What is a preposition?

A preposition is a small word that shows how a noun links to the rest of the sentence, often telling you position or time. Words like in, on, under, over, before and after are prepositions. In 'the cat is under the table', under is the preposition.

Examples

• Place: on the table, in the box, under the bed.
• Time: before lunch, after school, during the film.
• 'The dog ran across the road.' Across is the preposition.

Quick facts

• Many prepositions describe where something is.
• A preposition is usually followed by a noun or a pronoun.