GramifyLearn
BeginnerPrepositions

Learn Prepositions of Place in English

In, on, under, next to, between — describe where things are located.

Learning goal
Recognize and use this pattern in context.
Practice
10 randomized questions with explanations.
Suggested workflow
Study the examples, then take the quiz.

Grammar Focus

Prepositions of place are small but powerful words that tell us where something or someone is located. In English, choosing the right preposition is essential for clear communication — a wrong preposition can change the meaning entirely or sound unnatural to a native speaker.

  • Use in to describe something inside a three-dimensional space: "The keys are in the drawer."
  • Use on to describe something resting on a surface: "The book is on the table."
  • Use at to describe a specific point or location: "Meet me at the bus stop."
  • Use under for something below another object: "The cat is under the chair."
  • Use next to (or beside) for things that are immediately to the side of another: "The lamp is next to the sofa."
  • Use between when something is in the middle of two other things: "The bank is between the pharmacy and the café."
  • Use behind for something at the back of another object: "The garden is behind the house."
  • Use in front of for something at the front: "There is a fountain in front of the museum."
  • Use above and below to describe vertical positions that are not touching: "The painting is above the fireplace."

Form & Structure

Basic Prepositions of Place

in (inside a space), on (on a surface), at (specific point or location)
The milk is in the fridge.
Your phone is on the kitchen counter.
She is waiting at the entrance.

Position Prepositions

under, above, next to, between, behind, in front of, near
The dog is sleeping under the table.
The supermarket is next to the post office.
The school is between the park and the library.

Questions About Location

Where + be + subject? | Where + do/does + subject + verb?
Where is the nearest train station?
Where are my glasses?
Where does she live?

Common Mistakes

Using 'in' instead of 'at' for specific locations

I will meet you in the bus stop.
I will meet you at the bus stop.

Tip: Use 'at' for specific named points like bus stops, airports, stations, and entrances. 'In' is for enclosed spaces you can go inside.

Confusing 'on' and 'in' for vehicles and transport

She is in the bus right now.
She is on the bus right now.

Tip: Use 'on' for large vehicles you can walk around in (bus, train, plane, ship). Use 'in' for small enclosed vehicles (car, taxi, lift/elevator).

Using 'between' with more than two items

The café is between the bank, the pharmacy, and the hotel.
The café is among the bank, the pharmacy, and the hotel.

Tip: Use 'between' for exactly two reference points. Use 'among' when referring to three or more things surrounding something.

Why This Grammar Matters

Giving and following directions

“The chemist is next to the supermarket, just past the traffic lights.”
“Turn left — the hotel is in front of the park.”

Describing your home or room

“My desk is next to the window, and the bookshelf is behind the door.”
“There is a small rug on the floor between the sofa and the coffee table.”

Finding lost objects in everyday life

“Have you checked under the sofa? Your remote is probably there.”
“Your passport is in the top drawer, on the left.”

Describing places in a city or neighbourhood

“The library is at the end of the street, next to the old church.”
“There is a lovely café above the bookshop on the second floor.”