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Mastering Prepositions: In, On, and Under

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Prepositions are essential building blocks of English grammar, acting as bridges that connect nouns or pronouns to other words in a sentence. Understanding prepositions, especially the common ones like in, on, and under, is crucial for clear and effective communication. These words indicate spatial relationships, time, and abstract connections, significantly impacting sentence meaning. This article offers a comprehensive guide to mastering these prepositions, providing definitions, examples, usage rules, and practical exercises to solidify your understanding. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will help you confidently use in, on, and under in your everyday English.

Table of Contents

Definition of Prepositions

A preposition is a word that connects a noun or pronoun (called the object of the preposition) to other words in a sentence. It indicates the relationship between the noun or pronoun and the rest of the sentence.

This relationship can involve location, time, direction, or other abstract connections. Prepositions are crucial for establishing context and clarity in writing and speech.

Prepositions are typically followed by a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase, forming a prepositional phrase. This phrase functions as an adjective or adverb, modifying other elements in the sentence.

Understanding the function and types of prepositions is essential for mastering English grammar.

Structural Breakdown

The basic structure involving prepositions is: Preposition + (Article) + Noun/Pronoun. The article (a, an, the) is optional. The noun or pronoun following the preposition is called the object of the preposition.

For example:

  • In the box (preposition + article + noun)
  • On it (preposition + pronoun)
  • Under the table (preposition + article + noun)

Prepositional phrases can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, depending on the intended emphasis and the flow of the sentence.

Types and Categories of Prepositions

Prepositions can be categorized based on the type of relationship they express. The most common categories are prepositions of place, time, and movement.

Prepositions of Place

Prepositions of place indicate the location or position of something. Common examples include in, on, under, at, near, between, behind, and in front of.

Prepositions of Time

Prepositions of time indicate when something happens. Common examples include in, on, at, before, after, during, since, and until.

Prepositions of Movement

Prepositions of movement indicate the direction or path of something. Common examples include to, from, through, across, up, down, and into.

Examples

This section provides extensive examples of how to use the prepositions in, on, and under in various contexts.

Examples with “In”

The preposition in is used to indicate enclosure, location within a defined space, or time periods.

The following table shows various uses of the preposition “in” with example sentences. The examples are organized into categories like “Location,” “Time,” “State,” and “Activity,” each illustrating a distinct application of the preposition.

Category Example Sentence
Location The book is in the bag.
Location She lives in New York.
Location The cat is sleeping in the sun.
Location They are playing in the garden.
Location We found the key in the drawer.
Time I was born in 1990.
Time The meeting is in the afternoon.
Time He will arrive in a few minutes.
Time She finished the project in three days.
Time They are getting married in June.
State He is in a good mood.
State She is in love.
State The car is in good condition.
State They are in trouble.
State We are in agreement.
Activity She is working in the kitchen.
Activity He is participating in a race.
Activity They are involved in the project.
Activity We are interested in learning new things.
Activity She is engaged in a conversation.
General The water is in the glass.
General He is in the army.
General She is in charge of the event.
General They are in their twenties.
General We are in a hurry.
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Examples with “On”

The preposition on is used to indicate surface contact, specific dates or days, and electronic devices.

The following table presents various examples of the preposition “on” in different contexts. The table is divided into categories such as “Surface,” “Time,” “Transportation,” and “State/Condition,” each illustrating a specific use of the preposition.

Category Example Sentence
Surface The book is on the table.
Surface The picture is on the wall.
Surface The food is on the plate.
Surface The cat is sitting on the roof.
Surface The pen is on the desk.
Time The meeting is on Monday.
Time I was born on July 4th.
Time The store is closed on Sundays.
Time He will arrive on time.
Time She always works hard on her projects.
Transportation He is on the bus.
Transportation She is on the train.
Transportation They are on a plane.
Transportation We are on a cruise.
Transportation She is on her bike.
State/Condition The house is on fire.
State/Condition She is on a diet.
State/Condition He is on vacation.
State/Condition They are on strike.
State/Condition We are on schedule.
Electronic Devices He is on the phone.
Electronic Devices She is on the computer.
Electronic Devices The news is on TV.
Electronic Devices I saw it on the internet.
Electronic Devices The game is on the radio.

Examples with “Under”

The preposition under is used to indicate something is below something else.

The following table provides various examples of the preposition “under” used in different contexts. The examples are categorized into “Location,” “Condition,” “Age,” and “Authority,” each demonstrating a distinct application of “under.”

Category Example Sentence
Location The cat is under the table.
Location The ball is under the bed.
Location The roots are under the ground.
Location There is a tunnel under the river.
Location The dog is hiding under the car.
Condition The project is under construction.
Condition The city is under lockdown.
Condition The company is under investigation.
Condition The weather is under control.
Condition He is under pressure.
Age She is under 18.
Age Children under 12 get free entry.
Age He cannot vote because he is under age.
Age The movie is not suitable for people under 16.
Age Students under 21 receive a discount.
Authority He is working under a supervisor.
Authority The decision was made under the new regulations.
Authority She is under his command.
Authority The experiment was conducted under strict conditions.
Authority The contract was signed under duress.
General The price is under $10.
General The water level is under the bridge.
General The secret is under wraps.
General The matter is under discussion.
General He is feeling under the weather.

Usage Rules

Understanding the specific usage rules for in, on, and under is crucial for avoiding common errors and ensuring clarity in your writing and speech.

Usage Rules for “In”

Use in for:

  • Enclosed spaces: in the box, in the room, in the garden
  • Cities, countries, and regions: in London, in France, in the Midwest
  • Time periods (months, years, seasons): in January, in 2023, in the summer
  • States or conditions: in love, in danger, in a hurry

Usage Rules for “On”

Use on for:

  • Surfaces: on the table, on the wall, on the floor
  • Specific dates and days: on Monday, on July 4th, on my birthday
  • Electronic devices: on the phone, on the computer, on TV
  • Transportation: on the bus, on the train, on a plane
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Usage Rules for “Under”

Use under for:

  • Below something: under the table, under the bed, under the tree
  • Conditions or circumstances: under construction, under investigation, under pressure
  • Age: under 18, children under 12
  • Authority or control: under supervision, under the law, under his command

Common Mistakes

Many learners make common mistakes when using in, on, and under. Recognizing these errors and understanding the correct usage can significantly improve your English proficiency.

The table below highlights common mistakes made with the prepositions “in,” “on,” and “under,” along with the correct alternatives. These examples demonstrate how a simple prepositional error can change the meaning of a sentence.

Incorrect Correct Explanation
I live on Paris. I live in Paris. Use in for cities.
The book is in the table. The book is on the table. Use on for surfaces.
He is on pressure. He is under pressure. Use under for conditions.
She was born in Monday. She was born on Monday. Use on for days of the week.
The cat is sleeping on the tree. The cat is sleeping in the tree. Use in for enclosed spaces like trees.
The paper is under the wall. The paper is on the wall. Use on for surfaces.
We are in the bus. We are on the bus. Use on for transportation.
The secret is on wraps. The secret is under wraps. “Under wraps” is an idiomatic expression.
She is working on the kitchen. She is working in the kitchen. Use in for enclosed spaces.
He is in the phone. He is on the phone. Use on for electronic devices.

Practice Exercises

These exercises will help you practice using in, on, and under correctly.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition (in, on, or under).

  1. The keys are ________ the table.
  2. She lives ________ New York City.
  3. The cat is hiding ________ the bed.
  4. The meeting is ________ Friday.
  5. He is ________ a lot of pressure at work.
  6. The book is ________ the bag.
  7. They are ________ vacation.
  8. The children are playing ________ the park.
  9. The price is ________ $20.
  10. She was born ________ 1995.

Answer Key:

  1. on
  2. in
  3. under
  4. on
  5. under
  6. in
  7. on
  8. in
  9. under
  10. in

Exercise 2: Error Correction

Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.

  1. I saw the movie on TV in last night.
  2. The cat is in the roof.
  3. He is working under the garden.
  4. She will arrive on a few minutes.
  5. The paper is under the wall.
  6. They are on strike in the moment.
  7. The temperature is under zero degrees.
  8. He is on a good mood today.
  9. The concert is in next Saturday.
  10. The dog is sleeping on the floor under the sun.

Answer Key:

  1. I saw the movie on TV last night. (remove “in”)
  2. The cat is on the roof.
  3. He is working in the garden.
  4. She will arrive in a few minutes.
  5. The paper is on the wall.
  6. They are on strike at the moment.
  7. The temperature is below zero degrees.
  8. He is in a good mood today.
  9. The concert is next Saturday. (remove “in”)
  10. The dog is sleeping on the floor in the sun.

Exercise 3: Sentence Construction

Create sentences using in, on, and under based on the given prompts.

  1. (in / your room)
  2. (on / the table)
  3. (under / the bridge)
  4. (in / summer)
  5. (on / my birthday)
  6. (under / control)
  7. (in / a hurry)
  8. (on / the train)
  9. (under / the sea)
  10. (in / the city)

Example Answers:

  1. I am studying in my room.
  2. The keys are on the table.
  3. The boat sailed under the bridge.
  4. I love to travel in summer.
  5. We will have a party on my birthday.
  6. The situation is under control.
  7. I am in a hurry to catch the bus.
  8. He is traveling on the train.
  9. There are many creatures under the sea.
  10. She lives in the city.
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Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, understanding idiomatic expressions and prepositional phrases involving in, on, and under can further enhance their language skills.

Idiomatic Expressions

Idiomatic expressions are phrases whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal meanings of the individual words. Here are some common idioms using in, on, and under:

  • In a nutshell: Briefly, in summary.
  • On cloud nine: Extremely happy.
  • Under the weather: Feeling ill.
  • In the long run: Over a long period of time.
  • On the ball: Alert and competent.
  • Under pressure: Experiencing stress or difficulty.

Prepositional Phrases

Prepositional phrases consist of a preposition and its object (a noun or pronoun). These phrases can function as adjectives or adverbs, adding detail and context to sentences.

Examples:

  • The book on the table is mine. (adjective)
  • He walked in the park. (adverb)
  • She lives under the bridge. (adverb)

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about using in, on, and under.

  1. Q: When should I use “at” instead of “in” for locations?

    A: Use “at” for specific addresses or points, while “in” is used for larger areas like cities or countries. For example, “I am at 123 Main Street” but “I live in New York.”

  2. Q: Is there a general rule for deciding between “on” and “in” for transportation?

    A: Generally, use “on” for public transportation (bus, train, plane) and “in” for private vehicles (car, taxi). However, there are exceptions, such as “on a boat” or “on a ship,” even though they are large.

  3. Q: How do I know when to use “under” versus “below”?

    A: “Under” generally implies direct vertical alignment and often contact or covering. “Below” indicates a lower position but doesn’t necessarily imply direct alignment or covering. For example, “The cat is under the table” (implies close proximity) vs. “The temperature is below freezing” (indicates a lower level on a scale).

  4. Q: Can “in,” “on,” and “under” be used in abstract contexts?

    A: Yes, these prepositions can be used to describe abstract relationships. For example, “in love” (state), “on a diet” (condition), “under pressure” (circumstance).

  5. Q: Are there any regional differences in the usage of these prepositions?

    A: While the core meanings remain consistent, some idiomatic expressions or specific usages might vary regionally. It’s always helpful to be aware of the context and audience.

  6. Q: How can I improve my understanding of these prepositions?

    A: Practice, practice, practice! Read widely, pay attention to how native speakers use these prepositions, and try to use them in your own writing and speaking. Consider keeping a notebook of examples you encounter.

  7. Q: What’s the difference between ‘in time’ and ‘on time’?

    A: ‘In time’ means early enough or before the deadline. ‘On time’ means at the exact scheduled time. For example: “I arrived in time for the meeting” vs. “The train arrived on time.”

  8. Q: When do I use ‘in’ to describe wearing something?

    A: You generally don’t. You would say someone is *wearing* something, or perhaps dressed *in* a particular style or color: “She was dressed in black.” You could say something is *in* your pocket.

Conclusion

Mastering the prepositions in, on, and under is a fundamental step towards achieving fluency in English. These small words play a crucial role in conveying spatial relationships, time, and various abstract concepts. By understanding their definitions, usage rules, and common mistakes, you can significantly improve your accuracy and clarity in both writing and speech.

Continue practicing with diverse examples and exercises, and pay close attention to how native speakers use these prepositions in different contexts. Remember that consistent effort and attention to detail will lead to greater confidence and mastery in your English language journey.

Keep exploring, keep practicing, and enjoy the process of learning!

Mastering Prepositions: In, On, and Under

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