Prepositions of Place

1. Definition

Prepositions are words normally placed before nouns or pronouns. Prepositions are used to show the relationship between its object and other words in the sentence.

2. Condition of using

2.1. On is used for things on the surface or side of something and with islands.

1. The cat is on the table.

2. Do you see Jane? Oh! He is on the bed.

3. Doky is sitting on the motorbike.

Note: We generally use On for trains, buses, ships, and planes.

1. John is on the bus.

2. I met an old friend on the train.

2.2. In is used for things enclosed in something. We use In with towns and countries.

1. I am in Phnom Penh city now.

2. Sok is in the water with Sao.

3. Jane is in Paris.

4. Mice is in the hole.

Note: We generally use In for cars.

1. Do you see John? He is in the car.

2. Mary isn’t in her car now.

2.3. Behind is used for things at or toward the back of something/somebody.

1. The board is behind me.

2. The door is behind all of you.

3. Sreynich is behind Sopheak.

4. They are behind us.

2.4. Under is used for things are covered by something/somebody (below)

1. Please look it up under a pile of books.

2. Children under five are admitted free.

3. We are sitting under the tree.

4. You are sitting on the table and under the roof.

By Toem Vath