UNIVERSIDAD METROPOLITANA
VICERRECTORÍA ASOCIADA DE DESARROLLO Y RETENCIÓN
Programa de Tutorías
Prepositions
Definition In English, we use the following prepositions to indicate: a. Time b. Place c. Location or Direction
Preposition of Location In English language, we use prepositions to talk about time. These prepositions are: in
on
at
Preposition “In” How to use “in”: Months Years Seasons
My anniversary is in September.
Morning
I take a bath in the morning.
Afternoon Evening
Ivan went to college in 1996.
We will travel in Summer.
She has a date in the afternoon. My parents will leave in the evening.
Preposition “On” Use “on” when you talk about: Days of the week Date
She does not like to go to work on Mondays. Tiffany loves to go shopping on Fridays. I was born on January 27, 1986. My wedding is on June 23, 2009.
Preposition “At” Use “at” when you talk about: Exact time Night
The meeting will start at 8:00 p.m. My date is at 7 o’ clock. My favorite T.V. show is at night. Carla is going to come at night.
Preposition of Direction These are used to clarify the direction of someone or something. Next is a table with all of them.
Prepositions of Direction - Table Word across
Translation
Example
al otro lado de The park is across the street.
along
a lo largo de
behind
detrรกs de
Jull and Stephen walk along the beach. The store is behind the mall.
beside al lado de, junto The hospital is beside the parking lot. a betwe en
entre
by
por
close to
cerca de
My house is between the church and the mall. He lives in the house by the lake. The park is close to the beach.
Prepositions of Direction - Table Word
Translation
Example
In front of
en frente de
The restaurant is in front of the office.
next to
al lado de
past
después de
Go past the school.
through
a través de
They need to run through the park.
toward
hacia
down
más abajo de
Carlos went down the hill.
up
más arriba de
Flora went up the hill.
My apartment is next to your apartment.
We walk toward the mountain.
Prepositions of Location These tell where someone or something is. These prepositions are:
in
on
at
Preposition “In” Use “in” when talking about: City State
We live in Manhattan. Manhattan is in New York.
Country New York is in the United States. Continent The United States is in North America.
Preposition “On” Use “on” when talking about: Street
Her store is on Fifth Avenue. My house is on Park Road. Carlos works on the third floor.
Floor
There is a fire on the second floor of the building.
Preposition “At” Use “at” when talking about: Building Specific address
They are at the bank. We meet at the hotel. The store is at 25 Main Street. I live at 1457 Sedgwick Street.
References: • Podnecky, J. (2004). Grammar Links 1: A Theme-Based Course for Reference and Practice, Second Edition (Student Book). Houghton Mifflin Company.
Prepared by: • Cristabel R. Ocasio Ilarraza • Nirazette L. González Abella