English grammar: Prepositions of place

What this grammar point covers

Prepositions of place are words we use in English to show where something or someone is. They help us describe the location or position of people and things.

When to use it

Use prepositions of place to say where something or someone is. For example, you can talk about the position of objects, people, or buildings.

Key forms

• in
• on
• under
• next to
• between
• behind
• in front of

Examples

Tips

• Remember, 'in' is for inside something, 'on' is for a surface, and 'under' means below.
• Don't confuse 'next to' (very close) with 'between' (in the middle of two things).
• Some places use special prepositions, for example: 'at home', 'at school'.

Exceptions and edge cases

• Some phrases use different prepositions, like 'at the cinema', not 'in the cinema'.