What is a preposition?
The small linking words of place and time, and how to tell them apart from conjunctions.
The answer
A preposition is a word such as under, after or with that links a noun or pronoun to the rest of the sentence, often to show where or when.
Examples
The cat slept under the table.
We went swimming after lunch.
I walked to school with my sister.
The keys are in the drawer by the door.
How to spot it
- It comes before a noun, pronoun or noun phrase: under the table, with her, after lunch.
- Many show place (on, in, behind, between) or time (before, during, since).
- If the word is followed by a whole clause with its own verb, it is working as a conjunction instead: after lunch, but after we ate lunch.
The common mistake
Treating before, after and since as always the same word class.
They are prepositions before a noun (since Monday) and conjunctions before a clause (since you asked). Check what follows the word.
When it is taught
- First met
- Year 3
- On the pupil word list
- Year 3, as “preposition”
Year 3 names prepositions and uses them to show time, place and cause (before, after, during, in, because of). Year 4 adds preposition phrases to expanded noun phrases (the teacher with curly hair).
Try a question
Circle the preposition.
The ball rolled behind the shed.
Show the answer
Answer: behind
It links the shed to the rest of the sentence and tells you where the ball rolled.
Related terms
- Practise the 11+ skill: Classify a word in context
More grammar terms
Questions parents ask
Can you end a sentence with a preposition?
Yes. ‘Who did you go with?’ and ‘What is it made of?’ are normal, correct English.
What is a preposition phrase?
A preposition followed by a noun, pronoun or noun phrase, such as in bed or after the party. It often works as an adverbial.
Is because of a preposition?
Yes. Appendix 2 lists because of among the Year 3 prepositions for showing cause: We stayed in because of the rain.
Grammar turns up in 11+ English too
Many 11+ English papers include grammar and punctuation questions alongside comprehension. The free diagnostic checks maths, English and both kinds of reasoning, and shows what to practise next. No card is required.