1
BASIC WEBTIVITY/ 07
Prepositions of location and direction
Location
Two things can be next to each other. (For example, A is next to B in the alphabet.)
One thing can be between (or in between) two other things. (For example, B is between A and C in the alphabet.)
One thing can be near another. For example, London is near to Oxford.
The opposite of near is far from. For example, Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is far from London.
One thing can be opposite another thing. If you are sitting face to face with another person, then you are sitting
opposite that person.
If you are in a queue, someone can be behind you (so you are before that person) and someone can be in front
ofyou (so you are behind that person).
One thing can be on another thing. For example, my computer is on my desk.
One thing can be under another thing. For example, I have a mousepad under my mouse.
Below means a lower level. In a group of four football teams (team A, team B, team C and team d), team C are
below team B.
Above means on a higher level. Team A are above Team B, and team B is above team C.
On top of means that something is physically located above another thing.
For example, there is a pile of things on my desk. First, there is a newspaper. On top of the newspaper there is a
book. On top of the book is a cup of coffee.
At the top means that something is located at the highest point. "We're pleased that she is at the top of her class for
English."
At the bottom means that something is located at the lowest point. "We're not pleased that she is at the bottom of
her class for Maths."
Direction
Across means on the other side. "I live at no 1, London Road. Across from me (on the other side of the road) is no
2, London Road."
"Go across the road." (=cross the road)
Walk along the river. (follow the river)
Walk by the river. (walk near the river)
Walk beside the river. (walk next to the river)
Go up the stairs.
Go down the stairs.
www.collegelondrina.com.br
Rua Belo Horizonte, 688
Fone/fax(43) 3337-7788
Londrina - PR
2
BASIC WEBTIVITY/ 07
(You can also walk up or down a road or street.)
Go through the tunnel. (You go in one side, then you come out on the other side.)
Go straight on (at a crossroads or a roundabout).
Go round the corner.
Walk around a town. (Walk in a circle, or in a random pattern.)
Go past something – walk past something so that it then is behind you.
Go over something – go over / cross the railway line.
Grammar Exercise: Prepositions of location and direction
1. I sit __ Sarah at school.
5. Tom sits __ Lucy and James.

on

between

next to

in front

between

near to
2. Our teacher stands __ the class.
6. We have posters __ the walls.

under

above

above

on

in front of

on top of
3. There are four students at each table. __ me is
my friend Justine.

In front of

Near to

Opposite
7. __ of the classroom is a cupboard.

At the back

Opposite

Behind
8. __ the teacher's desk is a clock.
4. Julie sits __ Sasha.

near to

around

next to

On top

Opposite

Above
www.collegelondrina.com.br
Rua Belo Horizonte, 688
Fone/fax(43) 3337-7788
Londrina - PR
3
BASIC WEBTIVITY/ 07
9. The wall is __ her desk.
15. We need to cross __ the road here.

behind

over

in front of

across

above

on
10. There's a wastepaper basket __ her desk.

on

next

under
16. We walked __ a lot of shops before we came to
the park.

across

through

past
11. Joe and Alan sit __ each other.
17. We had sandwiches __ a pretty fountain.

between

beside

next

by

over

along
12. We hired a guide to take us __ the city.
18. He drove __ the corner too fast and lost
control.

past

around

off

along

round

over
13. We walked __ a busy road.

through

around

along
14. Go straight __ at the traffic lights.

on

up

down
19. You need to walk __ this road quickly. There's
lots of traffic.

across

through

round
20. If you go __ the gate you'll get to the garden.

across

by

through
www.collegelondrina.com.br
Rua Belo Horizonte, 688
Fone/fax(43) 3337-7788
Londrina - PR
4
BASIC WEBTIVITY/ 07
ANSWERS
1. Next to
2. In front of
3. Opposite
4. Next to
5. Between
6. On
7. At the back
8. Above
9. Behind
10.Under
11.Beside
12.Around
13.Along
14.On
15.Over
16.Past
17.By
18.Round
19.Across
20.Through
Source: http://www.english-at-home.com/lessons/grammar-exercise-prepositionslocation-direction/
www.collegelondrina.com.br
Rua Belo Horizonte, 688
Fone/fax(43) 3337-7788
Londrina - PR