THE OBJECT

OF THE

PREPOSITION

Recognize an object of the preposition when you see one.

Prepositions often begin prepositional phrases. To complete the phrase, the
preposition usually teams up with a noun, pronoun, or gerund, or theobject of the
preposition. Here are some examples:
At noon
At = preposition; noon = noun or the object of the preposition.
Behind them
Behind = preposition; them = pronoun or the object of the preposition.
Without sneezing
Without = preposition; sneezing = gerund or the object of the preposition.
The object of the preposition will often have modifiers that add description:
At the kitchen counter
At = preposition; the, kitchen = modifiers; counter = noun or theobject of the
preposition.
Between us only
Between = preposition; us = pronoun or the object of the preposition;only =
modifier.

W i t h o u t c o m p l e t e l y fi n i s h i n g
Without = preposition; completely = modifier; finishing = gerund or the object of
the preposition.
Infrequently, a clause will be the object of the preposition, as in this example:
I n c l a s s t o d a y, w e t a l ke d a b o u t w h a t M r. D u n c a n ex p e c t s i n o u r
next research essay .
About = preposition; what Mr. Duncan expects in our next research essay =
noun clause or the object of the preposition.

Prepositions that are usually used when indicating

time and location.
As defined by thefreedictionary.com, a preposition is a word or phrase placed typically before a
substantive and indicating the relation of that substantive to a verb, an adjective, or another substantive.
Examples of prepositions include at, in, on, in regard to, and from.
One of the most common mistakes in the IELTS is the improper use of prepositions in the writing and
speaking exams. To minimize and eventually avoid getting this kind of mistake, lets take a good look on
how to use prepositions on our essays and speaking exam. Given focus on this article are the prepositions
that are usually used when indicating time and location.
When Indicating TIME
General (IN)

The preposition in must be used when you are indicating time in general. For example:
centuries (the 1800s)
decades (the 80s)
years (1970, 1980)
months (July, April)
weeks (2 weeks)
Example sentences:

Inflation rate was very high in April and June.

The board of directors has decided that a brand ambassador will be introduced in two weeks time.
More Specific (ON)
The preposition on must be used when the time is more specific. When it is more specific, the date is
indicated, like:

Days (Monday, Friday)

Weekend
April 1, 2000
Example sentences:
Paolo will visit the cemetery on Sunday.
Trecia and Celine have decided to watch a movie on April 2, 2009.
Very Specific (AT)

When you are indicating an hour, the preposition at must be used.

9am
Two oclock
6pm
Example sentences:
Christine wants to meet April at two oclock.
The final game for UPs volleyball tournament will start at 6pm.
When Indicating LOCATION
Same principle can be applied when using prepositions to indicate a location or a place.
General (IN)
When you are indicating countries, cities, and neighborhood in your sentences, dont forget to use the
preposition in.

Country (Prague)
City (Cebu City)

Neighborhood (Chinatown)
Example sentences:
The Sinulog festival is one of the most popular events in Cebu City.
The cheapest clothes and bags are in Chinatown.
Very Specific (ON)
Use the on preposition when you stating:

Streets (Oxford Street)

Avenue (Jones Avenue)
Example sentences:
The Davao office of JRooz Review Center Inc. is located on Bonifacio Street.
Nelly bought her bag on Jones Avenue.

Very Specific (AT)

Address (143 Elmer Street)
Specific location (the store)
Example sentences:
Katniss lives at 143 Seam, District 12, Panem.
James and Peter will meet at Gerrys Grill to celebrate Georges birthday.
The article was based on the infographic at http://www.help2say.com/questions/1091/when-to-useprepositions-in-on-at.