What is Preposition in Grammar ?

Preposition : संबंध सूचक शब्द

What is a Preposition? (Preposition क्या होता है?)

A preposition is a word used before a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase to show direction, time, place, location, spatial relationships, or to introduce an object. Simply put, it shows the relationship of a word with another part of the sentence.

Definition: A preposition is a word placed before a noun or pronoun to express its relation with another word in the sentence. It shows direction, place, time, cause, manner, or instrumentality. Prepositions are essential because they provide additional details that help form a complete thought. For example: “The book is on the table.” The word “on” tells us the position of the book in relation to the table.

हिंदी में: Preposition वह शब्द होता है जो किसी noun या pronoun से पहले प्रयोग किया जाता है और उसका संबंध वाक्य के अन्य शब्दों से दर्शाता है। जैसे – “किताब मेज पर है”। यहाँ “पर” एक Preposition है।

Why are Prepositions Important? (Preposition महत्वपूर्ण क्यों हैं?)

• They help describe the time, place, and direction of action.
• They connect nouns and pronouns to other words.
• They create more detailed, accurate sentences.
• They are important for sentence clarity and flow.

Types of Prepositions (Prepositions के प्रकार)

Prepositions can be categorized based on their function in the sentence. Each type is explained below:

1. Prepositions of Place (स्थान बताने वाले)

These show the location or position of something. Examples: in, on, at, under, over, above, below, between, beside.

Example: The keys are on the table.

हिंदी में: ये स्थान बताते हैं जैसे – “किताब मेज पर है।”

2. Prepositions of Time (समय बताने वाले)

These indicate time. Examples: at, on, in, before, after, since, during, till.

Example: I wake up at 6 AM.

हिंदी में: ये समय को दर्शाते हैं जैसे – “मैं 6 बजे उठता हूँ।”

3. Prepositions of Direction (दिशा बताने वाले)

These show movement toward something. Examples: to, into, onto, toward, through.

Example: She walked into the room.

हिंदी में: ये दिशा दर्शाते हैं जैसे – “वह कमरे में गई।”

4. Prepositions of Cause, Reason, Purpose

Examples: because of, due to, for, from, out of.

Example: The match was cancelled due to rain.

हिंदी में: यह कारण या उद्देश्य दर्शाते हैं जैसे – “बारिश के कारण मैच रद्द हो गया।”

5. Prepositions of Manner, Agent, Instrument

Examples: by, with, like, as, through.

Example: He cut the paper with scissors.

हिंदी में: ये तरीका, साधन, या एजेंट को दर्शाते हैं जैसे – “उसने कैंची से कागज़ काटा।”

Common Rules and Tips (जरूरी नियम और सुझाव)

• Always use a preposition before its object (noun/pronoun).
• Don’t end a sentence with a preposition in formal writing.
• Use ‘at’ for specific time, ‘on’ for days/dates, ‘in’ for months/years/centuries.
• Some prepositions must follow particular verbs (e.g., depend on, listen to).
• Don’t confuse similar prepositions like in vs into, or on vs over.

Fill in the Blanks (Preposition Exercises)

1. The students are sitting ________ the classroom.
2. She was born ________ May.
3. He jumped ________ the pool.
4. The cat is hiding ________ the sofa.
5. I am going ________ the market.
6. The fan is hanging ________ the ceiling.
7. We reached the station ________ time.

Answers with Explanation

1. in – shows the location within the classroom.
2. in – used for months and years.
3. into – shows motion/direction inside something.
4. under – shows position below something.
5. to – direction toward a place.
6. on – used to show position above a surface.
7. on – correct usage for exact moments (or “in time” for being early).

Error Correction Rules (सुधार नियम)

• Incorrect: I will go at home.
  Correct: I will go home. (We don’t use a preposition with ‘home’ in such cases.)
• Incorrect: She discussed about the issue.
  Correct: She discussed the issue. (‘Discuss’ does not take a preposition.)
• Incorrect: He entered into the room.
  Correct: He entered the room. (‘Enter’ doesn’t need ‘into’.)
• Incorrect: He is good in maths.
  Correct: He is good at maths. (Use ‘at’ with ‘good’.)
• Incorrect: She is married with a doctor.
  Correct: She is married to a doctor.

Find the Error Exercise

1. He went in the market to buy vegetables.
2. My father is angry on me.
3. We discussed about the movie after class.
4. The child is afraid from the dark.
5. She is interested for music and dance.
6. He was born at January.
7. I prefer coffee than tea.

Answers with Explanation

1. Incorrect: in → Correct: to
2. Incorrect: on → Correct: with (angry with someone)
3. Remove about; ‘discussed’ doesn’t take a preposition.
4. from → Correct: of (afraid of)
5. for → Correct: in (interested in)
6. at → Correct: in (born in January)
7. than → Correct: to (prefer X to Y)

Passage-based Practice (Reading and Grammar)

Passage 1:
Ravi reached school at 8 a.m. He sat in his classroom and placed his bag on the bench. During the break, he walked into the library and read books. After the class, he walked towards the bus stop and waited for his bus.

1. At what time did Ravi reach school?
2. Where did he keep his bag?
3. Which prepositions show movement or direction?

Answers:

1. At 8 a.m. (preposition of time)
2. On the bench (preposition of place)
3. Into, towards (prepositions of direction)

Passage 2:
The dog was hiding under the bed. It came out when it heard a sound from the kitchen. It ran towards the door and looked through the window. Then it jumped onto the couch and slept on it peacefully.

1. Where was the dog hiding?
2. Which preposition shows the origin of the sound?
3. Which preposition describes the dog jumping?
4. List all prepositions of place.

Answers:

1. Under the bed
2. From
3. Onto
4. Under, on, onto, through