Literal Meanings of Location Prepositions
These prepositions describe the actual physical position or location of objects in space.
in
inside a 3D space or enclosed area
The cat is in the box.
on
touching the surface of something
The book is on the table.
at
at a specific point or location
I'll meet you at the bus stop.
under
below or beneath something
The shoes are under the bed.
over
above or higher than something
The lamp hangs over the table.
between
in the space separating two things
The café is between the library and the bank.
behind
at the back of something
The car is behind the garage.
in front of
ahead of or before something
She stood in front of the mirror.
next to
beside or adjacent to something
She sat next to me.
among
surrounded by or in the middle of several things
The house is hidden among the trees.
around
encircling or surrounding something
The children sat around the campfire.
across
from one side to the other
The bridge goes across the river.
Figurative Meanings of Location Prepositions
These prepositions are used in abstract, non-literal ways to express emotions, states, or concepts.
in
expressing a state or condition
She's in trouble. / He's in love. / I'm in a hurry.
on
expressing a state of activity or condition
He's on time. / She's on duty. / The house is on fire.
at
expressing a state or level of something
She's at peace. / He's at risk. / I'm at ease.
under
expressing being subject to or affected by
He's under pressure. / The situation is under control. / The case is under investigation.
over
expressing completion, excess, or emotional state
She's over the moon. / That's over my head. / We're over budget.
between
expressing a difficult choice or transition
He's between a rock and a hard place. / She's between jobs.
behind
expressing support or being late
I'm behind you 100%. / He's behind schedule.
around
expressing approximation or availability
It costs around $50. / Is she around?
🎭 Figurative Meanings Quiz
Phrasal Verbs with Location Prepositions
Phrasal verbs combine a verb with a preposition to create new meanings that are often different from the individual words.
come across
to find or discover by chance
I came across an old photo while cleaning.
look up
to search for information
Let me look up that word in the dictionary.
put off
to postpone or delay
We had to put off the meeting until next week.
get over
to recover from illness or disappointment
It took her months to get over the breakup.
break down
to stop functioning or to analyze
My car broke down on the highway.
run into
to meet someone unexpectedly
I ran into my old teacher at the store.
turn up
to appear or arrive unexpectedly
He always turns up at the worst times.
go through
to experience or examine carefully
She's going through a difficult time.
bring up
to mention a topic or raise a child
Don't bring up that subject again.
take after
to resemble a family member
She takes after her mother in looks.
Mixed Practice: All Types
Test your knowledge of literal meanings, figurative uses, and phrasal verbs all together!
🎯 Comprehensive Practice Quiz