Preposition Tricks in English – Prepositions of Time Explained

Prepositions are one of the most interesting yet challenging aspects of English grammar. Many learners struggle to choose the right preposition for the right context. This article simplifies everything you need to know about prepositions and how to use them effectively.

How NOT to Learn Prepositions

Many learners search for a universal formula that will solve all their preposition-related worries. However, no such formula exists! Instead, mastering prepositions requires a combination of:

Learning the basics
Applying what you know in real-world contexts
Reading and exposing yourself to examples of prepositions in use

What is a Preposition?

A preposition establishes a relationship between different words in a sentence. There are several types of prepositions, but the most common are:

1. Prepositions of Place

These prepositions describe where something is located. Common examples include:

Preposition	Usage Example
In	The book is in the bag.
On	The keys are on the table.
Under	The cat is under the chair.
Between	The park is between the school and the mall.

Suggested Visual: An image showing objects placed on, under, between, and inside other objects.

2. Prepositions of Time

These prepositions describe when something happens. Common examples include:

Preposition	Usage Example
At	The meeting starts at 9 AM.
On	We have a test on Monday.
In	I was born in July.
By	Finish the assignment by tomorrow.

Suggested Visual: A timeline displaying events occurring at, on, and in specific times.

3. Prepositions of Direction

These prepositions indicate movement from one place to another. Examples include:

Preposition	Usage Example
To	She went to the store.
Into	He walked into the room.
Onto	The cat jumped onto the table.
From	They came from Canada.

Suggested Visual: Arrows showing movement to, from, into, and onto different places.

Common Mistakes with Prepositions

Understanding prepositions can be tricky, and many people make common mistakes. Here are a few errors and how to correct them:

❌ Incorrect: She is married with a doctor.
✅ Correct: She is married to a doctor.

❌ Incorrect: I am good in math.
✅ Correct: I am good at math.

❌ Incorrect: He is interested for science.
✅ Correct: He is interested in science.

Solved Examples

To help you understand prepositions better, let’s look at some solved examples:

Which preposition fits the sentence?
- The keys are ___ the table. (Answer: on)
Fill in the blank:
- She was born ___ December. (Answer: in)
Choose the correct sentence:
- (a) We are going at the mall.
- (b) We are going to the mall. (Answer: b)

Final Tips for Mastering Prepositions

Read extensively – Books, newspapers, and articles will help you see prepositions in action.
Practice daily – Use new prepositions in your conversations and writing.
Think in English – Avoid translating prepositions directly from your native language.

By following this structured approach, you’ll master prepositions effectively. Keep practicing and exposing yourself to real-world examples to reinforce your learning!