Prepositions of Location

Click Here for Audio

The most common prepositions of location are

in
on
at
(See: In, On, At)

by
near
nearby
above
below
over
under
up
down
around
through
inside
outside (of)
between
beside
beyond
in front of
in back of
behind
next to
on top of
within
beneath
underneath
among
along
against

These prepositions are most commonly followed by "the" and a noun.
Both the speaker and the listener likely know which object is being referred to.

Examples,

The keys are on the table. (We both know which table.)
The post office is next to the bakery. (Not: next to bakery)

Occasionally, prepositions can be used with "a/an."
This usually indicates that the speaker knows of the place, but the listener does not.

For example,

I live by a river. (You probably don't know which one.)
I live by the river. (You know the river I'm talking about.)

See also:
Speaking: Talking about Locations
Vocabulary: Locations
Adverbs and Prepositions
Grammar: Prepositions (General)

If you have questions or comments about this page, please contact us.
Be sure to include the title of this page in the Subject line of your e-mail.