• IELTS

Mastering Prepositions for IELTS Success

6185 Reads
3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Aug 31,2023 03:06 PM IST

Prepositions are used in almost every sentence and are considered a complex topic in English grammar. It shows the relationship between the words in the sentence as well as the word that is the object of a preposition. Read the blog to learn some important prepositions for IELTS and their uses.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the popular English proficiency tests accepted by most colleges, universities, and other authorities worldwide. Grammar, especially the use of prepositions in IELTS, plays a vital role in assessing an individual’s language ability.

Prepositions can be used to show location, direction, time, purpose, and relationship. Some common prepositions include in, on, at, to, for, of, with, by, from, and about. It is important to use prepositions correctly in order to communicate effectively in IELTS.

Introduction to Prepositions

Prepositions are words that showcase the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word in a sentence. Prepositions usually come before nouns or pronouns, but they can also come before verbs or adjectives.

Here are some examples of prepositions:

• in

• on

• at

• to

• from

• of

• with

• by

• for

• about

Prepositions can be used to show:

• Direction: The preposition "to" can be used to show direction.

• Time: The preposition "at" can be used to show time.

• Place: The preposition "in" can be used to show place.

• Relationship: The preposition "of" can be used to show a relationship.

Prepositions are complex but an important part of grammar for IELTS exam.

Prepositions and adverbs

Prepositions and adverbs have no difference in their forms but in their uses: a preposition has an object, but an adverb does not.

• Prepositions show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word in a sentence.

• Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, or entire sentences. They typically answer the questions "how," "when," "where," "why," or "to what extent."

Guidelines for Using Prepositions in IELTS

Prepositions for Position

Vertical position: above, after, below, beneath, down, on, on top of, over, under, underneath, up. The prepositions above and over are often interchangeable, as are the prepositions below and under. However, there are some specific cases where one preposition is preferred over the other.

• Over is used to indicate horizontal movement, and under is used to indicate a quantity that is less than another quantity.

• Prepositions like above or below are used to talk about level or rank.

• Beneath is usually used in idiomatic phrases.

Horizontal position: against, along, alongside, around, at, beside, between, by, in, near, next to, on, on the left or right of

• At is used to indicate a point in space.

• On indicates a surface or a line.

• In is used to indicate something that surrounds it.

Facing relationships: across, after, before, behind, facing, in front of, opposite, over

• The prepositions in front of and behind are often used to describe the spatial relationship between two things that are on a line and facing the same way. These prepositions can also be used in a metaphorical sense.

• The prepositions before and after can also be used to describe the position of two things on a line, but they have a slightly different meaning. The preposition before is used to indicate that something is in front of something else but not necessarily facing the same way.

• The prepositions opposite, facing, across, and over all have the meaning of "on the other side of."

• The difference between opposite and facing is that the items on the "line" are not facing in the same direction, as in the diagram above, but are facing each other.

Prepositions for Movements and Directions

• Vertical movement: down (to), off, on, onto, over, up (to).

• Passing movement: across, along, down, over, past, through, up.

• Movement in one direction—around, at, away from, down, down to, from, into and onto, out of, to, towards, up.

Prepositions for Time

• Point in time—at, in, on.

• Before or after: after, before, by, past.

• Duration: as from/of, between, during, for, from...till/until/up to, in, inside, since, through (out), until/till, up to, within.

Other meanings

• Reason: because of, due to, for, from, out of, owing to, through

• Means: by, by means of, in, via, with

• Purpose: for, towards

• Comparison: Against, as, besides, between, contrary to, than, un (like)

• Inclusion and Exclusion: Among, as well as, besides, between, beyond, inside, instead of, out of, outside, under, within, and without

• Exception: Apart from, barring, but for, except (for), save

• Contrast: Despite, for all, in spite of

• Material: from, of, out of, with

Guidelines to keep in mind while using prepositions for IELTS

Word Groups: The first guidelines to follow for the use of IELTS prepositions are to use them with word groups. The prepositional word groups are:

Verb word groups

When a verb is followed by a sentence, it is usually accompanied by a specific preposition that is always used with that particular verb.

Adjective word groups

Students can use Adjectives in the IELTS exam to describe nouns such as people, places, or things. Adjectives are usually combined with prepositions to connect two nouns or pronouns in a sentence.

Situations: It is important for a candidate to remember the use of prepositions with regard to:

• Time

• Place

• Movement

Preposition Phrases

A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun. It modifies a noun or pronoun in the sentence.

Prepositional phrases can be used to show location, direction, purpose, or relationship. Prepositional phrases can also be used as useful idioms, such as "by the way" and "in the end."

Here are some examples of prepositional phrases:

• In the box

• To the store

• At 10am

• For my coffee

• Of the family

• By the way

• In the end,

Prepositional phrases can be used in a variety of ways to add meaning to applicants sentences. By understanding how to use prepositional phrases correctly, the candidate can ace the IELTS writing task as well as in IELTS speaking.

Additional Tips for Using Prepositions in IELTS

• Candidates must use the right preposition for the meaning they want to convey. For example, they can use the preposition "in" to show that something is inside something else and the preposition "on" to show that something is on top of something else.

• Pay attention to the context of the sentence. The preposition can change depending on the other words in the sentence.

• Consult a dictionary or grammar guide if the candidate is unsure of how to use a preposition. There are many resources available to help one learn the correct usage of prepositions.

Conclusion

Prepositions are of utmost importance in grammar and communication, particularly in the context of IELTS. Acquiring a strong grasp on the use of IELTS prepositions is essential for enhancing both writing and speaking abilities, ultimately leading to better performance in the IELTS examination.

Also read: Mastering Grammar for IELTS : Rules and Guide to follow

FAQ

What are some of the common prepositions used in IELTS writing?

Some common prepositions used in IELTS writing are: in, on, at, to, for, with, by, from, etc.

What are the common mistakes made while using prepositions in IELTS?

Misusing prepositions is a common mistake that leads to confusion and errors in meaning.

Why is grammar important in IELTS?

Grammar is the basis of effective communication. Unsuitable grammar can affect the meaning and clarity of the message.

Are prepositions considered words in IELTS writing?

All words, including small grammar words, are considered when counting the word limit in IELTS writing.

Can prepositions have verbs?

Some multi-word verbs consist of a verb and a preposition and are known as prepositional verbs.

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

Popular Universities to Study Abroad

World class education waiting for you.

University of Kent - Medway Campus

England, UK • 8 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 17000-21500 / year

Saskatchewan Polytechnic - Prince Albert Campus

Saskatchewan, Canada • 24 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 12000-21500 / year

Whitireia and WelTec - Petone Campus

Wellington, New Zealand • 26 Programmes

Tuition Fee : NZD 25000-28000 / year

Drew University

New Jersey, USA • 6 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 0-0 / year

Navitas Group - University of Canberra College

Australian Capital Territory, Australia • 67 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 25500-30500 / year

Mohawk College - Mississauga Campus

Ontario, Canada • 8 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 17500-18000 / year

International School of Management - Munich Campus

Bavaria, Germany • 25 Programmes

Tuition Fee : EUR 11400-11400 / year

University of Dundee - City Campus

Scotland, UK • 303 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 19000-30000 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

University Visit - Mount Allison University

Study in Canada • University Visit

kochi2 • 03:30PM

In-Person Event

University Visit - SRH Hochschule Berlin , Germany

Study in Germany • University Visit

New Delhi • 11:30AM

In-Person Event

University Visit - University Of Windsor

Study in Canada • University Visit

Hyderabad • 11:00AM

In-Person Event

Top countries destinations

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland
Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland
Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales
Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria
Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia
Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland
La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria
LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland
Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland
Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland
Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay
Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland
Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland
New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland
The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

Kent state university Ohio
San Jose State University California
Wright State University Ohio
Clark University Massachusetts
Rowan University New Jersey
Arkansas State University Arkansas
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

IELTS Online

- Live Classes

Blogs and Articles

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

MS in Pharmacy in USA

Have you ever thought about what it takes to break into the world’s largest pharmaceutical market? Generating more than 46% of the global pharmaceut...

Updated on • Jul 17,2025 05:33 PM IST • USA

PTE Accepted Universities in Australia

In recent years, PTE has emerged as one of the alternatives to IELTS to study abroad. Many top study-abroad destinations like USA, UK and New Zealand ...

Updated on • Jul 17,2025 05:09 PM IST • PTE

Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Australia

One of the most asked questions by our Indian students is about the part-time jobs for international students in Australia. Indeed, a part-time job pl...

Updated on • Jul 17,2025 03:44 PM IST • Australia

STEM MBA in USA

STEM MBA may be an odd-sounding combination of courses, but it is fulfilling if pursued. The perfect blend of science and commerce adds to this progra...

Updated on • Jul 12,2025 04:02 PM IST • USA

Highest Paying Jobs in India

Indian parents expect their children to follow a set pattern of going to school, getting into a college and finally pursuing a job. But what are the h...

Updated on • Jul 11,2025 11:32 AM IST • Education

CPT vs OPT: Meaning, Difference, and How to Apply

The USA has always been a popular study destination among international students for its wide variety of courses and post-study work opportuniti...

Updated on • Jul 11,2025 10:40 AM IST • USA

Masters in Computer Science in UK: Top Colleges, Eligibility, Scholarships

The UK is an excellent choice to study a Masters in Computer Science. It is a home to world-renowned institutions offering a high standard of educatio...

Updated on • Jul 10,2025 11:29 AM IST • study in the UK

Highest Paying Jobs in the World

With super-advanced technologies like AI entering every field, the assumptions are high that the job roles that exist today won't exist after some yea...

Updated on • Jul 08,2025 01:40 PM IST • Study Abroad

MBA in Australia for Indian Students: Best Universities, Requirements, Scholarship, Courses, Jobs

Master of Business Administration (MBA) has always been a popular postgraduate degree for Indian students to pursue in order to gain advanced sk...

Updated on • Jul 08,2025 01:35 PM IST • Australia

Canada vs Australia: Which Country is Better for Indian Students in 2025?

Human life is filled with making choices every day. In 10th grade, we choose between arts and commerce, after 12th grade, the college, but those were ...

Updated on • Jul 07,2025 12:46 PM IST • Education

France vs Germany: Which Is Better for International Students?

In 2024, many vintage study destinations, including the Big 4, saw a drop in international enrolment, and this trend continues till this year. This le...

Updated on • Jun 30,2025 05:15 PM IST • Education

Top 10 Agricultural Universities in USA

Agriculture or farming is not merely the growing of crops or taking care of animals, but it’s the largest contributor (27%) to global employment. It...

Updated on • Jun 27,2025 05:25 PM IST • USA

Most In-Demand Future Careers in 2025

The world of work is changing faster than ever. Technology, climate change, aging populations, and space exploration are creating jobs we’ve never s...

Updated on • Jun 26,2025 04:41 PM IST • Education

How Much Do Nurses Make in the U.S.?

Do you also think, “How much is the salary of a nurse in the USA?”. If yes, then you are not alone. Being one of the noblest professions in the wo...

Updated on • Jun 23,2025 03:59 PM IST • USA

Study MBBS in the USA

There are innumerable professions, but a career in MBBS is respected and admired more than any other line of work. Many of us harbour a drea...

Updated on • Jun 21,2025 02:00 PM IST • USA

MBA in UK: Universities, Eligibility, Types, and Career Opportunities

Master of Business Administration from UK is a prestigious academic degree, especially when gained from the UK. Business schools in the UK are well kn...

Updated on • Jun 19,2025 04:09 PM IST • UK • study in the UK

Scholarships in France for Indian Students

Are you planning to study in France but are scared of the expensive tuition fees? But now there is no need to fear because you can take advantage of F...

Updated on • May 29,2025 05:22 PM IST • France

Intakes in Dubai for Indian Students

World-class universities, a multicultural environment and tax-free earnings are some of the benefits that attract Indian students to Dubai. However, i...

Updated on • May 27,2025 03:34 PM IST • Study in Dubai

France Student Visa 2025 – Requirements, Fees, Checklist & Application Process

Imagine this: Today is the day you will sit for your dream job interview. You practised all possible questions, wore formal attire, and collected all ...

Updated on • May 23,2025 03:36 PM IST • France

MBA in France for Indian Students in 2025

MBA is one of the most sought-after master’s programs worldwide. France is increasingly becoming popular as an overseas education destination. The r...

Updated on • May 22,2025 05:35 PM IST • France

Mastering Prepositions for IELTS Success

Table of Contents

Introduction to Prepositions

Prepositions and adverbs

Guidelines for Using Prepositions in IELTS

Prepositions for Position

Prepositions for Movements and Directions

Prepositions for Time

Other meanings

Guidelines to keep in mind while using prepositions for IELTS

Verb word groups

Adjective word groups

Preposition Phrases

Additional Tips for Using Prepositions in IELTS

Conclusion

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland

New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland

The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

University of Warwick England

De Montfort University England

University of West London England

University of Strathclyde Scotland

Aston University England

University of Bath England

University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

Newcastle University England

Kent state university Ohio

San Jose State University California

Wright State University Ohio

Clark University Massachusetts

Rowan University New Jersey

Arkansas State University Arkansas

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois

University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

IELTS Online