What are Prepositions of Place?
Prepositions of place describe the position or location of something in relation to other things. Common prepositions include in, on, at, beside, above, below, and between. They help us show where objects, people, or actions are located in space.
Prepositions of place show the location of something in space — in, on, at, beside, above, below, under, between. They answer the question 'Where is it?'
- •on the table
- •on the floor
- •on the wall
- •on the roof
- •in the box
- •in the room
- •in the pocket
- •in the drawer
Step-by-step worked examples
The cat is on the table.
Use 'on' for surfaces and flat tops. The table has a surface → use 'on'. Correct position shown.
She stood between her two friends.
'Between' shows position among people. Three people: one in the middle = between. Correct usage.
The keys are inside the drawer.
Use 'inside' for enclosed spaces. Drawer encloses objects → use 'inside'. Correct placement.
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.The book is ___ the shelf.
Q2.They sat ___ the table.
Q3.The ball is ___ the box.
Q4.Which is NOT a preposition of place?
The full card deck, worked steps and AI-tutor support for “What are Prepositions of Place?” are in Notek — study by hand before your exam.
Common mistakes
The picture is in the wall. — Correct: The picture is on the wall. Use 'on' for wall-hung items.
I live at London. — Correct: I live in London. Use 'in' for cities, not 'at'.
The pen is on my pocket. — Correct: The pen is in my pocket. Use 'in' for enclosed spaces.
She is at the room. — Correct: She is in the room. Use 'in' for rooms, not 'at'.
FAQ
What are prepositions of place?
Prepositions of place describe location — where something is in relation to other things. Examples: in, on, at, above, below, beside, between.
What is the difference between 'in' and 'inside'?
'Inside' emphasizes being fully enclosed; 'in' is more general. Both work in most cases, but 'inside' is stronger.
When do I use 'at' instead of 'in'?
Use 'at' for specific points (at the bus stop, at school, at the corner). Use 'in' for general areas (in the city, in the building).
How many prepositions of place are there?
Around 15–20 common ones: in, on, at, above, below, beneath, beside, between, inside, outside, under, over, behind, in front of, near.