Prepositions (Grade 12 NSC Matric English FAL): Revision Notes
Prepositions
What is a preposition?
A preposition is a connecting word that links nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other parts of a sentence. Think of prepositions as bridges that help show how different words relate to each other in meaningful ways.
These small but important words help us understand various relationships in sentences, including:
- Time - when something happens
- Place - where something is located
- Direction - which way something moves
- Position - how things are positioned relative to each other
- Possession - what belongs to whom
Basic Examples of Prepositions in Action:
- The cat is on the chair. (position)
- We arrived after lunch. (time)
- The books belong to Sarah. (possession)
Prepositions are essential for creating clear, meaningful sentences. Without them, we would struggle to express relationships between different parts of our ideas.
Types of prepositions
1. Possession prepositions
These prepositions show ownership or belonging between different elements in a sentence. They help us understand what belongs to whom or what is associated with what.
Key examples:
- The ending of the movie (shows what belongs to the movie)
- The keys to the car (shows what belongs to the car)
2. Time prepositions
Time prepositions tell us when something happens. They help establish the timing or sequence of events in our sentences.
Key examples:
- Two days before the weekend (shows when something occurs relative to the weekend)
- The meeting starts at 9 a.m. (shows the specific time)
3. Direction prepositions
These prepositions indicate movement either towards something or away from it. They show the path or direction of motion.
Key examples:
- He ran towards the taxi rank (movement in a specific direction)
- She walked into the room (movement from outside to inside)
4. Position prepositions
Position prepositions describe exactly where something is located in relation to something else. They give us spatial information about objects and people.
Key examples:
- She is under the table (shows position below something)
- The dog sat beside its owner (shows position next to something)
5. Place prepositions
Place prepositions identify specific locations where actions occur or where things are situated. They help establish the setting or location.
Key examples:
- The shoes beneath the bed (specific location)
- The children played outside the house (specific area)
Remember the five types with this memory aid: Possession, Time, Direction, Position, Place - "Please Take Direction Positively Please"
Common errors and correct usage
Choosing the correct preposition
Many students struggle with selecting the right preposition, especially when similar prepositions have different meanings depending on context.
Common Mistake to Avoid:
❌ Incorrect: The guards had to appear before court. ✅ Correct: The guards had to appear in court.
Why this matters: "Before court" suggests standing in front of the court building, whilst "in court" means being inside the courtroom for proceedings. The context determines which preposition creates the intended meaning.
Fixing prepositional errors
Another frequent error involves confusing prepositions that look or sound similar but have different functions.
Worked Example: "On to" vs "Onto"
❌ Incorrect: He will go onto attend university. ✅ Correct: He will go on to attend university.
The difference: "On to" indicates progression or continuation to the next stage, whilst "onto" shows physical movement towards a surface. Understanding this distinction helps you choose correctly.
Completing sentences with prepositions
When writing, ensure your prepositions create clear, logical relationships between sentence elements.
Example: Research has shown that a diet without meat is associated with a lower risk of disease.
The preposition "with" here connects the diet to its associated outcome, creating a clear relationship between cause and effect.
Always check that your chosen preposition creates the exact relationship you intend to express. Reading your sentence aloud can help you identify whether it sounds natural and makes logical sense.
Exam tips
Essential Exam Strategies:
- Read carefully: Context usually tells you which preposition fits best
- Practice common pairs: Learn the difference between similar prepositions like "in/on", "to/for", "before/in front of"
- Check relationships: Make sure your preposition creates the relationship you intend
- Learn set phrases: Some prepositions work with specific words (e.g., "interested in", "good at")
Key Points to Remember:
- Prepositions are linking words that connect nouns, pronouns, and phrases to show relationships
- The five main types are possession, time, direction, position, and place
- Context determines which preposition is correct - "before court" and "in court" mean different things
- "On to" shows progression whilst "onto" shows movement to a surface
- Always check that your preposition creates the exact relationship you want to express