Prepositions are words that link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words in a sentence. They often indicate relationships in terms of time, place, direction, and manner. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Types of Prepositions
Prepositions of Place: Indicate the location of something.
Examples:
in (e.g., The book is in the bag.)
on (e.g., The cat is on the roof.)
at (e.g., She is at the park.)
Prepositions of Time: Indicate when something happens.
before (e.g., I will call you before noon.)
after (e.g., We will meet after lunch.)
during (e.g., He slept during the movie.)
Prepositions of Direction: Indicate movement towards something.
to (e.g., She walked to the store.)
into (e.g., He jumped into the pool.)
through (e.g., The train passed through the tunnel.)
Prepositions of Manner: Describe how something is done.
by (e.g., She traveled by train.)
with (e.g., He wrote with a pen.)
like (e.g., She sings like a professional.)
Common Prepositions
about
above
across
against
along
among
around
before
between
beyond
but
for
from
in
inside
into
near
of
off
on
out
over
through
to
under
with
Usage Tips
Prepositional Phrases: A preposition often forms a phrase with its object (the noun or pronoun that follows it). For example, "in the morning" or "at the office."
Avoiding Misuse: Some prepositions can be tricky. For instance, "in" vs. "on" can confuse learners (e.g., "in the car" vs. "on the bus").
Idiomatic Expressions: Some phrases use prepositions in non-literal ways (e.g., "in trouble," "out of control").
Practice
To reinforce your understanding, try creating sentences using different prepositions. For example:
Place: "The keys are on the table."
Time: "We will meet after the meeting."
Direction: "She walked towards the exit."
IN
Used for enclosed spaces, large areas, or cities/countries
Sentences:
"The keys are in the drawer." (enclosed space)
"She lives in France." (countries)
"We're in the garden." (defined areas)
ON
Used for surfaces, streets, and attached to something
"The book is on the table." (surface)
"The store is on Main Street." (streets)
"The picture is on the wall." (attached)
AT
Used for specific points, addresses, or businesses
"Meet me at the entrance." (specific point)
"She works at the hospital." (location/business)
"I'll see you at the corner." (specific point)
UNDER
Used to describe something beneath another thing
"The cat is under the bed."
"He hid the key under the mat."
OVER
Used to describe something above or covering something else
"The plane flew over the city."
"Hang the picture over the fireplace."
BETWEEN
Used when something is in the middle of two things
"The book is between the lamp and the computer."
"She sat between her two friends."
BEHIND
Used to describe something at the back of something else
"The car is parked behind the building."
"He stood behind me in line."
IN FRONT OF
Used to describe something at the front of something else
"There's a tree in front of our house."
"Please stand in front of the camera."
BESIDE/NEXT TO
Used when something is at the side of something else
"The library is beside the park."
"Sit next to me."
ABOVE
Used when something is higher than something else
"The clouds are above us."
"The shelf above the TV is dusty."
BELOW
Used when something is lower than something else
"The temperature is below freezing."
"Write your address below your name."
AMONG
Used when something is in a group or surrounded by other things
"She found her keys among the cushions."
"He stood among the crowd."
INSIDE
Similar to 'in' but emphasizes being within something
"The chocolate is inside the box."
"Stay inside the house."
OUTSIDE
Used to describe position beyond an enclosed space
"The children are playing outside the house."
"Let's have lunch outside the office."
NEAR
Used when something is close to something else
"The restaurant is near the cinema."
"I live near the beach."
These prepositions help us describe exactly where things are located in relation to other things. Remember that some locations might be described using different prepositions depending on context and the specific meaning you want to convey.
These prepositions indicate the location of something.
in: Used for enclosed spaces.
Example: The cat is in the box.
Explanation: The cat is located inside the box.
on: Used for surfaces.
Example: The book is on the table.
Explanation: The book is resting on the surface of the table.
at: Used for specific points.
Example: She is at the bus stop.
Explanation: She is located at a specific point, the bus stop.
under: Indicates something is below another object.
Example: The shoes are under the bed.
Explanation: The shoes are located beneath the bed.
over: Indicates something is above another object.
Example: The lamp is over the table.
Explanation: The lamp is positioned above the table.
Here's a comprehensive list of Prepositions of Time with sentences and explanations:
AT Used for:
Used for specific clock times, precise moments, and certain holidays. Examples: at 3 PM, at midnight, at dawn, at Christmas. Perfect for exact times of day and specific moments.
Specific times
Holiday periods
Specific points of day Sentences:
"The meeting starts at 3 PM."
"We celebrate at Christmas."
"She wakes up at dawn."
My alarm rings at 6:00 AM every morning
Let's meet at noon for lunch
The fireworks start at midnight
I always feel sleepy at night
IN Used for:
Used with months, years, seasons, parts of the day, and longer periods. Examples: in January, in 2024, in summer, in the morning, in the 21st century. Works best with extended time periods and general timeframes.
"We'll move in June."
"I was born in 1990."
"Leaves fall in autumn."
"I work better in the morning."
My birthday is in March
They got married in 2020
Flowers bloom in spring
I like to read in the evening
We'll go on vacation in two weeks
"In the past century..."
ON Used for:
Reserved for days of the week, specific dates, and special days. Examples: on Monday, on May 15th, on my birthday, on Friday morning. Specifically used for calendar days and dates.
"The party is on Friday."
The exam is on Monday
I have a doctor's appointment on March 15th
They always visit us on Christmas Day
The party is on the weekend
"I was born on May 15th."
"We meet on holidays."
DURING Used for:
Applied to events, activities, and defined periods. Examples: during the meeting, during the movie, during summer. Shows something happening throughout an event or time period.
I fell asleep during the movie
Many tourists visit Paris during summer
She met her husband during college
Try to stay quiet during the meeting
"Please don't talk during the movie."
"Many shops close during summer."
FOR Used for:
Indicates duration and length of time. Examples: for two hours, for a week, for several days. Always shows how long something continues.
"I studied for three hours."
I've worked here for five years
The movie played for three hours
We traveled Europe for six months
She studied piano for ten years
"We stayed there for two weeks."
SINCE Used for:
Marks a starting point that continues to the present. Must be used with perfect tenses. Examples: since Monday, since 2020, since childhood. Shows when something began that continues now.
Starting point in time (continuing to present) Sentences:
"I've lived here since 2010."
I haven't seen him since last Christmas
She's lived in London since 2015
We've been friends since childhood
It's been raining since morning
"She's been waiting since morning."
BEFORE Used for:
Indicates something happening earlier than a reference point. Examples: before noon, before dinner, before Monday. Shows earlier timing than something else.
Earlier than a point in time Sentences:
"Arrive before 9 AM."
Please arrive before 8:00 PM
I always eat breakfast before work
Call me before tomorrow
She left before sunset
"I always eat before sunset."
AFTER Used for:
Later than a point in time Sentences:
"We'll leave after lunch."
Let's get coffee after work
The party starts after dinner
I'll call you after the meeting
They arrived after midnight
"Call me after 5 PM."
BY Used for:
Used for deadlines and latest possible times. Examples: by Friday, by 5 PM, by next week. Means "not later than" or "at or before."
Deadline/not later than Sentences:
"Please finish this by Friday."
Please submit your report by Friday
I need to finish this project by next week
The guests should arrive by 6:00 PM
All payments must be made by month-end
"The store closes by midnight."
UNTIL/TILL Used for:
Shows continuation up to a specific point. Examples: until midnight, until tomorrow, until June. Indicates when something stops.
Duration up to a point Sentences:
The store is open until 10:00 PM
I worked until dawn
Wait here until I return
The sale runs till Sunday
"The shop is open until 9 PM."
"I'll wait till you return."
FROM...TO Used for:
Expresses a range with clear start and end points. Examples: from 9 to 5, from Monday to Friday. Shows complete time spans.
Starting and ending points Sentences:
"The meeting runs from 2 to 4 PM."
"I work from Monday to Friday."
• The office is open from 9 AM to 5 PM
I work from Monday to Friday
The semester runs from August to December
She exercises from dawn to dusk
BETWEEN Used for:
Used for time ranges with two specific points. Examples: between 2 and 4 PM, between Monday and Friday. Shows time spans with clear boundaries.
Time periods with two points Sentences:
The doctor is available between 2 PM and 4 PM
Let's meet between breakfast and lunch
Most people work between 9 and 5
The show runs between July and September
"The doctor is available between 9 AM and 5 PM."
"Call me between lunch and dinner."
THROUGHOUT Used for:
Indicates something happening during an entire period. Examples: throughout the day, throughout the year. Emphasizes continuous action.
During entire period Sentences:
"The noise continued throughout the night."
It rained throughout the night
We traveled throughout the year
Music played throughout the party
She remained calm throughout the crisis
"They traveled throughout the year."
WITHIN Used for:
Shows a maximum time limit. Examples: within an hour, within a week. Indicates something will happen before the end of a period.
Inside a time limit Sentences:
"Please respond within 24 hours."
The package will arrive within three days
Please respond within 24 hours
The project must be completed within a month
Results will be announced within a week
"The package will arrive within a week."
AROUND/ABOUT Used for:
Used for approximate times: "I'll be there around noon," "The party starts about 8 PM," "The train arrives around evening." Best for inexact times when precision isn't necessary.
Approximate time Sentences:
"I'll be there around noon."
I'll be home around 6:00 PM
The movie starts about midnight
We left about noon
The train arrives around evening
"The party starts about 8 PM."
These prepositions indicate when something happens.
at: Used for precise times.
Example: The meeting is at 3 PM.
Explanation: The meeting occurs at a specific time.
on: Used for days and dates.
Example: We will meet on Monday.
Explanation: The meeting is scheduled for a specific day.
in: Used for months, years, and longer periods.
Example: She was born in 1990.
Explanation: The birth occurred during the year 1990.
before: Indicates something happens earlier than another event.
Example: I will finish my work before dinner.
Explanation: The work will be completed prior to the dinner.
after: Indicates something happens later than another event.
Example: We will go for a walk after lunch.
Explanation: The walk will occur following lunch.
Important Notes:
Some prepositions can be interchangeable depending on context
American and British English might use different prepositions for the same situation
Some time expressions don't need prepositions (last week, next month, this year)
The choice of preposition can change the meaning significantly
Some verbs require specific prepositions of time
Remember: The correct use of time prepositions helps to communicate when events happen clearly and precisely.
TO
Usage: Indicates movement toward a destination
• I'm going to the store
• She walked to school
• The bird flew to its nest
Explanation: Shows direct movement toward a specific destination
FROM
Usage: Indicates starting point of movement Examples:
• He drove from Los Angeles to New York
• The letter came from Paris
• She moved from her old apartment
Explanation: Shows origin or starting point of movement
TOWARD(S)
Usage: Shows movement in the direction of something
• The ship sailed towards the horizon
• We walked toward the beach
• The storm is moving toward the coast
Explanation: Indicates direction but doesn't necessarily mean reaching the destination
THROUGH
Usage: Indicates movement within or across something
• We drove through the tunnel
• The river flows through the valley
• She walked through the door
Explanation: Shows movement from one side to another side of something
INTO
Usage: Shows movement entering something
• He jumped into the pool
• Put the groceries into the bag
• The car crashed into the wall
Explanation: Indicates movement from outside to inside
OUT OF
Usage: Shows movement exiting something
• She walked out of the building
• Take the books out of the box
• The cat jumped out of the window
Explanation: Indicates movement from inside to outside
ACROSS
Usage: Shows movement from one side to another
• We walked across the bridge
• The duck swam across the pond
• She ran across the street
Explanation: Indicates movement from one side to the opposite side
ALONG
Usage: Shows movement following a line or path
• We walked along the beach
• The train runs along the coast
• They strolled along the river
Explanation: Indicates movement following a path or line
AROUND
Usage: Shows circular movement or movement encircling something
• We drove around the city
• The Earth revolves around the Sun
• They walked around the park
Explanation: Indicates circular movement or movement encircling something
UP
Usage: Shows movement to a higher position
• He climbed up the stairs
• The balloon floated up into the sky
• Walk up the hill
Explanation: Indicates upward movement
DOWN
Usage: Shows movement to a lower position
• She walked down the street
• The ball rolled down the hill
• Look down at the ground
Explanation: Indicates downward movement
PAST
Usage: Shows movement beyond or by something
• We walked past the museum
• The car drove past our house
• He ran past the finish line
Explanation: Indicates movement beyond a specific point
Usage: Shows movement above and across something
• The plane flew over the city
• Jump over the fence
• The bird flew over the tree
Explanation: Indicates movement across something from above
Usage: Shows movement beneath something
• The cat crawled under the bed
• We swam under the bridge
• The mouse ran under the cabinet
Explanation: Indicates movement below something
These prepositions indicate movement towards something.
to: Indicates movement towards a destination.
Example: She walked to the store.
Explanation: She moved in the direction of the store.
into: Indicates movement from outside to a point inside.
Example: He jumped into the pool.
Explanation: He moved from outside to inside the pool.
towards: Indicates movement in the direction of something.
Example: The dog ran towards the park.
Explanation: The dog moved in the direction of the park.
through: Indicates movement from one side to the other.
Example: The train passed through the tunnel.
Explanation: The train moved from one end of the tunnel to the other.
across: Indicates movement from one side to the other side of something.
Example: She walked across the street.
Explanation: She moved from one side of the street to the other.
Combining Prepositions:
Sometimes multiple prepositions can be used together: "The cat ran out from under the table" "We walked down toward the beach"
Context Matters:
Some prepositions can indicate both direction and position
The meaning changes based on the verb used
Movement vs. Position:
Many directional prepositions can also be used to show position
The verb determines whether it's showing movement or position
With Verbs of Motion:
Common verbs used with directional prepositions: go, come, walk, run, fly, drive, move, travel
Cultural Differences:
Some prepositions might be used differently in different English-speaking countries
American and British English sometimes use different prepositions
Remember: The choice of directional preposition depends on:
The type of movement
The starting point
The destination
The path of movement
The relationship between objects during movement
PREPOSITIONS OF MANNER (How something is done)
WITH
Usage: Shows the use of something or accompaniment
• She cut the paper with scissors
• He wrote with a pen
• They spoke with enthusiasm
Explanation: Indicates the tool, method, or attitude used to perform an action
WITHOUT
Usage: Shows the absence of something in doing an action
• He left without saying goodbye
• She completed the task without help
• They walked without making any noise
Explanation: Shows that something is done while lacking or excluding something
BY
Usage: Indicates the method or means of doing something
• We traveled by train
• The message was sent by email
• The house was built by workers
Explanation: Shows how something is accomplished or the means used
Usage: Describes the way or manner something is done
• They spoke in whispers
• She answered in French
• He replied in anger
Explanation: Indicates the style or manner of an action
LIKE
Usage: Shows similarity in manner
• She dances like a professional
• He speaks like a native speaker
• The child behaves like an adult
Explanation: Used to compare how something is done
Usage: Indicates the means or method of achieving something
• He succeeded through hard work
• We learned through experience
• She got the job through networking
Explanation: Shows the method or means that leads to a result
AS
Usage: Indicates capacity or function
• She worked as a teacher
• He served as chairman
• The umbrella was used as a shield
Explanation: Shows the role or capacity in which something is done
Usage: Shows the method or device used
• We talked on the phone
• She paid on credit
• He arrived on foot
Explanation: Indicates the means or method of doing something
Usage: Shows the speed or rate of something
• They drove at high speed
• He works at a steady pace
• She types at 60 words per minute
Explanation: Indicates the rate or speed of an action
IN TERMS OF
Usage: Refers to the way something is considered or measured
• In terms of quality, this is excellent
• The project succeeded in terms of timing
• In terms of cost, it was expensive
Explanation: Shows the aspect or perspective being considered
These prepositions describe how something is done.
by: Indicates the means of doing something.
Example: She traveled by train.
Explanation: The mode of travel was the train.
with: Indicates the instrument used.
Example: He wrote the letter with a pen.
Explanation: The pen was the instrument used for writing.
like: Indicates similarity.
Example: She sings like a professional.
Explanation: Her singing is similar to that of a professional singer.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Combining with Other Prepositions • Manner prepositions often work with other types: "She walked with grace through the room" "He spoke without fear in public"
Context Importance • The same preposition can have different meanings • Context determines if it's showing manner or something else
Common Patterns • Manner + Action combinations:
with care
in style
by chance
without effort
Fixed Expressions • Some manner expressions are fixed:
in detail
by accident
with pleasure
in a hurry
Using Manner Prepositions Remember to consider: • What action is being performed • How it's being done • What tools or methods are involved • The attitude or style of the action
Style and Register • Some expressions are more formal than others • Choose based on context: Formal: "with precision" Informal: "like this"
Common Verbs Used with Manner Prepositions: • Speak (with confidence) • Work (with dedication) • Move (with grace) • Act (with kindness) • Respond (in anger) • Proceed (with caution)
These prepositions help describe HOW actions are performed, making our communication more precise and expressive.
FOR
Usage: Shows purpose or intended use
• She went to the store for bread
• I study for success
• This pen is for writing
Explanation: Indicates the goal, purpose, or intended result
BECAUSE OF
Usage: Indicates direct reason or cause
• We stayed home because of the rain
• He was late because of traffic
• The flight was canceled because of bad weather
Explanation: Shows direct causation or reason for something
DUE TO
Usage: Similar to 'because of', more formal
• The delay was due to technical problems
• The accident occurred due to poor visibility
• Classes were canceled due to snow
Explanation: Indicates formal or official reasons for something
OWING TO
Usage: Formal alternative to 'because of'
• Owing to illness, she couldn't attend
• The meeting was postponed owing to unforeseen circumstances
• The project failed owing to lack of funds
Explanation: Used in formal contexts to explain reasons
IN ORDER TO
Usage: Shows clear purpose or intention
• He exercises in order to stay healthy
• She studies hard in order to pass the exam
• We left early in order to avoid traffic
Explanation: Explicitly states the purpose of an action
SO AS TO
Usage: Formal way to express purpose
• He spoke quietly so as to not wake the baby
• She took notes so as to remember everything
• They arrived early so as to get good seats
Explanation: Shows deliberate purpose, often used in formal contexts
WITH THE AIM OF
Usage: Expresses specific purpose or goal
• She practiced with the aim of winning
• They invested with the aim of making profit
• He studied with the aim of becoming a doctor
Explanation: Shows clear, targeted purpose
ON ACCOUNT OF
Usage: Indicates reason or cause
• The game was canceled on account of rain
• He left early on account of illness
• She succeeded on account of her hard work
Explanation: Shows reason or explanation for something
Usage: Shows origin of reason
• He was tired from working all day
• She was sore from exercising
• The floor was wet from the rain
Explanation: Indicates cause originating from an action or event
Usage: Shows means by which something happens
• He succeeded through determination
• She learned through experience
• They won through teamwork
Explanation: Indicates the means or method leading to a result
Usage: Shows motivation or emotional reason
• She helped out of kindness
• He did it out of fear
• They participated out of curiosity
Explanation: Shows emotional or internal motivation
FOR THE SAKE OF
Usage: Shows purpose benefiting someone/something
• He worked hard for the sake of his family
• She stayed quiet for the sake of peace
• They compromised for the sake of harmony
Explanation: Indicates purpose benefiting others or a situation
These prepositions indicate the reason for an action.
for: Indicates the purpose of something.
Example: This gift is for you.
Explanation: The purpose of the gift is to give it to you.
because of: Indicates the reason for something.
Example: The game was canceled because of the rain.
Explanation: The rain was the reason for the cancellation.
due to: Similar to "because of," indicating a reason.
Example: The flight was delayed due to bad weather.
Explanation: Bad weather was the reason for the delay.
in order to: Indicates purpose.
Example: She studies hard in order to pass the exam.
Explanation: The purpose of studying hard is to pass the exam.
so as to: Similar to "in order to," indicating purpose.
Example: He left early so as to avoid traffic.
Explanation: The purpose of leaving early is to avoid traffic.
Combining Purpose and Reason • Multiple prepositions can work together: "He left early because of traffic in order to arrive on time"
Formal vs. Informal Usage • Formal contexts: due to, owing to, in order to • Informal contexts: for, because of
Common Patterns • Purpose patterns:
in order to + verb
for the purpose of + noun/gerund
with the aim of + gerund
When to Use Each Type • Reason (explaining why): because of, due to, owing to • Purpose (showing goal): for, in order to, so as to
Key Differences • Reason prepositions explain why something happened • Purpose prepositions show the intended result
Common Contexts • Academic writing: due to, owing to, in order to • Daily conversation: for, because of • Business communication: with the aim of, for the purpose of
Structure Rules Remember: • Some require gerunds (with the aim of working) • Some require infinitives (in order to work) • Some take nouns (because of the rain)
These prepositions help express WHY actions are taken or WHAT they are intended to achieve, making our communication clearer and more purposeful.
PREPOSITIONS OF INSTRUMENT (Tools or means used to accomplish something)
Usage: Most common preposition for showing tools/instruments
• She cut the cake with a knife
• They opened the door with a key
Explanation: Shows the tool or instrument used to perform an action
Usage: Shows means or method, especially with processes
• The letter was sent by mail
• We traveled by car
• The house was cleaned by machine
Explanation: Indicates the means or method used to accomplish something
USING
Usage: Directly indicates the tool or method
• He fixed the computer using special tools
• She painted the wall using a roller
• They measured the distance using GPS
Explanation: Explicitly states what instrument or tool is being used
Usage: Shows means, especially with abstract concepts
• Success came through hard work
• They communicated through signals
• Learning happened through practice
Explanation: Indicates the means by which something is accomplished
BY MEANS OF
Usage: Formal way to indicate instrument or method
• The data was collected by means of surveys
• They lifted the beam by means of a crane
• Communication occurred by means of sign language
Explanation: Formal expression showing the tool or method used
VIA
Usage: Shows medium or channel, especially in communication
• The message was sent via email
• They connected via internet
• Orders are processed via computer
Explanation: Indicates the medium through which something is done
Usage: Shows technology or devices used
• She called me on the phone
• He watched the show on television
• They played music on the radio
Explanation: Used specifically with technological devices or media
Usage: Similar to 'on' for communication devices
• We talked over the phone
• The announcement came over the loudspeaker
• They discussed it over Skype
Explanation: Often used with communication methods
These prepositions indicate the instrument used to perform an action.
by: Indicates the means or method.
Example: The book was written by a famous author.
Explanation: The famous author is the one who wrote the book.
with: Indicates the tool or instrument used.
Example: She cut the paper with scissors.
Explanation: Scissors were the tool used for cutting.
7. Prepositions of Comparison
These prepositions indicate similarity or comparison.
Example: He runs like the wind.
Explanation: His running is similar to the speed of the wind.
as: Used to compare qualities.
Example: She works as a teacher.
Explanation: Her job or role is that of a teacher.
Common Combinations • Physical tools: with, using
Cut with scissors
Write with a pen
Paint using a brush
Technology and Communication • Electronic means: by, via, on, over
Send by email
Connect via internet
Talk on/over the phone
Formal vs Informal Usage Formal:
By means of
Through the use of
Via
Informal:
With
Using
By
Context-Specific Usage • Scientific/Technical:
• Everyday situations:
On
Key Distinctions • Physical tools typically use "with" • Methods often use "by" • Electronic means can use "via" or "through"
Common Patterns Tools and Instruments: • Physical tools: with a [tool] • Digital tools: using [software/app] • Methods: by [method]
Usage Tips: Remember to consider: • Type of instrument (physical vs. digital) • Formality of context • Whether it's a tool or method • Communication vs. physical action
Special Cases • Some verbs have preferred prepositions:
Write with (a pen)
Travel by (car)
Connect via (internet)
Communicate through (email)
Multiple Instruments When using multiple instruments, maintain consistency: • Correct: "She wrote with a pen and with a pencil" • Also correct: "She wrote using a pen and pencil"
Common Mistakes to Avoid • Don't mix instrument prepositions:
Incorrect: "Write by a pen"
Correct: "Write with a pen"
These prepositions help specify HOW something is done and WHAT TOOLS are used, making our descriptions more precise and clear.
PREPOSITIONS OF AGENCY (Who or what performs an action)
Usage: Most common preposition showing who performs an action
• The novel was written by Stephen King
• The painting was created by Picasso
• The house was built by local contractors
Explanation: Shows who/what is responsible for an action, especially in passive voice
Usage: Shows intermediate agency or channel
• The deal was arranged through an agent
• We booked the tickets through the website
• The message was delivered through a courier
Explanation: Indicates an intermediary agent or medium
Usage: Shows collaboration or assistance
• The project was completed with our partners
• The research was conducted with experts
• The film was produced with leading studios
Explanation: Indicates partnership or collaborative agency
Usage: Shows means or channel, especially in formal contexts
• The complaint was submitted via the HR department
• Orders are processed via our online system
• Communication is maintained via official channels
Explanation: Formal way to indicate the channel or means of agency
Usage: Shows authority or supervision
• The work was done under professional supervision
• The study was conducted under Dr. Smith
• The project proceeded under new management
Explanation: Indicates authority or supervisory agency
ON BEHALF OF
Usage: Shows representation or acting for someone Examples:
• The document was signed on behalf of the CEO
• The speech was delivered on behalf of the president
• The donation was made on behalf of the organization
Explanation: Indicates someone acting as an agent for another
PER
Usage: According to or through (formal)
• Changes were made per management's instructions
• The procedure was followed per company policy
• Actions were taken per legal requirements
Explanation: Formal way to show agency through authority or protocol
These prepositions indicate the agent performing an action.
by: Indicates the doer of an action.
Example: The song was sung by the choir.
Explanation: The choir is the agent that performed the action of singing.
Passive Voice Construction • Most common with passive voice sentences • Structure: Subject + be + past participle + preposition + agent Example:
"The letter was written by John"
"The movie was directed by Spielberg"
Per
On behalf of
Through
Types of Agents • Human agents:
Individual people
Groups
Organizations
• Non-human agents:
Natural forces
Machines
Systems
Common Contexts Business: • On behalf of the company • Through our representatives • Via proper channels
Academic: • By researchers • Under supervision • Through experimentation
Legal: • Per regulations • By authority • Through legal counsel
Key Distinctions
Direct Agency (BY): • Shows direct responsibility • Clear performer of action Example: "Written by the author"
Indirect Agency (THROUGH): • Shows intermediate channel • Indicates medium or intermediary Example: "Delivered through courier service"
Collaborative Agency (WITH): • Shows joint effort • Indicates partnership Example: "Developed with experts"
Usage Guidelines
Choose based on: • Level of formality • Directness of agency • Type of action • Context of communication
Common Patterns
Active Voice: • [Agent] + action verb Example: "The artist painted the picture"
Passive Voice: • [Object] + was/were + past participle + by/through + [agent] Example: "The picture was painted by the artist"
Special Considerations
• Multiple Agents:
"The project was completed by the team with consultants"
"Research conducted through universities under government supervision"
• Chain of Agency:
"Orders processed by staff through the system via automated tools"
• Authority Levels:
"Work performed by employees under management through approved channels"
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Don't confuse agency with instrument: Incorrect: "Written by a pen" Correct: "Written with a pen by an author"
• Don't mix agency prepositions unnecessarily: Incorrect: "By through the agency" Correct: "Through the agency" or "By the agency"
These prepositions help clarify WHO or WHAT is responsible for an action, making accountability and process clear in communication.
Last changed21 days ago