Prepositions of Place
Describe where things are located.
In, on, at
Use 'in' for enclosed spaces, 'on' for surfaces, and 'at' for specific points.
- The keys are in the drawer.
- The book is on the table.
- She is at the bus stop.
Under, over, between
Use these to describe position relative to other things.
- The cat is under the bed.
- The plane flew over the city.
- The shop is between the bank and the café.
Next to, in front of, behind
Use these to describe nearby or relative positions.
- The lamp is next to the sofa.
- She is standing in front of the door.
- The garden is behind the house.
Above, below, near, opposite
More prepositions that describe relative position in space.
- The plane flew above the clouds.
- The basement is below the kitchen.
- The hotel is near the airport.
- The bakery is opposite the pharmacy.
More examples in context
Prepositions of place are essential for giving directions and describing rooms.
- The remote control is on the coffee table.
- We live in a small town near the coast.
- The bookstore is between the café and the bank.
- There's a mirror above the sink.
- The keys fell behind the couch.
- She sat at the front of the classroom.
Common mistakes to avoid
These are frequent preposition-of-place errors, and how to correct them.
- ✗ I live in Main Street. → ✓ I live on Main Street.
- ✗ The picture is at the wall. → ✓ The picture is on the wall.
- ✗ Meet me in the bus stop. → ✓ Meet me at the bus stop.
- ✗ She is sitting in front the TV. → ✓ She is sitting in front of the TV.
Quick practice
Choose the correct preposition of place, then check your answer.
- The cat is hiding ___ the bed. (answer: under)
- There's a bus stop ___ my house. (answer: near / next to)
- The clock is ___ the wall. (answer: on)
- The library is ___ the school and the park. (answer: between)
- We waited ___ the entrance. (answer: at)