Prepositions Denoting Place and Direction

Prepositions Denoting Place and Direction

Prepositions can denote place, position and direction.

Prepositions of Place (in, on, at)

In

“In” is used to express the idea that something or someone is within some physical or virtual boundary.

Examples
There are many students in the assembly hall.
There are many good actors in Hollywood.

On

“On” is used to express the idea that something or someone is on the surface of something else.

Examples
The ball is on the table.
Don’t sit on the grass. It is wet.

At

“At” is used to express the idea that there is a specific place for someone or something to be present.

Examples
Her friends were waiting for her at the entrance of school
John’s house is at the end of street.

Prepositions of Direction (to, into, onto)

To

‘To’ is used to express the idea that someone or something is moving in a specific direction.

Examples
Maria went to the library.
What time do you go to bed?

Into

‘Into’ is used to express the idea that someone or something is moving towards the interior of something else.

Examples
John fell into the swimming pool.
Pour some water into the jug.

Onto

‘Onto’ is used to express the idea that someone or something is moving towards the surface of something else.

Examples
Marta fell onto the roof of the building from the helicopter.
The acrobat fell accidentally onto the floor of the circus.

Worksheet

Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions of place or direction.

• I am not going out this afternoon. I am staying ....... home.
• What time did you get ....... Paris?
• We walked from my house ....... the city centre.
• Ann stayed ....... her brother’s house.
• We jumped ....... the water.
• Don’t throw any hard objects ....... the glass table.
• Silvia through the book ....... her bag.
• My sister lives ....... Italy.
• There are two stamps ....... the envelope.
• Julia is working ....... her desk.

Answers

• I am not going out this afternoon. I am staying at home.
• What time did you get to Paris?
• We walked from my house to the city centre.
• Ann stayed at her brother’s house.
• We jumped into the water.
• Don’t throw any hard objects onto the glass table.
• Silvia through the book into her bag.
• My sister lives in Italy.
• There are two stamps on the envelope.
• Julia is working at her desk.