Prepositions of Place (A1 Grammar)

Prepositions show where something is located.

Quick tip: in=inside, on=surface, under=below, next to=beside

IN / ON / UNDER

In=inside, On=surface, Under=below.

• The cat is in the box.
• The book is on the table.
• The ball is under the chair.

NEXT TO / BETWEEN

Next to=beside, Between=in the middle of two.

• I sit next to my friend.
• The bank is between the shops.
• The chair is beside the table.

BEHIND / IN FRONT OF

Behind=at the back, In front of=at the front.

• The car is behind the house.
• He's standing in front of the door.
• The garden is behind the building.

Common mistakes

• Not "The book is in the table." — say "The book is on the table.". Use on for surfaces.
• Not "I live on London." — say "I live in London.". Use in with cities.
• Not "She sits in next to me." — say "She sits next to me.". No 'in' before next to.

Practise it

Describe where things are in your room: The lamp is on...