Functions of Prepositions
What do Prepositions do?
We have studied in the previous chapter that a preposition describes the relationship of its
object with another word or idea in the sentence. In this chapter, we will study the various
functions performed by prepositions to express these relationships.
What are the Functions of Prepositions?
A preposition can be used to indicate
1. Place 6. Purpose
2. Time 7. Agent
3. Destination 8. Contrast or Concession
4. Origin 9. Measure
5. Motion 10. Possession
Prepositions Indicating Place
Prepositions are used to indicate the spatial relationship (related to space) between the words
in a sentence.
The jars are placed onthe shelf. The Shahs lived inthis neighbourhood.
We met our friends atthe library. The tiger jumped overthe roof.
I found a piece of paper underthe rock. I parked my scooter bythe wall.
Prepositions Indicating Time
Prepositions are used to indicate the temporal relationship (related to time) between the words in a sentence.
The train arrived atmidnight. Mr Mehta is flying to Delhi onMonday.
Be sure to reach the auditorium by10 PM. The company has been bankruptforthree years.
She has been driving a car sinceher youth. Jay brushes his teeth beforesleeping.
Prepositions Indicating Destination
Prepositions are used to indicate the direction of the movement of the subject.
The thieves moved towardsthe exit. He made a dash forthe door.
The dog jumped atthe intruder. The young woman ran toher room.
Reena crawled ontoher bed. The mermaid dived intothe water.
Prepositions Indicating Origin
Prepositions are used to indicate origin or source of an action or movement of the subject.
Prepositions Indicating Motion
Prepositions can be used to indicate the movement of the subject in the sentence.
Prepositions Indicating Purpose
Prepositions can be used to indicate the utility or purpose of the subject of the sentence.
Prepositions Indicating Agent
Prepositions are used to indicate that something is responsible for an action done on the s
ubject of the sentence.
The action is always expressed in the passive voice.
Prepositions Indicating Contrast or Concession
Prepositions can be used to express contrast between two ideas in a sentence.
For all your arrogance, you are incredibly stupid. With all its faults, this software is the best.
Notwithstanding his lies, the jury saw through his
character. Despite Lata’s protests, Raju left for Chennai.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite
reaction. Inspite of his wealth, Madhukar was greedy.
Prepositions Indicating Measure
Prepositions can be used to express measurement.
Prepositions Indicating Possession
Prepositions can be used to establish possession of a noun by the other.
Prepositions
What is a Preposition?
A preposition is a word which usually precedes a noun, a pronoun or a gerund. The word which follows
the preposition is called the object of the preposition.
The man is standing at the gate.
The flowers were given to her.
I am tired of talking.
Prepositions show the relationship of its object with another word or idea in the sentence.
What are the Types of Prepositions?
There are five basic types of prepositions:
1. Simpleprepositions
2. Compoundprepositions
3. Doubleprepositions
4. Participialprepositions
5. Phraseprepositions
Simple Prepositions
Prepositions which consist of just one word are known as simple prepositions.
Compound Prepositions
Prepositions which are formed out of prefixing a preposition (a- or be-) with a noun or an adjective
are known as compound prepositions.
Double Prepositions
When two prepositions come together to convey a single idea, the pair is called a double preposition.
Phrase Prepositions
Phrase prepositions are formed when a group of words come together to function as a unit.
These prepositions usually follow the Preposition + Noun + Preposition structure.
Participle Prepositions
When a verb ending in –ingor –ed/–enfunctions as a preposition, it is called a participle preposition.
