20.9. Basic Prepositions of Place (in, on, under, behind, next to): Prepositions in Describing Locations

Prepositions of place are fundamental building blocks in the English language, especially at the A1 level for beginners. They help us describe where things are in relation to other things, providing clarity in communication. In this lesson, we will explore the basic prepositions of place: in, on, under, behind, and next to. These prepositions are crucial for describing locations and are used in everyday conversations.

Understanding Prepositions of Place

Prepositions of place are words that describe the position of a noun in relation to another noun. They answer the question "Where?" and are often used in conjunction with verbs like "is," "are," "was," and "were." Let's delve into each preposition to understand its usage better.

1. In

The preposition in is used to indicate that something is inside or within a confined space. It is typically used with enclosed spaces, containers, or areas that have boundaries.

• The cat is in the box.
• The keys are in the drawer.
• We are in the park.

In these examples, the cat is inside the box, the keys are inside the drawer, and we are inside the park's boundaries.

2. On

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

• The book is on the table.
• The picture is on the wall.
• The cat is on the roof.

In these sentences, the book is resting on the table's surface, the picture is attached to the wall, and the cat is positioned on the roof.

3. Under

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

• The shoes are under the bed.
• The dog is under the table.
• The pen is under the notebook.

Here, the shoes are beneath the bed, the dog is positioned under the table, and the pen is located under the notebook.

4. Behind

The preposition behind is used to indicate that something is at the back of or in the rear of something else. It is often used when an object is not immediately visible because it is obscured by another object.

• The car is behind the house.
• The tree is behind the fence.
• The child is behind the curtain.

In these examples, the car is positioned at the back of the house, the tree is situated behind the fence, and the child is hiding behind the curtain.

5. Next to

The preposition next to is used to indicate that something is adjacent to or beside something else. It implies proximity, suggesting that two objects are close to each other.

• The lamp is next to the sofa.
• The store is next to the bank.
• The cat is next to the dog.

In these sentences, the lamp is beside the sofa, the store is next to the bank, and the cat is positioned next to the dog.

Practical Applications

Understanding and using prepositions of place correctly is essential for effective communication. Here are some practical applications and scenarios where these prepositions are commonly used:

Giving Directions

Prepositions of place are crucial when giving directions. They help in explaining where something is located and how to get there.

• Go in the building and take the elevator to the third floor.
• The restroom is on the left side of the hallway.
• You will find the library behind the cafeteria.

Describing a Room

When describing a room or a space, prepositions of place help in detailing where objects are located.

• The bed is in the corner of the room.
• The painting is on the wall above the sofa.
• The chair is next to the window.

Locating Objects

Prepositions of place are used to locate objects in everyday situations, making it easier to find things.

• The remote control is under the couch cushions.
• The keys are in the bowl on the counter.
• The notebook is behind the laptop.

Practice Exercises

To reinforce your understanding of prepositions of place, try the following exercises:

1. Look around your room and describe the location of five objects using prepositions of place.
2. Draw a simple map of your neighborhood and label the locations of various landmarks using the prepositions in, on, under, behind, and next to.
3. Imagine you are giving directions to a friend visiting your house for the first time. Write a short paragraph using prepositions of place to guide them from the front door to the living room.

Conclusion

Mastering prepositions of place is an essential part of learning English at the A1 level. These small but powerful words help us describe locations, give directions, and locate objects with precision. By practicing their use in everyday situations, you will become more confident in your ability to communicate effectively in English. Remember, the key to learning prepositions is practice, so keep using them in your daily conversations and writing.