Preposition Examples

1. in a circle around; on every side

• The people stood about (around) the preacher.
  
  
• The fence was built about the house.
  
  
• She put her arms about me.

2. near

• The phone rang about midnight.
  
  
• We are about home.
  
  
• There are many stray cats about our farm.
  

3. with regard to, concerning

• He was worried about the children.
  
  
• His honesty is what I like about him.
  
  
• Sammy forgot about the party.

4. shows the subject of something said or written

• What is Lilly talking about now?
  
  
• Will spoke about his childhood.
  
  
• I read a book about dinosaurs. 
  
  
  

1. in a higher place; over

• We flew above the grand canyon.
  
  
• Ben lives above the pizza shop.
  
  
• A president is above a vice-president.
  
  (The president outranks the vice-president.)

2. more than; greater

• Children above five-years-old will be allowed to ride the bus.
  
  
• Women above 40 need to have regular exams.
  
  
• His score was above average on the test.
  
  
  

1. following

• My mom and dad arrived yesterday after lunch.
  
  
• You can watch television after you finish your chores.
  
  
• The show starts 15 minutes after six.

• Jenny and I played on teams against each other.
  
  
• The president voted against the law.
  
  
• The United States fought against Japan during the war.

• Lean all the logs against that tree.
  
  
• The rain was beating against my window.
  
  
• He was pushing against the brick wall.
  
  

1. in a line matching the length of something

• Please line up along the west wall.
  
  
• The plane flew along the horizon.
  
  
• We rode horses along the beach. 
  
  

1. in a group

• The child was lost among the crowd of tourists.
  
  
• I feel most comfortable singing when I am among family.
  
  
• Can you see the egg among the bushes? 
  
  
  

1. near

• She will arrive around 8:00 tonight.
  
  
• I will be around the house tomorrow if you call.
  
  
• My keys have to be around here somewhere

2. on all sides; circle

• The children gathered around their teacher.
  
  
• Please walk around the table.
  
  
• There is a ring around the planet Saturn.
  
  
  

1. used to show a condition, role, job

• He worked as a plumber for ten years.
  
  
• My father served as president of the men's club.
  
  
• I am speaking as a teacher, not as her mother.

1. the place where something is located

• I only drink water when I am at work.
  
  
• Please park at the back of the house.
  
  
• She types at her desk. 
  
  
  

2. because of; in reaction to

• I laughed at him when he fell down.
  
  
• My mom was angry at me for hitting my brother.
  
  
• The dog sits at my command.