What Are Prepositions of Place?
Prepositions of place are small words. They tell us the position of a person or a thing. They answer the question ‘Where?’
Today, we will learn three important prepositions:
- in
- on
- under
🎓 Learn English with the Blended method
Small groups · 24/7 AI Tutor · Cambridge preparation
Plans from $39 $79 per month
When Do We Use 'In'?
We use in when something is inside a space or a container. Think of it as 'inside'.
- The object is surrounded by something.
- The object is part of a larger area.
Look at these examples:
- The pencils are in the box.
- My keys are in my pocket.
- The fish are in the water.
When Do We Use 'On'?
We use on when something is on a surface. Think of it as 'touching the top'.
- The object is resting on a flat surface.
- The object is attached to a surface.
Look at these examples:
- The book is on the table.
- The picture is on the wall.
- The cat is sleeping on the sofa.
When Do We Use 'Under'?
We use under when something is below another thing. It means 'below' or 'beneath'.
- The object is at a lower level.
- The object is covered by something else.
Look at these examples:
- The ball is under the bed.
- The dog is under the tree.
- My shoes are under the chair.
| Preposition | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| in | Inside a space or container | The keys are in the bag. |
| on | On a surface | The cup is on the table. |
| under | Below something | The cat is under the car. |
Examples
- The juice is in the glass.
- My phone is on the desk.
- The remote control is under the pillow.
- The toys are in the basket.
- The clock is on the shelf.
- The mouse is under the table.
Practice
💬 Need personalized guidance?
As an Authorized Cambridge Preparation Centre, we can guide you to the right course and certification. Chat with our advisors today.
Chat with an Advisor on WhatsAppCommon mistakes for Spanish speakers
Spanish speakers often use 'en' for both in and on. In English, these words are different and important.
- Incorrect: The pen is en the book. (If it's on top of the book)
- Correct: The pen is on the book.
- Incorrect: The water is on the bottle. (If it's inside the bottle)
- Correct: The water is in the bottle.
Remember to think: Is it *inside* a container or *on* a surface?
Frequently asked questions
What is a preposition of place?
A preposition of place is a word like in, on, or under. It tells you where something is located.
How can I remember 'in', 'on', and 'under'?
Think of simple pictures: in (inside a box), on (on top of a table), under (below a chair). Practice with objects around you!
Can 'in' mean 'on' sometimes?
No, not usually. In means inside a space or container. On means on a surface. They have different meanings in English.
0 Comments