Prepositions of place
IntroducedWhere things are
- Prepositions of place say where something is.
- The cat is on the bed. The ball is under the table.
- Small words, but very useful.
The cat is under the table. It is not helping with dinner.
in / on / under
- in = inside: in the box, in the bag.
- on = on a surface: on the table, on the wall.
- under = below: under the chair.
The book is on the table. Which word shows the surface?
A surface (the table top) → on.
Complete: The keys are ___ the bag. (inside)
Inside something → in: “in the bag”.
Translate into English: 猫在椅子下面。
Below → under: “The cat is under the chair.”
next to / between / behind
- next to = beside: next to the door.
- between = in the middle of two things: between the shops.
- behind = at the back; in front of = at the front.
in, on or under?
in = inside, on = on a surface, under = below.
Choose: She sits ___ Tom and Sam.
Between two people/things → between (… and …).
Asking Where …?
- Use Where + is / are: Where is my phone? Where are the keys?
- Answer with a preposition: It's on the desk.
Common mistakes
- ❌ The picture is in the wall. → ✓ The picture is on the wall.
- ❌ The shop is next the bank. → ✓ next to the bank.
- ❌ between Tom with Sam → ✓ between Tom and Sam.
Match the meaning to the preposition.
in = inside, on = touching the top, under = below, next to = at the side.
Is this correct? “The picture is on the wall.”
Yes — the picture touches the wall's surface, so on is right.
- in (inside), on (a surface), under (below).
- next to (beside), between (… and …), behind (at the back).
- Ask with Where is / are …?
Look at your room. Write one sentence saying where something is, using a preposition of place.
Example: “My bag is on the chair.”