Level: Beginner-Intermediate

Certain prepositions can be used in conjunction with nouns to emphasize, connect, or clarify ideas expressed in sentences. In this combination, the preposition always comes directly after the noun. Here are some of the most common prepositions used with nouns:

to

• This preposition indicates the recipient of an action, a destination, relationship, and limit.

Emily has an addiction to shopping.
My daughter had an adorable reaction to the puppy.
Mark has an intense dedication to his work.
The damage to the property is much worse than I thought it would be.

for

• Use this preposition to indicate an objective, a reason, duration of time, as well as specify the use of something.

There is always a reason for a change.
I attended the class for one year.
I have high hopes for humanity.

of

• This preposition expresses causality or the relationship between subjects, indicate belonging and reference, as well as to specify the number or an amount.

I am the cause of all his problems.
I took a photo of the sea.
A good number of people understand Chinese.
My son has a fear of the dark.

in

• This preposition expresses a conditional state of being, indicate a location, opinion, belief, feeling, color, shape, and size. It also specifies day, month, season, and year.

Call me in case you need me.
I am in my friend’s place now.
I noticed a little change in the season.
There appears to have been a delay in the shipment.

on

• Use this preposition to indicate a state of being, an intention, a surface of something, days and dates, and parts of the body.

She went away yesterday on business.
I will attend his party on the 15th of August.
His focus on success hindered his social life.
I wear my wedding ring on my finger.

at

• The preposition at is only paired with a few nouns. We used “at” to indicate a place and one’s activity. “At” is also used to refer an email address and time. Often, we use the preposition in conjunction with which.

There are people at the park.
I have little chance at winning this game.
Meet me at 5 p.m. tomorrow.

from

• From is only occasionally used with nouns. The preposition usually refers to two things at opposition with each other, or specifies an origin or starting point when used in conjunction with to.

The woman sought protection from her husband.”
His transition from rags to riches was something out of a fairy tale.

with

• Nouns combined with the preposition with a point to relationships and connections between two or more things.

What is the matter with you?
The teacher noticed a small problem with the project I submitted.
Her close relationship with her sister is admirable.
If you’re having trouble with the activity, ask your teacher for help.

about

• When paired with a noun, about means concerning or in regards to.

His anxiety about public speaking is so bad.
Do you have any information about the new law?
She wants to hear the story about the princess.

between

• A noun that takes the preposition between forms a comparison between two things.

She talked about the comparison between pop music and rock.
There is a conflict between good and evil.
Is there a difference between green onions and chives?