There are 9 parts of speech or word classes in English language:
– nouns
– pronouns
– determiners
– verbs
– prepositions
– adjectives
– adverbs
– conjunctions
– interjections

Prepositions function to show:
– relationship in space,
– relationship in time,
– relationship in logic
between two nouns (people, things, places)

The book is on the table.
Preposition ‘on’ in the above sentence expresses a relationship in space (location) between noun ‘the book’ and noun ‘the table.’

We will meet in November.
Preposition ‘in’ in the above sentence expresses a relationship in time between noun ‘we’ and noun ‘November.’

I sent the information by email.
Preposition ‘by’ in the above sentence expresses a relationship of method between noun ‘the information’ and ‘email.’

Prepositions are usually used in front of:
– nouns
This book is for John.
Preposition ‘for’ is in front of noun ‘John.’

– noun phrases (phrases that function as nouns)
This book is for your sister.
Preposition ‘for’ is in front of noun phrase ‘your sister.’

– pronouns
This book is for you.
Preposition ‘for’ is in front of pronoun ‘you.’

If a preposition is followed by a verb, the verb must be in -ing form.
Thank you for saving my life.
Thank you for save my life. (wrong)
Thank you for saves my life. (wrong)
Thank you for saved my life. (wrong)

After talking to the costumer, he went to the meeting.
After talk to the costumer, he went to the meeting. (wrong)
After talks to the costumer, he went to the meeting. (wrong)
After talked to the costumer, he went to the meeting. (wrong)

There are some prepositions that can only be used by certain verbs to connect those verbs with objects/nouns.
– for
– to
– about
– with
– of
– in
– at
– on
– from

Verbs + for

They’re waiting for a bus.
She works for the government.
Did you search for the missing piece yet?
How do you ask for a coffee in Spanish?
I have to prepare for my interview tomorrow.
Who’s going to pay for these tickets?
He apologized for being late.
I applied for the job but I didn’t get it.
It’s no use wishing for the impossible.
The family is hoping for a miracle.

Verbs + to

Grace is listening to music in her room.
He talked to the manager for more than an hour.
I didn’t get a chance to speak to him.
You need to respond to his email soon.
He introduced me to Jane at that party.

Verbs + about

I asked him about the company’s event next week.
I forgot about the wedding reception.
Did you hear about the renovation project?
Do you know about the meeting next week?
What are you talking about?

Verbs + with

I don’t agree with his opinion.
I’d like to begin with a simple question.
I don’t want to argue with you.
We have to compete with several larger companies.
He refused to discuss it with me.

Verbs + of

I ‘m thinking of calling him.
Do you approve of my idea?
I keep dreaming of my old school.
Our dog died of old age.
My family consists of four people.

Verbs + in

Haley lives in Seattle.
Do you believe in ghosts?
You have to work hard if you want to succeed in life.
We were invited to participate in the ceremony.
Our company specializes in computer software.

Verbs + at

She looked at me and smiled.
She smiled at John and he smiled back.
The audience laughed at her jokes.
There’s no need to shout at me!
The train arrived at the station 20 minutes late.

Verbs + on

Their decision will depend on the test results.
Come on! We’re relying on you!
If you make so much noise, I can’t concentrate on my work.
The committee finally agreed on a solution.
The film is based on the novel by Boris Pasternak.

Verbs + from

Rei comes from Japan.
This spray should protect you from mosquitoes.
Has he recovered from the accident yet?
His heroic act saved five men from death.
We benefited from the new policy.

There are some prepositions that can only be used by certain nouns.
– to
– for
– of
– in
– on
– at
– from
– with
– about
– between

Nouns + to

You need a password to get access to the computer system.
Her answer to the teacher’s question was incorrect.
I received an immediate response to my request.

Nouns + for

There is always a reason for change.
He has a passion for Italian food.
We teach children respect for others.

Nouns + of

The people live in fear of attack by the bandits.
He has the habit of biting his nails.
I have no intention of going to the party.

Nouns + in

I need to make some major changes in my life.
I have no belief in miracle.
She wanted to broaden her experience in international affairs.

Nouns + on

The main focus is now on improving students’ communication skills.
I read magazines for advice on relationships.
There is too much emphasis on reducing costs.

Nouns + at

I had no chance at winning that match.
Fisk is making his third attempt at the world record.
18 is the age at which you are allowed to vote.

Nouns + from

The walls give the garden protection from the wind.
The country is in transition from an agricultural to an industrial society.

Nouns + with

She has a very close relationship with her sister.
There is a problem with this report.
His resignation must have some connection with the recent scandal.

Nouns + about

For more information about the project, click on the link below.
There is confusion about the government’s health policy.
Villagers expressed concern about the level of traffic.

Nouns + between

Can you spot the difference between these two photos?
There was no connection between his death and drugs.
We need to make a comparison between figures for last year and this year.