Prepositions are small words, but they play a significant role in the English language, especially when it comes to describing daily routines. These words help indicate relationships between different elements in a sentence, such as time, place, direction, and more. Mastering prepositions can greatly enhance your fluency and understanding of English. In this article, we will explore the various prepositions commonly used in daily routines and how to use them correctly.
Prepositions of Time
Prepositions of time are used to indicate when something happens. They answer questions like “When?” and “For how long?”
At, On, and In
These three prepositions are often confusing for learners, but they each have specific uses:
– **At**: Used for specific points in time.
– I wake up at 7 AM.
– She has a meeting at noon.
– **On**: Used for days and dates.
– I go to the gym on Mondays.
– Her birthday is on July 15th.
– **In**: Used for longer periods of time such as months, years, seasons, and parts of the day.
– We go skiing in winter.
– He was born in 1990.
– I like to read in the evening.
During and Throughout
These prepositions indicate a period of time in which something happens.
– **During**: Used to say when something happens within a certain period.
– I study during the night.
– She was very productive during the meeting.
– **Throughout**: Used to indicate that something happens continuously over a period of time.
– He was busy throughout the day.
– The baby cried throughout the night.
Prepositions of Place
Prepositions of place help us to understand where something is located. They answer questions like “Where?”
At, On, and In
These prepositions are also used to indicate place, and they have specific uses as well:
– **At**: Used to indicate a specific point or location.
– I am at the bus stop.
– She is at the office.
– **On**: Used to indicate a surface.
– The book is on the table.
– There is a picture on the wall.
– **In**: Used to indicate an enclosed space.
– The keys are in the drawer.
– She lives in New York.
Between, Among, and Next to
These prepositions help to describe relative positions.
– **Between**: Used when something is in the middle of two points.
– The pharmacy is between the bank and the grocery store.
– She sat between her friends.
– **Among**: Used when something is in the middle of more than two points.
– He is popular among his classmates.
– There was a snake among the rocks.
– **Next to**: Used to indicate that something is beside another thing.
– The lamp is next to the bed.
– The dog is sitting next to its owner.
Prepositions of Direction
Prepositions of direction show movement from one place to another. They answer questions like “Where to?” or “Where from?”
To, Into, and Onto
These prepositions are used to indicate motion toward a place.
– **To**: Used to indicate movement toward a specific place.
– She is going to the market.
– We walked to the park.
– **Into**: Used to indicate movement from outside to a point inside.
– He jumped into the pool.
– She walked into the room.
– **Onto**: Used to indicate movement toward a surface.
– The cat jumped onto the table.
– He climbed onto the roof.
From and Out of
These prepositions indicate the origin of movement.
– **From**: Used to indicate the starting point of a movement.
– She came from the store.
– He is traveling from Paris.
– **Out of**: Used to indicate movement from inside to outside.
– He ran out of the house.
– She took the book out of her bag.
Common Prepositions in Daily Routines
Let’s take a look at how prepositions are used in common daily routines. This will help you to see them in context and understand their usage better.
Morning Routine
– **At** 6:00 AM, my alarm goes off.
– I get out **of** bed and head **to** the bathroom.
– I brush my teeth **with** a new toothbrush.
– **After** brushing my teeth, I take a shower.
– I get dressed and go **downstairs** for breakfast.
– I sit **at** the dining table and eat my meal.
– **During** breakfast, I like to read the news **on** my tablet.
Going to Work or School
– I leave the house **at** 8:00 AM.
– I walk **to** the bus stop.
– **On** the bus, I listen **to** music.
– I arrive **at** work **by** 9:00 AM.
– I sit **at** my desk and start my computer.
– I work **on** various projects **throughout** the day.
– I have lunch **with** my colleagues **at** noon.
Evening Routine
– I leave work **at** 5:00 PM and head **home**.
– **After** arriving home, I like to relax **for** a while.
– I prepare dinner **in** the kitchen.
– I usually watch TV **after** dinner.
– **Before** going **to** bed, I read a book.
– I go **to** bed **at** 10:00 PM.
Common Mistakes and Tips
Mistake: Using “In” Instead of “At” for Specific Times
Incorrect: I wake up **in** 7 AM.
Correct: I wake up **at** 7 AM.
**Tip**: Use “at” for specific times.
Mistake: Using “On” Instead of “In” for Months
Incorrect: I was born **on** July.
Correct: I was born **in** July.
**Tip**: Use “in” for months, years, and seasons.
Mistake: Using “At” Instead of “In” for Enclosed Spaces
Incorrect: The keys are **at** the drawer.
Correct: The keys are **in** the drawer.
**Tip**: Use “in” for enclosed spaces.
Mistake: Using “In” Instead of “On” for Surfaces
Incorrect: The book is **in** the table.
Correct: The book is **on** the table.
**Tip**: Use “on” for surfaces.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the Blanks
1. I will meet you ____ 5 PM.
2. She was born ____ December.
3. The cat is sitting ____ the chair.
4. We are going ____ the beach tomorrow.
5. He jumped ____ the pool.
Answers
1. at
2. in
3. on
4. to
5. into
Sentence Correction
Incorrect sentences are given below. Correct them by choosing the right preposition.
1. She arrived in the office at 9 AM.
2. He put the book in the table.
3. We are meeting on Monday evening.
4. The keys are at the drawer.
5. He walked in the room.
Corrected Sentences
1. She arrived **at** the office at 9 AM.
2. He put the book **on** the table.
3. We are meeting **on** Monday evening.
4. The keys are **in** the drawer.
5. He walked **into** the room.
Conclusion
Prepositions are a fundamental part of English grammar and are crucial for describing daily routines. Understanding how to use prepositions correctly can significantly improve your fluency and comprehension. The key is to practice regularly and pay attention to how native speakers use these small but essential words. By incorporating the right prepositions into your daily conversations and writing, you’ll find yourself becoming more confident and accurate in your use of the English language.