Prepositions

Preposition Usage and examples

s
1. used for stating where someone or something is
At a.
a. in a particular place
There’s a telephone box at the crossroads.
I’ll meet you at the main entrance.
She’s staying at the Clarence Hotel.
We  live at 23 Brookfield Avenue.
We'll meet  you at the entrance.
That bit at the beginning of the film  was brilliant.
She's sitting at the  table in the corner.
She was standing at the top of the stairs.
The dog came and lay down at (= next to) my feet.
There's someone at the door (= someone is outside  and wants to come in).
We  spent  the afternoon at a football match.
I enjoyed my three  years at university.
I called her but she was at lunch (= away,  eating her lunch).

at someone’s (=at their house): 

I’m babysitting at Sally’s tomorrownight.
at home: 
He wants to spend more time at home with his  family.
at work (=in the place where someone works): 
Dad should be at work by now.
at the doctor’s/dentist’s/hairdresser’s etc: 
Trevor’s at the doctor’s – he’ll be back soon.
b. used for saying where you stop on a journey
Does this train stop at Newport?
The ship called in at Bombay and Singapore.
c. sitting or standing close to something, especially in order to do something
Lambert was  seated at the piano.
She was standing at the window, staring out across the garden.
d. in a particular part of a process, activity, programme, or book
At some  point in the process things started to go wrong.

2. used for stating what someone is doing

a.

1
 a. used for saying that someone is doing something or taking part in
an activity somewhere
at a party/concert/meeting etc: 
We were at a party last night when you called.
at school/college etc (=studying at an educational institution): 
Has Karen  graduated, or is she still at college?
b. used for stating what state or situation someone or something is in
at rest/war/peace etc: 
The country was at war and life was difficultfor everyone.
He felt completely at ease.
He says he's at peace when he's walking in the  mountains.
Your  father is hard at work in his study.
They've been at war  for the last five years.
Of the ten men who escaped this morning from Dartmoor Prison, only two are still
at  liberty .

3. used for stating when something happens

a.
a. used for stating the exact time when something happens
The match starts at 3 o’clock.
There’s a train at 11.42.
There's a  meeting at 2.30 this afternoon.
Are you free at lunchtime?
In theory, women can still have children at the  age  of 50.
The bells ring at regular intervals through the  day.
At no time/point  did the company do anything illegal.
I'm  busy at the moment (= now) - can you call back  later?
It's a shame  I wasn't here to meet you - I was overseas at the time (= then).
b. used for saying when a particular situation exists
at present/at the moment (=now): 
Everyone’s busy with exams  at  present.
I can’t give you any more information at the moment.
at the time (=when something happened in the past): 
Monica was  born in 1972. We were living in Edinburgh at the time.
at the beginning/start/end of something: 
It’s a style that was popular at the beginning of the 20th century.
c. during a particular period
What are you doing at the weekend?
My  wife’s parents came to stay with us at Christmas.
at night (=during any night): 
At night temperatures sometimes  fall to 30  degrees below zero.
d. when someone is a particular age

2
Mozart was already composing music at the age of five.
4. used for stating what makes someone react in a particular way, especially feeling
Audiences still laugh at his jokes.
She was annoyed at being disturbed in the middle of the  night.
There was a chorus of disapproval at his words.
It was a courageous decision to resign in protest at the company's pollution record.
He looked very disappointed at their decision, but did not  argue.
I cringed at the sight of my dad dancing.
We were all delighted at the news.

5. used for showing the level of prices, temperatures, speeds etc
Tickets are now on sale at £12 each.
His Ferrari crashed at 120 miles an hour.
The plastic pipes will melt at high temperatures.
6. used for stating the direction in which you look, point, or aim something
Armed gangs were  shooting at police cars.
Why are you staring at me like that?
She  smiled  at me.
They  waved at us as we drove by.
She  aimed  at the target.
"Look at me! Look at me!" called the little girl.
He's always shouting at the children.
The old man clenched his  fist  and waved it angrily at us.
She could no longer contain her anger and shouted at him uncontrollably.
The talks are aimed at finding a mutually agreeable  solution.
She  darted  an angry look at me and I shut up.
He fired six shots at the  target, but his aim  was terrible, and he missed all of them.

7. used for stating what someone is trying to catch, hold, or hit

He grabbed at my sleeve, but I pulled away.
She  struggled,  hitting  out at her attackers.
8. used for showing that you repeat an action many times
with smallmovements but without doing it completely
I muttered to myself, sipping at my coffee.
Stop  picking at the scab, or it won’t heal.
9. used for stating the activity or subject that someone is skilful or not skilful in
Brownstein is an expert at cooking.
I'm not much good at knitting .
Dave is normally very bad at remembering birthdays.
I expected her to be better  at  French after studying it for so many years.
3
 Your  mother's really brilliant at Scrabble.
You're  even worse at maths than I am!
good/bad at something: 
I’ve never been very good  at sports.
10. (AMERICAN) used for stating the phone number where someone can
be reached. The British word is on
You can reach us at 555–3964.
11. the @ symbol that joins the name of a person or a department in
anorganization to a domain name to make an email address
"What's your  email address?" "It's dictionary at cambridge dot org."
12. used to show a price, temperature, rate, speed, etc.
I'm not going to  buy  those  shoes  at $150!
Inflation is  running at 5 percent.
He was driving at 120 mph when the police spotted him.
The costs of cleaning up the bay are  estimated at $1 billion.
We  sell a wide range  of  cosmetics  and toiletries at a very reasonable price.
When you buy a new computer, you usually get software included at no extra cost .
With inflation at 500%, the country faces a crisis of confidence.
Water  boils  at 212° Fahrenheit and 100°  Celsius/Centigrade.
a. @ used in financial records to show the price, rate, etc. of a particular thing or of
each of a number of things on a list:
50 units @ £4.75
By can be used in the following ways:
By
as a preposition (followed by a noun):The building was destroyed by fire.
as an adverb (without a following noun):As time went by, things improved.

1. used for saying who or what does something

a.
a. used, especially with passive verbs, for showing who does something or
what causes something
Injured  refugees were treated by a Red Cross doctor.
The abbey was founded by Henry II in 1170.
Children are fascinated  by the idea of magic.
a rebellion by separatist guerrilla forces
damage caused by the storm
The roof of the temple was held  up by a  row of thick stone columns.
The girl's mother was at  home today, being comforted by relatives.
The English were  conquered  by the Normans in 1066.
The temperature is controlled by a thermostat.

4
 b. used for saying who wrote a book or a piece of music, who painteda picture etc
a novel by Graham Greene
mural paintings by Diego Rivera
I'm  reading  some short  stories (written) by Chekhov.
Any painting by Van Gogh is worth a fortune.

2. used for saying how something is done

a.
a. using a particular method to achieve something
Reading is taught by traditional methods here.
The palace balcony is shielded by bulletproof glass.
Every bit of lace is made by hand (=not using a machine).
She did the decorating (all) by herself (= alone, without help from anyone).
Do you want to be paid in cash or by cheque?
He learned English by listening to the radio.
Suddenly, she grabbed him by the arm (= took hold of this part of his body).
I refuse to live by (= following) their rules.

by doing something: 
By using the Internet  you can do your  shopping from home.
by post/phone/fax etc: 
They  exchanged New Year’s greetings  by  email.
b. using a particular method of transport
by car/train/bus/air etc: 
Sophie’s  parents arrived by taxi.
c. using a particular road, path, door etc
We  returned home by a different route.
She went in by the side entrance.
We went in by (= through) the front door.
d. using a particular name or title
Staff generally address each other by their first name.
The UN refugee agency is known by its initials UNHCR.
e. used for saying how you start or finish something
I’m going to start off by explaining the  purpose of our campaign.
3. before or until
a.
a. not later than a particular time or date; at or before:
The meeting should have finished by 4.30.
Application forms must be received by 31st March.
She had promised to be back by five o'clock.
The application must be in by the 31st to be accepted.
By the time I got to the station the train had already gone.
b. during the period until a particular time or date

5
By mid afternoon over 5,000  people had visited the exhibition.
by the time (that): 
By the time Charlotte was 15, she had already achieved worldwide fame.

4. used when saying that something happens in a way that was

not planned or intended
Take  care that you don’t shoot one of us by mistake.
We met quite by chance.
By a stroke of luck  I found the perfect title for my new book.
5. used for saying that time passes, or how it passes
As time went by, people’s attitudes changed.
The days seem to fly  by.
6. used for showing how much something has changed, or how
much difference there is between things
House prices rose by an average 23% last year.
Owen broke the  world record  by 2.4  seconds.
a. by far used for saying that something has much more of a particular quality than
anything else
The 1989 revolution was by far the  bloodiest in the country’s history.
Football  is far and away the most popular sport in Britain.
7. used for saying that someone or something goes past you
She  walked right by me without saying a word.
There were angry shouts  from the crowd as the president’s motorcadedrove by.
8. beside or close to someone or something
She was sitting over there by the window.
There’s an ashtray just by your elbow.
A  small child stood sullenly by her side.
He wanted to keep her close by him always.
The policewoman walked by (= past)  them without saying a word.
9. according to rules or laws
Casinos are forbidden by law to contribute  to  political campaigns.
In the police force we have to do everything by the rulebook.
10. used for showing that something
is judged according to certainstandards of behaviour, quality etc.
It’s no use trying to judge 18th-century  morality by modern standards.
Her performance was amazing by any standard.
11. used for saying that someone stops somewhere for
a short time, especially while going to another place
drop/stop/come by: 
Why don’t you stop by on your way home from work?
Peggy dropped by the office this afternoon.
12. used for saying which part of a person’s body or thing you take in your hand
6
 when you hold them
Taking  me by the arm, she led me into the next room.
Always pick up a CD by the outer edge to avoid damaging the surface.
13. used for referring to someone’s character, job, origin, name etc.
by nature/profession/birth/name etc: 
She was, by nature, a cheerfuland friendly sort of person.
An American by birth, Cassidy had spent much of his life in Bolivia.
14. used in calculations and measurements (MATHS)
a.
a. used for saying what units of measurement are used
Floor  coverings are priced by the square metre.
Industrial  workers are generally paid by the hour.
sold by the dozen
Our office floor space measured twelve metres by ten (= was twelve metres in one direction
and ten in the other).
Their wages were increased by 15 percent.
Freelance workers are paid by the hour (= for every hour they work).
These phones have sold by the thousand (= several thousand have been sold).
b.
b. used for giving the size of an area, object,
or space by stating its length, width, height etc
The house has a spacious dining room, measuring 18 feet by 15.
We are able to offer our readers a fabulous 70 by 50 cm souvenirposter.
15. used for showing a gradual process
a.
a. used when saying that something happens or changes gradually
The company grew by degrees  until it controlled over 20% of
the telecommunications  market.
The death toll from the hurricane was climbing minute by minute/by the minute.
The credibility of the campaign has deterioriated month by month/by the month.
little by little/bit by bit: 
Little  by  little Philip got used to life on the farm.
day by day/week by week etc: 
His medical condition is continuingto improve day by day.
b.
b. used when things or people do something or are dealt with one after the other
one by one/stage by stage: 
One by one the men came forward to receive their medals.
item by item: 
The finance committee checks through each document, item by item.
c. describing or showing what happens every minute, hour, etc.
a minute-by-minute timeline of the incident
The book paints a detailed, week-by-week portrait of his father's illness.
7
 For can be used in the following ways:
For as a preposition (followed by a noun):I bought some flowers for Chloe.Wait there for a
while.
as a conjunction (connecting two clauses):I told her to leave, for I was very tired.
1. intended to help or benefit someone/something

a. used for saying who or what is intended to receive something or get the benefit of it

I’ve brought a cup of tea  for you.
Claudia, this present is for you.
So, what can I do for you?
The academy provides  training  for young musicians.
They’ll have to buy furniture for the new house.
There's a phone message for you.
I'd better buy something for the new baby.
There's a prize for the fastest three runners in each category.
b.
b. used for saying that someone does something so that someone else does not have to
do it
Betty will take care of things for us while we’re away.
c.
c. in order to protect someone or something
We are here today to honour those who died  for their country.
2. used for stating the purpose of an object or action
We use the basement for storage.
The red button is for turning the machine  off.
There's a sign there saying "boats for hire".
This pool is for the use of hotel guests only.
I'm sorry, the books are not for sale.
They've invited us for dinner on Saturday.
Everyone in the office is contributing money for his leaving present.
I need some money for tonight.
Which vitamins should you take for (= in order to cure) skin problems?
Put those clothes in a pile for washing (= so that they can be washed).
3. used for saying a length of time or a distance
a.
a. used for saying how long something lasts or continues
There have been drought conditions for the last two summers.
I’ve been waiting for 20 minutes.
We get cut-rate electricity for six hours each night.
Mr Black has been a client of this firm for many years.
The network will be down for an hour for routine maintenance.

8
I feel like I've been cooped up in this flat for days.
It feels like we've been walking for miles.
for a while: 
We  haven’t seen Kim for a while.
b. used for saying how far something reaches, or how far someone goes;
The desert stretched for  hundreds  of  miles  in all directions.
They must have walked for at least three miles.
4. used for saying the particular time or date that something is planned to happen
The meeting was planned  for 10 o’clock.
The release of her new album is scheduled for next August.
5. used for saying the person or organization that someone is employed by
She  works for a firm of accountants.
6. used for saying how much money is paid
a.
a. used for saying the cost of a product or a service
I sold my car for £900.
How much do you want for those two lamps?
They  bought  the entire business for around £15m.
He says he won’t fix the  bike for less than sixty pounds.
b. used for saying how much someone earns
Some labourers were  working for less than £3 a day.
7. used for saying who or what you support or prefer
a.
a. used for saying which person or thing someone supports or agreeswith
Everyone says they are for equal  opportunities.
Support for the government’s reform  programme has been overwhelming.
Eight members voted for the proposal and six against.
I voted for the Greens at the last election.
Those voting for the motion, 96, and those voting against, 54.
Most of the Republicans voted for the measure.
So let's hear some applause for these talented young performers.
Who's for (= who wants to play) tennis?
all for (=supporting something aletely): 
Of course, I’m all for(=I completely support) freedom of speech.
I've got nothing against change - I'm all for it.
I'm all for gender equality, but I think the most qualified person should get the job.
b. if you are for a particular plan or activity, you want to take part in it
I’m for a picnic by the  river.
Anyone for tennis?
8. relating to or concerning someone or something
Living conditions for most of the citizens are very  bad.
an advertisement for private health insurance
9
 9. used for talking about reasons or causes
a.
a. as a result of something
He was sick for lack  of  food.
We’re all much better people for having known Carl.
I'm feeling all the better for my holiday.
"How are you?" "Fine, and all the better for seeing you!"
She did 15 years in prison for murder.
I don't eat meat for various reasons.
I couldn't see for the tears in my eyes.
The things you do for love!
He's widely disliked in the company for his arrogance.
She couldn't talk for coughing (= she was coughing too much to talk).
Scotland is famous for its spectacular countryside.
He's best remembered for his novels.
I didn't say anything for fear of (= because I was frightened of) offending him.
B. (MAINLY LITERARY) because
She  began  to  grow nervous, for he had promised to meet her at dawn.
c. used after nouns such as ‘reason’ or ‘cause’
Did he give any reason for arriving so  late?
The current inflation  rate  is a cause for concern.
10. used for showing that your feelings are directed towards a particular person or
thing
I’m so  happy  for you!
I feel sorry for his wife.
It’s clear that she has great affection for her grandchildren.
I feel nothing but disgust  for the whole process.
11
11. used for saying who you represent when you say or do something
I’m speaking for all of us when I say how sorry we are.
12
12. used for saying the place you are going to when you leave another place
What time are you leaving  for home?
He got on the next plane for San Francisco.
13
13. used after some adjectives, nouns, and verbs for saying who or
what does the action of the following verb
for someone/something to do something: 
It was difficult for me to understand what he was saying.
All I want is for you to be happy.
It is time for Congress to begin exploring some new approaches.
14

10
 14. in order to celebrate a holiday or special occasion
John  gave me a tie for Christmas, as usual.
We  haven’t decided what to do for her birthday.
What did you buy him for Christmas?
I'd like an appointment with the doctor for some time this week.
We're having a party for Jim's 60th birthday.
I've booked a table at the restaurant for nine o'clock.
They planned a special celebration for her homecoming.
They're making the most elaborate preparations for the wedding.
15
15. used for saying what a particular amount of
time, money, space etc makes possible
We  haven’t got the money for a new car  right  now.
Come in – there’s room for two.
There just isn’t enough time for everyone to have a try.
16
16. used for saying who has a particular feeling or opinion about something
For me personally, it was a complete disaster.
The biggest concern for most Americans was the  quality  of  publiceducation.
17
17. used for saying that a particular fact about someone or something
is surprising when you consider who or what they are
She  sings amazingly well for a child.
It’s awfully expensive for a child’s toy.
18
18. used for saying what something means or represents
What’s the Italian word for ‘Goodbye’?
Red roses are for love.
19
19. (INFORMAL) used for saying which person a particular thing, activity,
or person would be suitable for
I just know this girl will be the one for you.
Mountain climbing’s not for me – it looks too dangerous.
20. if it wasn't/weren't for also if it hadn't been for
a. without:
If it wasn't for the life jacket, I would have drowned.
21. used for comparing one thing with others of the same type
She's very mature for her age.
For every two people in favour of the law there are three against.
The winter has been unusually cold for Florida.
It was a difficult decision, especially for a child.
11
 For a man of his wealth he's not exactly generous.
22. used to say whose responsibility something is
She knew the driver of the other car was not responsible for her son's death.
23. despite:
For all her qualifications, she's still  useless at the job.
24. towards; in the direction of:
They looked as if they were heading for the train station.
Just follow signs for the museum.
This time tomorrow we'll be setting off for the States.
It says this train is for (= going to stop at) Birmingham and Coventry only.
25. the duty or responsibility of:
As to whether you should marry him - that's for you to decide.
It's not for me to tell her what she should do with her life.
"How many people should I invite to the party?" "It's not really for me to say."
a.
In can be used in the following ways:
In as a preposition (followed by a noun):The children are in the garden.They met in 1973.
as an adverb (without a following noun):Come in and sit down.
after the verb ‘to be’:‘Is Philip in?’ ‘No, he’s gone out.’
as an adjective:It was the in thing to do.
1. used for showing where someone or something is
a. inside a container, room, building, vehicle etc.
He had left his passport in his coat pocket.
She’s downstairs in the sitting room.
If convicted, Goldman faces 20 years in prison.
There’s room for all of us in Dad’s car.
Have you seen a bag with some tools in?
b. within an area, city, or country
The books are printed in Hong Kong.
the largest stadium in the world
a picnic in the park
c. at home, or at your office
Most evenings we stay in and watch television.
I asked to speak to the manager but he wasn’t in.
d. within an object, space, or substance
We noticed a crack in the wall.
the bacteria in our drinking water
in the air/in the sky/in space: 
There wasn’t a cloud in the sky.
It was the astronauts’ first experience of living in space.
e. at a specific part of something
12
Further details can be found in Section 25.
in the middle/centre: 
a new department store in the centre of London
f. held or enclosed by something
What’s that you’ve got in your hand?
They lay together in each other’s arms.
g. a ball that is in during a game such as tennis or basketball is within the area of play
2. into something
a. into your home, room, or place of work
I invited her in for a drink.
b. moving into a place or a space
The door was open so I just walked in.
The water’s very deep – don’t fall in!
The guards fired a few shots in the air.
c. looking or pointing into something
Look in the top drawer of my desk.
The dog stood motionless with its tail sticking straight up in the air.
3. arriving somewhere
a. used for saying that a train, bus, plane, or ship arrives somewhere
What time does your flight get in?
The train from Paddington was just pulling in.
The ferry won’t be in for another hour.
b. arriving at your home or place of work
What time did you get in last night?
I’m going to be late, so don’t expect me in till after ten.
4. used for showing when something happens
a. during a particular period, year, month, or season, or during a part of the day
Mel Gibson was born in 1956.
In winter the lake freezes over.
Let’s meet again in the morning, at around 9.30.
The dance was popular in the 1920s.
b. at the end of a period of time in the future
The exams are in six weeks’ time.
Wait, I’ll be with you in a minute or two.
c. within a period of time
Unemployment has risen by over 15% in the past year.
In the last few minutes we have received reports of an explosion on board an oil tanker.
Ernie had suffered two heart attacks in the space of a week.
d. used for saying how long it is since something last happened
I haven’t laughed so much in years.
It was the president’s first public appearance in three months.
e. during the time that someone is involved in something, or is experiencing something

13
 Owen’s brother died in the war.
I sometimes look back and think of all the things I’ve done in my life.
5. used for talking about numbers and amounts
a.
a. used for saying how many units of money, weight, measurement etc make up
a larger unit
There are 1000 kilograms in a tonne.
b. used for saying how big groups of people or things are when they do something
Lions often hunt in pairs.
People began to arrive in twos and threes.
c. used for saying how common something is by showing it as a number in relation to
the total number
One in twelve of the adult population suffers from stress.
d. used for saying that a number is within a particular range, especiallya temperature,
a score, or someone’s age
in the twenties/fifties/seventies etc: 
a hot summer’s day with temperatures in the upper 20s
Most students got marks in the seventies or eighties.
Damage is estimated in the thousands of dollars.
in your teens/twenties/thirties etc: 
My daughter is in her mid-thirties now.
e. (BRITISH) used for showing something such as a rate of tax
Income tax now stands at 22 pence in the pound.
6. used for saying areas of activity
a. used for saying what organized activity someone does with other people
Bailey was in the long-distance cycle race.
Leeds United fans took part in a massive street party.
b. used for saying what type of work someone does
She’s a teacher and her husband works in publishing.
a.
c. used for saying what area of work or activity you are talking about
There have been amazing advances in medical science.
the crisis in farming
d. used for saying what subject someone studies
a university degree in economics
7. used for describing a particular state, situation, or relationship
a. used for describing the state or condition of someone or something
I’m sorry my room’s in such a mess.
The army retreated in confusion.
She wants to travel around the world while she’s still in good health.
b. used for saying what the situation is for someone or something
Kevin is in trouble again.
Their lives were in danger.
c. used for describing the relationship between people and organizations
14
We wanted to get married because we were very much in love.
Are we all in agreement?
The United States will work in co-operation with her allies.
8. used for saying what someone is wearing
She looked so beautiful in her wedding dress.
A man in a clown’s hat came and sat beside her.
9. used for saying what things change, increase, improve etc
There’s going to be a change in the weather.
the recent rise in oil prices
10. used for talking about the way something is done
a. using a particular method or style
We are trying to teach mathematics in a more interesting way.
The houses are all built in the traditional style.
You have to pay in cash.
b. used for describing a particular type of behaviour or way of speaking
We all sat in silence.
She called out to me in a loud voice.
in tears (=crying): 
Some of the children were in tears.
c. using a particular language
in English/Spanish etc: 
Go on, say something in French.
There are instructions in eight languages.
11. used for describing ways of writing, drawing, or painting
a. used for stating what you use for writing, drawing, or painting
in ink/pencil/chalk/oils etc: 
a short note written in pencil
There were artists painting in oils and watercolours.
b. using a particular type or style of writing
Write your name and address in capital letters.

15
16