Prepositions of place and movement
Say where things are and how people move: in, on, at, above, below, and into, out of, across, through, along.
In this lesson you will
- Use prepositions of place
- Use prepositions of movement
- Give simple directions using them
Learn
Place: in (inside), on (surface), at (a point/place of activity), above/over, below/under, next to, between, opposite, behind, in front of, near.
Movement: into (enter), out of (exit), onto, off, up, down, across (from one side to the other of a flat area), through (inside something, e.g. a tunnel or forest), along (following a line), past (by and beyond), over (above and to the other side), around.
Transport: get in/out of a car or taxi; get on/off a bus, train, plane or bike.
Use them for directions: Go along the river, across the bridge and through the park.
Examples
- The cat jumped onto the table.
- We walked through the forest.
- She swam across the lake.
- Get off the bus at the next stop.
Vocabulary
across
from one side to the other
through
from one end to the other, inside
along
following the length of
past
by and beyond
“Go past the bank.”
opposite
facing, on the other side
Practice
He walked ___ the room and closed the door.
Speaking
Describe your journey from home to work or school, using at least six prepositions of movement.
Writing
Write directions for a walk in your town or a park (60–80 words) using prepositions of place and movement.
Lesson quiz
The plane flew ___ the mountains.
Review
Key points
- Place: in, on, at, above, below, next to, opposite…
- Movement: into, out of, across, through, along, past, over.
- get in/out of a car; get on/off a bus.
What you learned
- ✓ I can say where things are.
- ✓ I can describe movement.
- ✓ I can give directions.
Grammar reference: Prepositions of place