What is a Preposition?

preposition (noun): a part-of-speech usually coming BEFORE a noun phrase and connecting it to another part of the sentence

A preposition is one of the nine parts of speech.

The name preposition (pre + position) means "place BEFORE". A preposition typically comes BEFORE another word—usually a noun phrase. It tells us about the relationship between the noun phrase and another part of the sentence. Some very common prepositions are: in, of, on, for, with, at, by

Look at these example sentences:

• The book is on the round table. (relationship in space)
• We will meet in November. (relationship in time)
• I sent the information by email. (relationship of method)

Several other relationships are expressed by prepositions. In addition, more metaphorical ideas can be expressed such as: in love, beyond doubt, under investigation

If a preposition does not come BEFORE another word, it is still closely linked to another word:

• Who did you talk to?
• To whom did you talk?
• I talked to Jane.

Form

Prepositions have no particular form. The majority of prepositions are single words, but some are two- or three-word phrases:

• one-word prepositions (before, into, on)
• complex prepositions (according to, but for, in spite of)

When we say that a preposition comes before a noun phrase, we include:

• noun phrase (the tall man)
• noun (rice)
• pronoun (them)
• gerund (verb in -ing form: fishing)