20.4. Basic Prepositions of Place (in, on, under, behind, next to): Prepositions and Directions

Welcome to Lesson 20.4 of our Basic English A1 course for Beginners. In this lesson, we will delve into the fundamental prepositions of place: in, on, under, behind, and next to. These prepositions are essential for describing the location of objects and people in relation to each other. Understanding how to use these prepositions correctly will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in English.

Understanding Prepositions of Place

Prepositions of place are words that help us describe where something or someone is located. They provide context and clarity in our sentences, allowing us to convey precise information. Let's explore each preposition in detail:

1. In

The preposition in is used to indicate that something is inside or within a confined space or area. It is often used with enclosed spaces, such as rooms, buildings, containers, or any defined area.

• Examples:
• The cat is in the box.
• She is in the kitchen.
• There are many books in the library.

2. On

The preposition on is used to indicate that something is in contact with a surface. It is often used when an object is resting on top of something else.

• Examples:
• The book is on the table.
• There is a picture on the wall.
• The cat is sleeping on the couch.

3. Under

The preposition under is used to indicate that something is below or beneath something else. It is often used when one object is directly underneath another.

• Examples:
• The shoes are under the bed.
• The dog is hiding under the table.
• There is a rug under the chair.

4. Behind

The preposition behind is used to indicate that something is at the back of something else. It is often used when one object is positioned at the rear of another.

• Examples:
• The car is parked behind the house.
• She is standing behind the curtain.
• The tree is behind the fence.

5. Next to

The preposition next to is used to indicate that something is beside or adjacent to something else. It is often used when two objects or people are close to each other.

• Examples:
• The lamp is next to the sofa.
• He is sitting next to his friend.
• The school is next to the park.

Using Prepositions with Directions

Prepositions of place are also crucial when giving directions. They help in describing the location of places and guiding someone from one point to another. Here’s how you can use these prepositions in the context of directions:

Giving Directions with Prepositions

When giving directions, it’s important to use clear and concise language. Here are some examples of how prepositions can be used in directions:

• In: "Go in the building and take the elevator to the third floor."
• On: "Walk on Main Street until you reach the second traffic light."
• Under: "Pass under the bridge and the restaurant will be on your right."
• Behind: "The parking lot is behind the supermarket."
• Next to: "The bank is next to the post office."

Practice Exercises

To reinforce your understanding of prepositions of place, try completing the following exercises. Use the correct preposition (in, on, under, behind, next to) to fill in the blanks:

1. The keys are ______ the drawer.
2. There is a mirror ______ the wall.
3. The cat is hiding ______ the curtain.
4. The bakery is ______ the pharmacy.
5. She is sitting ______ the chair.

Answers:

1. The keys are in the drawer.
2. There is a mirror on the wall.
3. The cat is hiding behind the curtain.
4. The bakery is next to the pharmacy.
5. She is sitting on the chair.

Conclusion

Mastering prepositions of place is a critical step in learning English. These small words have a big impact on your ability to describe locations and give directions. By practicing and using them in your daily conversations, you will become more comfortable and confident in your English communication skills.

We hope this lesson has provided you with a clear understanding of how to use in, on, under, behind, and next to in various contexts. Keep practicing, and soon these prepositions will become second nature to you!

Next page of the Free Ebook:

80Basic Prepositions of Place (in, on, under, behind, next to): Common Mistakes with Prepositions

6 minutes