o” instead of at, on, per, off preposition.
Examples of disguised prepositions are “a” and “o”. “On” changed into “a”, and “of” can be changed into “o” respectively.
Example:
- They play football once a week. (a = on)
- He gets up at 8 o’ clock (o = of)
7. Detach Preposition
The preposition “detach” implies separating or disconnecting something from its original position or context. When used with “detach,” a preposition helps specify the relationship between the detached entity and another element in the sentence.
These prepositions provide additional context and detail to the action of detaching, helping to clarify how, why, or in what manner something is being separated or disconnected.
Example:
- What are you looking for?
- Whom are you talking to?
In conclusion, prepositions are words that link nouns, pronouns, and phrases to other words in a sentence. Prepositions usually describe the position of something, the time when something happens, or the relationship between two things.
Without prepositions, sentences could become rigid and monotonous. They have various functions, including indicating time, location, direction, manner, purpose, possession, comparison, and cause and effect.
