The prepositions in the English language

This article is about the prepositions in English. It deals with English prepositions that are classified according to their meaning and structure. The classification for each type of prepositions is given.

1) The prepositions in the English language are formal words that express the relationship of a noun, gerund, numeral or pronoun to other parts of the sentence.
The English prepositions can be classified according to their structure:

a) Simple English prepositions which consist of a single root.

For example: for, in, on

This is a present for you.
I found her in the room.
The pen is on the table.

b) Derivative English prepositions which include prefixes and suffixes.

For example: below, across

Across the river there is a small house.
There is a cat below.

c) Complex English prepositions which have several roots.

For example: without, upon, into

I can not live without you.
Once upon a time there lived a King.
Put it into the bag.

d) The English prepositions which consist of several words:

For example: as for, according to

As for me I don’t like him.
According to the rule it must be right.

Sometimes the prepositions and conjunctions might have the same form.

Summer comes after spring.

My daughter will go home after she takes everything necessary.

2) The English prepositions can be classified according to their meaning:

a) The English prepositions of place

In	The cat is in the box.
On	The box is on the table.
Over	There is a bird over his head.
Behind	There is a garden behind the house.
Under	There is a dog under the table.
By	He stands by me.
In front of	There is a shop in front of me.
At	He is at home.

b) The English prepositions of direction.

To	Come to the blackboard.
From	This is a present from your friend.
Into	Put the pen into the bag.
Out of	Take the pen out of the bag.
At	They were at the meeting.
Through	He came through the window.

c) The English prepositions of time

In	I was born in 1988.
On	He came on Monday.
At	Sun stops its voyage at noon.

d) The English prepositions can change the meaning of the verb.

To look through
To look for
To look after
To call at
To call up

3) It’s notable that sometimes in English there are no prepositions used where in other languages it is necessary.

To join somebody
To follow somebody
To answer a question
To address somebody
To enter something

4) The English prepositions can be part of combinations.

For example
On the one hand