Types of Prepositions according to Function

Shady Abuyusuf

Sat, 23 Nov 2024

512

1. Preposition of Agency, Instrumentality: Prepositions of agency or instrumentality convey the agent or instrument involved in the action. Examples of such prepositions include by, with and using. For example, “The room was painted by the painter” – in this sentence, ‘by’ is the preposition of agency.

2. Preposition of Cause, Reason, Purpose: Prepositions of cause, reason or purpose are used to denote the explanation of an action. Examples of these prepositions are because of, due to and for. For instance, “I bought a new phone for my sister’s birthday” – in this sentence, ‘for’ is the preposition of purpose.

3. Preposition of Contrast, Concession: Prepositions of contrast or concession are used to indicate a contradiction or opposite. Examples of these prepositions include despite, in spite of, or although. For example, “Despite the rain, the game continued” – in this sentence, ‘Despite’ is the preposition of contrast.

4. Preposition of Inference, Motive, Source, or Origin: Prepositions of inference, motive, source, or origin denote where something comes from, along with the motivation or inference behind the action. An example of this would be “She is from Australia” – in this sentence, ‘from’ is the preposition of origin.

5. Preposition of Manner: Prepositions of manner describe how an action is performed. Some examples of these prepositions are by, with and like. An example of this would be “He ran with haste” – in this sentence, ‘with’ is the preposition of manner.

6. Preposition of Measure, Standard, Rate, Value: Prepositions of measure, standard, rate, and value identify the quantity, ratio, or value involved in an action. Examples of these prepositions are per, by, and at. For example, “He drives at 60 miles per hour” – in this sentence, ‘at’ is the preposition of rate.

7. Preposition of Place: Prepositions of place describe the location of an object, person, or event in relation to something else. Examples of these prepositions include in, out, and on. “The cat was hiding under the bed” – in this sentence, ‘under’ is the preposition of place.

8. Preposition of Possession: Prepositions of possession signify ownership, and typically include words like of, with or by. “The book belongs to her” – in this sentence, ‘to’ is the preposition of possession.

9. Prepositions of Time: Prepositions of time indicate when an event happened or for how long. Examples of these prepositions include in, at, and on. “I will meet you at 2:00 pm” – in this sentence, ‘at’ is the preposition of time.