English Prepositions

Overview

This module introduces prepositions, including those that deal with time and place/location.

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A preposition is a word that expresses a relation between one entity in a clause to another. It connects a noun to the rest of a sentence.
Prepositions can indicate a time, a location, a relationship between two nouns.

Common prepositions:
about, after, against, at, between, by, down, for, from, in, into, near, of, off, on, out, over, since, through, until, to, towards, under, until, up, with, without.

Examples:

There is a worm  in the apple. (preposition of place)
There is a bus stop down the street. (preposition of place)
The child is next to her father. (preposition of place)

We will meet in the afternoon. (preposition of time)
I get up at 6.00 am every day. (preposition of time)
We couldn’t talk during the exam. (preposition of time)

Let’s bake a cake with chocolate chips. (preposition links “cake” and “chocolate chips”)
I would like some water with my dinner. (preposition links “water” and “dinner”)
Julia will ride with Sam. (preposition linking Julia and Sam)

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Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

The CEFR is an international standard used to describe language ability. Here are specific details of the CEFR for this topic.

General Explanation:
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Specific Capabilities at this Level
Writing:
I can write a short, simple postcard, for example sending holiday greetings. I can fill in forms with personal details, for example entering my name, nationality and address on a hotel registration form.
Spoken Production:
I can use simple phrases and sentences to describe where I live and people I know.
Spoken Interaction:
I can interact in a simple way provided the other person is prepared to repeat or rephrase things at a slower rate of speech and help me formulate what I’m trying to say. I can ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics.
Reading:
I can understand familiar names, words and very simple sentences, for example on notices and posters or in catalogues.
Listening:
I can recognize familiar words and very basic phrases concerning myself, my family and immediate concrete surroundings when people speak slowly and clearly.