Prepositions

Place Relations

How one object is positioned in relation to another in space.

Rule

These prepositions show spatial relationships: under, above, next to, between, behind, opposite, in front of. Learn them as small visual scenes, not as an abstract list.

Formula

Next to / nearbeside / not far fromThe chair is next to the table.The park is near my house.
Between / oppositebetween two objects / across fromThe cafe is between the bank and the shop.The bank is opposite the supermarket.
In front of / behindin the front / at the backThe car is in front of the house.The dog is behind the chair.
Under / abovebelow / higher thanThe cat is under the table.The picture is above the sofa.

Notes

  • next to = immediately beside; near = close, but not necessarily touching
  • above = higher, not necessarily touching; on = on a surface with contact
  • in front of and behind are easiest to remember through a picture or diagram