Prepositions are words that link a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase to some other part of the sentence. Prepositions can be tricky for English learners. There is no definite rule or formula for choosing a preposition.
| Example Sentences | How to use the preposition |
- I ordered a sandwich with a drink.
- I am working with a lawyer.
| Used to indicate being together or being involved |
- Are you the one with the sports car?
- I met a guy with green eyes.
| Used to indicate "having" |
- He cut my hair with his scissors.
- She took pictures with a digital camera.
| Used to indicate "using" |
- I am emailing you with my sincere apology.
- He came to the front stage with confidence.
| Used to indicate feeling |
- Do you agree with me?
- Are you with me on this?
| Used to indicate agreement or understanding |
| Example Sentences | How to use the preposition |
- They sent over the wrong item.
- Please come over to my house.
| Used to indicate movement from one place to another |
- He was pushed over the edge.
- The car fell over the cliff.
| Used to indicate movement downward |
- The phone rang for over a minute.
- The actual charge was over the estimated cost.
| Used to indicate more than an expected number or amount |
- I've lived here over ten years
- It takes over an hour to drive there.
| Used to indicate a period of time |
| Example Sentences | How to use the preposition |
- He was standing by me.
- The post office is by the bank.
| Used to indicate proximity or location |
- The refrigerator was fixed by a repairman.
- Donuts were brought in by our boss.
| Used to indicate the person that does something |
- She passed the test by studying all night.
- I explained my reasons by writing her a letter.
| Used to indicate an action with a particular purpose |
- Please respond by email.
- They came by boat.
| Used to indicate a mean or method |
Directions: Fill in the blanks with either "over" "by" or "with"
1) The appointment lasted __________ an hour.
2) The house is __________ the school.
3) I am studying __________ a tutor.
4) I want to sit __________ the window.
5) He went __________ the limit on his credit card.
6) Is anyone __________ me on this issue?
7) He is living __________ two friends.
8) He hit the baseball __________ the roof.
9) The guests arrived __________ train.
Directions: Fill in the blanks with either "by" "over" or "with"
1) I want to buy a car __________ four doors.
2) She lives __________ the subway station.
3) The book was written __________ my aunt.
4) I help my grandmother __________ cleaning her house every weekend.
5) She ordered a hamburger __________ no pickles.
6) The young boy drew on the wall __________ a marker.
7) They talked together for __________ three hours.
8) Let's go __________ bus.
9) She has worked here __________ 15 years.
Quiz 1 Answers
1) a. over
2) b. by
3) c. with
4) b. by
5) a. over
6) c. with
7) c. with
8) a. over
9) b. by
Quiz 2 Answers
1) with
2) by
3) by
4) by
5) with
6) with
7) over
8) by
9) over
