Prepositions of place · Preposições de lugar
Where 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.
Onde as coisas estão

- Preposições de lugar dizem onde algo está.
- The cat is on the bed. The ball is under the table.
- Palavras pequenas, mas muito úteis.
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.
in / on / under
- in = dentro: in the box, in the bag.
- on = sobre uma superfície: on the table, on the wall.
- under = abaixo: under the chair.
The book is on the table. Which word shows the surface? · The book is on the table. Qual palavra mostra a superfície?
A surface (the table top) → on. · Uma superfície (o tampo da mesa) → on.
Complete: The keys are ___ the bag. (inside) · Complete: As chaves estão ___ na bolsa. (inside)
Inside something → in: “in the bag”. · Dentro de algo → in: “in the bag”.
Translate into English: 猫在椅子下面。 · Traduza para o inglês: 猫在椅子下面。
Below → under: “The cat is under the chair.” · Abaixo → 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.
next to / between / behind
- next to = ao lado: next to the door.
- between = no meio de duas coisas: between the shops.
- behind = atrás; in front of = na frente.
in, on or under? · in, on ou under?
in = inside, on = on a surface, under = below. · in = dentro, on = sobre uma superfície, under = abaixo.
Choose: She sits ___ Tom and Sam. · Escolha: Ela senta ___ Tom e Sam.
Between two people/things → between (… and …). · Entre duas pessoas/coisas → 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.
Perguntando Onde …?
- Use Where + is / are: Where is my phone? Where are the keys?
- Responda com uma preposição: 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.
Erros comuns
- ❌ 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. · Combine o significado com a preposição.
in = inside, on = touching the top, under = below, next to = at the side. · in = inside, on = tocando o topo, under = below, next to = at the side.
Is this correct? “The picture is on the wall.” · Isso está correto? “The picture is on the wall.”
Yes — the picture touches the wall's surface, so on is right. · Sim — a foto toca a superfície da parede, então on está certo.
- in (inside), on (a surface), under (below).
- next to (beside), between (… and …), behind (at the back).
- Ask with Where is / are …?
- in (dentro), on (superfície), under (abaixo).
- next to (ao lado), between (… and …), behind (atrás).
- Pergunte com Where is / are …?
Look at your room. Write one sentence saying where something is, using a preposition of place. · Olhe para seu quarto. Escreva uma frase dizendo onde algo está, usando uma preposição de lugar.
Example: “My bag is on the chair.” · Exemplo: “My bag is on the chair.”