20.1. Basic Prepositions of Place (in, on, under, behind, next to): Prepositions of Place in Sentences

20.1. Basic Prepositions of Place: In, On, Under, Behind, Next to

Prepositions of place are essential components of English grammar, especially for beginners who are just starting to learn the language. These prepositions help describe the location of objects and people in relation to one another. In this section, we will explore the basic prepositions of place: in, on, under, behind, and next to. Understanding how to use these prepositions in sentences will significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in English.

Preposition: In

The preposition in is used to indicate that something is inside a space or an area. This could be a physical space like a room, a box, or a bag, or it could refer to a more abstract space like a city or a country.

• The cat is in the box.
• She lives in New York.
• There are apples in the basket.
• He is in the kitchen cooking dinner.

When using in, think of something being enclosed or surrounded by boundaries. It's a versatile preposition that can be applied to various contexts, whether discussing physical locations or more abstract concepts.

Preposition: On

The preposition on is used when something is in contact with a surface. It implies that an object is resting atop or supported by something else.

• The book is on the table.
• There is a vase on the shelf.
• He placed the keys on the counter.
• The picture is hanging on the wall.

Use on when you want to convey that something is placed over a surface. This preposition is common in everyday language, helping to describe the position of various objects in relation to flat surfaces.

Preposition: Under

The preposition under indicates that something is below or beneath another object. It suggests a position of being lower than or covered by something else.

• The cat is hiding under the bed.
• The shoes are under the chair.
• She found her pen under the sofa.
• The ball rolled under the car.

When using under, visualize an object being shielded or obscured by something else. This preposition is useful for describing locations that are not immediately visible or are concealed.

Preposition: Behind

The preposition behind is used to describe a position at the back of something or someone. It indicates that one object is at the rear of another.

• The dog is sleeping behind the couch.
• She stood behind the door, waiting to surprise him.
• The sun set behind the mountains.
• The car parked behind the building.

Use behind to denote a spatial relationship where one object is positioned at the rear of another. This preposition is often used in contexts involving direction and orientation.

Preposition: Next to

The preposition next to is used to indicate that something is adjacent or beside another object. It implies proximity and closeness.

• The lamp is next to the sofa.
• She sat next to her friend during the movie.
• The school is next to the park.
• The restaurant is located next to the bank.

When using next to, think of two objects being side by side, often with no significant distance between them. This preposition is ideal for describing locations where two entities are closely aligned.

Using Prepositions of Place in Sentences

To effectively use prepositions of place in sentences, it's important to understand the context and the relationship between the objects or people involved. Here are some examples that demonstrate the use of these prepositions in various scenarios:

Example 1: In the Classroom

• The teacher is standing in front of the class.
• The students are sitting on their chairs.
• The notebooks are under the desks.
• The clock is hanging on the wall behind the teacher.
• The window is next to the door.

Example 2: At Home

• The remote control is on the coffee table.
• The cat is sleeping under the blanket.
• The family photo is on the mantelpiece above the fireplace.
• The garden is behind the house.
• The garage is next to the driveway.

Example 3: In the Park

• The bench is next to the pond.
• The ducks are swimming in the water.
• The bicycle is leaning against the tree.
• The playground is behind the picnic area.
• The flowers are blooming in the garden.

By practicing these prepositions in different contexts, you will gain a better understanding of how they function and how to apply them in everyday conversations. Remember, prepositions of place are crucial for providing clear and precise descriptions of locations and spatial relationships.

As you continue to learn and practice English, try creating your own sentences using these prepositions. Describe your surroundings, the placement of objects in your home, or the layout of your neighborhood. The more you practice, the more confident you will become in using prepositions of place accurately and effectively.