70 Common Prepositions with Example Sentences
This is a short list of 70 of the more common one-word prepositions, each with an example sentence. Note that some of these prepositions have more than one meaning. Please refer to a dictionary for precise meaning and usage. For a fuller list of 150 prepositions with example sentences see this long prepositions list.
aboard: I felt a sense of excitement as soon as I stepped aboard the cruise ship.
about: I’ve been thinking a lot about our upcoming project.
above: The painting hanging above the fireplace is one of my favouritesUK/favoritesUS.
across: I walked across the bridge to get to the other side of the river.
after: I always feel energized after a good workout.
against: I leaned against the wall while waiting for the bus.
along: I enjoy jogging along the beach every morning.
amid: Amid all the chaos, I managed to find a moment of peace.
among: I felt comfortable among my old friends at the reunion.
anti: I support anti-bullying campaigns in our community.
around: I looked around the room but couldn’t find my keys.
as: As a teacher, I strive to inspire my students.
at: I’ll meet you at the café near the park.
before: I always review my notes before an important meeting.
behind: I noticed a shadow moving behind the curtain.
below: I could hear footsteps in the apartment below mine.
beneath: I found my lost earring beneath the sofa cushion.
beside: I keep a glass of water beside my bed at night.
besides: Besides painting, I also enjoy photography.
between: I have to choose between two job offers.
beyond: The view from the top of the hill extends beyond the horizon.
but: I wanted to go to the party, but I had too much work to do.
by: I love reading by the window where the light is good.
concerning: I received an email concerning the upcoming meeting.
considering: Considering the weather, I think we should postpone the picnic.
despite: Despite the rain, we decided to go hiking.
down: I live just down the street from the library.
during: During the movie, I realized I had seen it before.
except: I like all fruits except bananas.
excepting: Excepting the last chapter, the book was quite dull.
excluding: Excluding holidays, I work five days a week.
following: Following the concert, we went out for dinner.
for: I bought a gift for my friend’s birthday.
from: I received a letter from my cousin in Italy.
in: I prefer working in a quiet environment.
inside: I left my phone inside the car.
into: I accidentally bumped into an old friend at the store.
like: I felt like going for a walk in the park.
minus: The total cost, minus the discount, is quite reasonable.
near: There’s a great bakery near my house.
of: The smell of fresh coffee always wakes me up.
off: I slipped off my shoes as soon as I got home.
on: I like to work on my hobbies during the weekends.
onto: I carefully placed the vase onto the shelf.
opposite: My office is located opposite the main square.
outside: I prefer to exercise outside in the fresh air.
over: I hung the picture over the couch.
past: I drove past your house on my way to work.
per: I can write about 1,000 words per hour.
plus: The job offers a good salary plus benefits.
regarding: I had a few questions regarding the new policy.
round: We gathered round the table for dinner.
save: Everyone went to the party save for John, who was sick.
since: I’ve been much happier since I changed jobs.
than: I prefer tea rather than coffee.
through: I read through the entire document carefully.
to: I walked to the store to buy some groceries.
toward: I’m working toward completing my degree by next year.
towards: She has a very positive attitude towards her work.
under: The cat likes to hide under the bed.
underneath: I found the missing piece of the puzzle underneath the table.
unlike: Unlike my brother, I enjoy spicy food.
until: I will stay at the office until my work is finished.
up: I looked up at the stars in the night sky.
upon: Once upon a time, there was a little village in the mountains.
versus: The next game is our team versus the champions.
via: I sent the documents via email.
with: I like to start my day with a cup of coffee.
within: I completed the project within the deadline.
without: I can’t imagine going a day without my morning coffee.