Level: B1

Preposition Types — Identify the Type

Decide which TYPE each preposition is — place (where), direction (movement), time (when), cause (why), or means/agent (how / by whom). 50+ click-to-hear examples sorted into groups.

📝 Prepositions unit · lesson 10 of 11 ⏱ about 10 minutes 🔊 every example has audio

Builds on IN / ON / AT — Place Time Next in unit Identify Prepositions →

The 5 preposition types — quick guide

Place / position — show WHERE something is: in, on, at, under, near, behind, between, beside
Direction / movement — show MOVEMENT from or to: into, onto, through, across, over, toward, around, away from
Time — show WHEN: at, on, in, before, after, during, since, until, by
Cause / reason / purpose — show WHY: because of, due to, for, through
Means / instrument / agent — show HOW or BY WHOM: by, with, through, via

Many prepositions can belong to MORE than one type depending on context. By can show an agent (written by John) or a means (by bus).

📖 Want the full explanation? See English Prepositions → Types of prepositions on the main grammar page.

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Place / position
She placed the book on the table. – Place
The cat is hiding under the bed. – Place
There is a park near my house. – Place
She sat behind me. – Place
The bank is between the two stores. – Place
My phone is in my pocket. – Place
She placed the lamp beside her bed. – Place
The picture hangs above the fireplace. – Place
Direction / movement
We walked into the room. – Direction
He ran toward the station. – Direction
They drove through the tunnel. – Direction
The kids ran across the street. – Direction
The plane flew over the city. – Direction
She climbed onto the roof. – Direction
Walk around the building. – Direction
Stay away from the fire. – Direction
Time
We arrived at 8 o’clock. – Time
He was born on Monday. – Time
I have lived here since 2020. – Time
The store opens at 9 a.m. – Time
I will see you in July. – Time
Finish your homework before dinner. – Time
We stayed until midnight. – Time
She studies during the morning. – Time
The package will arrive by Friday. – Time
Let us meet after lunch. – Time
Cause / reason / purpose
The flight was canceled because of the storm. – Cause
He succeeded through hard work. – Cause
We stayed home due to the rain. – Cause
She is happy because of the good news. – Cause
The school is closed due to snow. – Cause
He fought for his country. – Cause
Means / instrument / agent
I wrote the letter with a pen. – Means / Agent
The novel was written by an unknown author. – Means / Agent
He paid by credit card. – Means / Agent
She traveled by train. – Means / Agent
The message was sent via email. – Means / Agent
The job was done by the new employee. – Means / Agent
He cut the bread with a sharp knife. – Means / Agent
The contract was signed by the CEO. – Means / Agent

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