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Frequent learner mistakes involving English prepositions.
Practice: build the sentences →Choose a preposition according to the relationship being expressed rather than translating the equivalent expression directly from another language.
For example, at 7 o’clock, on Monday, in July, to London, and from London express different types of time, destination, and starting-point relationships.
We met at 7 o'clock.
Мы встретились в 7 часов.
"At" expresses an exact time relationship.
We met on Monday.
Мы встретились в понедельник.
"On" expresses a day relationship.
She was born in July.
Она родилась в июле.
"In" expresses a month relationship.
We went to London.
Мы поехали в Лондон.
"To" expresses a destination relationship.
We travelled from London.
Мы путешествовали из Лондона.
"From" expresses a starting-point relationship.
The keys are on the table.
Ключи на столе.
"On" expresses a surface relationship.
She is in the room.
Она в комнате.
"In" expresses an enclosed-space relationship.
He is at the station.
Он на вокзале.
"At" expresses a point-location relationship.
Use at for exact times, on for days and dates, and in for months, years, seasons, and longer periods.
For example, at 8:00, on Friday, and in August.
The meeting is at 8:00.
Собрание в 8:00.
"At" is used with exact times.
The meeting is on Friday.
Собрание в пятницу.
"On" is used with days.
She was born in August.
Она родилась в августе.
"In" is used with months.
The event is on 1 July.
Мероприятие 1 июля.
"On" is used with dates.
The event is in 2026.
Мероприятие в 2026 году.
"In" is used with years.
We ski in winter.
Мы катаемся на лыжах зимой.
"In" is used with seasons.
We met at noon.
Мы встретились в полдень.
"At" is used with exact points in time.
We have a party on Saturday.
У нас вечеринка в субботу.
"On" is used with days.
Use at for a point or specific location, in for an area or enclosed space, and on for a surface or line.
For example, at the station, in the room, and on the table.
She is at the station.
Она на вокзале.
"At" is used for a point or specific location.
She is in the room.
Она в комнате.
"In" is used for an area or enclosed space.
The book is on the table.
Книга на столе.
"On" is used for a surface.
There is a house on the main road.
На главной дороге есть дом.
"On" is used for a line or route.
He is at the door.
Он у двери.
"At" is used for a specific point.
The keys are in the drawer.
Ключи в ящике.
"In" is used for an enclosed space.
The picture is on the wall.
Картина на стене.
"On" is used for a surface.
We met at the corner.
Мы встретились на углу.
"At" is used for a specific point.
Use for with a period of duration and since with the starting point of a continuing period.
For example, for three years and since 2023.
I have lived here for three years.
Я живу здесь три года.
"For" is used with a period of duration.
I have lived here since 2023.
Я живу здесь с 2023 года.
"Since" is used with the starting point.
She has worked here for ten years.
Она работает здесь десять лет.
"For" is used with a period of duration.
She has worked here since 2015.
Она работает здесь с 2015 года.
"Since" is used with the starting point.
We have been friends for many years.
Мы друзья много лет.
"For" is used with a period of duration.
We have been friends since childhood.
Мы друзья с детства.
"Since" is used with the starting point.
He has been waiting for an hour.
Он ждёт час.
"For" is used with a period of duration.
He has been waiting since noon.
Он ждёт с полудня.
"Since" is used with the starting point.
Use by for a deadline and until for the endpoint of a continuing state or action.
For example, Finish the report by Friday and Stay here until Friday.
Finish the report by Friday.
Закончите отчёт к пятнице.
"By" is used for a deadline.
Stay here until Friday.
Оставайтесь здесь до пятницы.
"Until" is used for the endpoint of a continuing state.
I will be there by 6 o'clock.
Я буду там к 6 часам.
"By" is used for a deadline.
Wait until 6 o'clock.
Ждите до 6 часов.
"Until" is used for the endpoint of a continuing action.
She will arrive by noon.
Она прибудет к полудню.
"By" is used for a deadline.
She will stay until noon.
Она останется до полудня.
"Until" is used for the endpoint of a continuing state.
Submit the report by Monday.
Сдайте отчёт к понедельнику.
"By" is used for a deadline.
Keep the book until Monday.
Держите книгу до понедельника.
"Until" is used for the endpoint of a continuing action.
Use in for location and into for movement from outside to inside.
For example, She is in the room, but She walked into the room.
She is in the room.
Она в комнате.
"In" is used for location.
She walked into the room.
Она вошла в комнату.
"Into" is used for movement from outside to inside.
The book is in the bag.
Книга в сумке.
"In" is used for location.
He put the book into the bag.
Он положил книгу в сумку.
"Into" is used for movement from outside to inside.
The cat is in the box.
Кошка в коробке.
"In" is used for location.
The cat jumped into the box.
Кошка прыгнула в коробку.
"Into" is used for movement from outside to inside.
He is in the car.
Он в машине.
"In" is used for location.
He got into the car.
Он сел в машину.
"Into" is used for movement from outside to inside.
Use on for location on a surface and onto for movement to a surface when that distinction is relevant.
For example, The book is on the desk and She put the book onto the desk.
The book is on the desk.
Книга на столе.
"On" is used for location on a surface.
She put the book onto the desk.
Она положила книгу на стол.
"Onto" is used for movement to a surface.
The cup is on the shelf.
Чашка на полке.
"On" is used for location on a surface.
He placed the cup onto the shelf.
Он поставил чашку на полку.
"Onto" is used for movement to a surface.
The cat is on the sofa.
Кошка на диване.
"On" is used for location on a surface.
The cat jumped onto the sofa.
Кошка прыгнула на диван.
"Onto" is used for movement to a surface.
The picture is on the wall.
Картина на стене.
"On" is used for location on a surface.
She hung the picture onto the wall.
Она повесила картину на стену.
"Onto" is used for movement to a surface.
Use to when presenting a destination and towards when emphasizing direction without necessarily implying arrival.
For example, She went to the station and She walked towards the station.
She went to the station.
Она пошла на вокзал.
"To" presents a destination.
She walked towards the station.
Она пошла в сторону вокзала.
"Towards" emphasizes direction without necessarily implying arrival.
He ran to the door.
Он подбежал к двери.
"To" presents a destination.
He ran towards the door.
Он побежал к двери.
"Towards" emphasizes direction without necessarily implying arrival.
The car drove to London.
Машина поехала в Лондон.
"To" presents a destination.
The car drove towards London.
Машина поехала в сторону Лондона.
"Towards" emphasizes direction without necessarily implying arrival.
She swam to the shore.
Она поплыла к берегу.
"To" presents a destination.
She swam towards the shore.
Она поплыла в сторону берега.
"Towards" emphasizes direction without necessarily implying arrival.
Use through for movement within or through a space and across for movement from one side of a surface or area to another.
For example, through the tunnel and across the road.
We walked through the tunnel.
Мы прошли через туннель.
"Through" is used for movement within a space.
We walked across the road.
Мы перешли дорогу.
"Across" is used for movement from one side to the other.
The train passed through the mountains.
Поезд прошёл через горы.
"Through" is used for movement within a space.
She swam across the river.
Она переплыла реку.
"Across" is used for movement from one side to the other.
We drove through the city.
Мы проехали через город.
"Through" is used for movement within a space.
He ran across the field.
Он перебежал поле.
"Across" is used for movement from one side to the other.
The road goes through the village.
Дорога идёт через деревню.
"Through" is used for movement within a space.
We walked across the square.
Мы пересекли площадь.
"Across" is used for movement from one side to the other.
Use by to identify an agent, means, or deadline and with to identify an instrument, accompaniment, or material.
For example, written by Jane, travel by train, finish by Friday, and cut with a knife.
The letter was written by Jane.
Письмо было написано Джейн.
"By" identifies the agent.
He cut it with a knife.
Он разрезал это ножом.
"With" identifies the instrument.
We travelled by train.
Мы путешествовали на поезде.
"By" identifies the means of transport.
She went with a friend.
Она пошла с другом.
"With" identifies accompaniment.
Finish the report by Friday.
Закончите отчёт к пятнице.
"By" identifies a deadline.
She wrote the letter with a pen.
Она написала письмо ручкой.
"With" identifies the instrument.
The cake was made by my grandmother.
Торт был приготовлен моей бабушкой.
"By" identifies the agent.
The cake was made with chocolate.
Торт был приготовлен с шоколадом.
"With" identifies the material.
Some verbs require particular prepositions and these combinations should be learned as lexical patterns.
Common examples include listen to, wait for, depend on, belong to, refer to, and rely on.
listen to music
слушать музыку
"Listen to" is a required lexical pattern.
wait for the bus
ждать автобус
"Wait for" is a required lexical pattern.
depend on the result
зависеть от результата
"Depend on" is a required lexical pattern.
belong to me
принадлежать мне
"Belong to" is a required lexical pattern.
refer to the study
ссылаться на исследование
"Refer to" is a required lexical pattern.
rely on public transport
полагаться на общественный транспорт
"Rely on" is a required lexical pattern.
look at the picture
смотреть на картину
"Look at" is a required lexical pattern.
look for the keys
искать ключи
"Look for" is a required lexical pattern.
Many adjectives select particular prepositions that cannot be freely replaced.
For example, interested in, good at, afraid of, responsible for, and similar to.
interested in history
интересующийся историей
"Interested in" is a fixed adjective-preposition combination.
good at mathematics
хороший в математике
"Good at" is a fixed adjective-preposition combination.
afraid of dogs
боящийся собак
"Afraid of" is a fixed adjective-preposition combination.
responsible for the project
ответственный за проект
"Responsible for" is a fixed adjective-preposition combination.
similar to the original
похожий на оригинал
"Similar to" is a fixed adjective-preposition combination.
proud of her son
гордящаяся своим сыном
"Proud of" is a fixed adjective-preposition combination.
married to a doctor
женатый на враче
"Married to" is a fixed adjective-preposition combination.
famous for its architecture
известный своей архитектурой
"Famous for" is a fixed adjective-preposition combination.
Many nouns form fixed combinations with particular prepositions.
For example, solution to, reason for, interest in, effect on, and access to.
solution to the problem
решение проблемы
"Solution to" is a fixed noun-preposition combination.
reason for the delay
причина задержки
"Reason for" is a fixed noun-preposition combination.
interest in art
интерес к искусству
"Interest in" is a fixed noun-preposition combination.
effect on employment
влияние на занятость
"Effect on" is a fixed noun-preposition combination.
access to clean water
доступ к чистой воде
"Access to" is a fixed noun-preposition combination.
increase in prices
рост цен
"Increase in" is a fixed noun-preposition combination.
need for affordable housing
потребность в доступном жилье
"Need for" is a fixed noun-preposition combination.
difference between the two
разница между ними
"Difference between" is a fixed noun-preposition combination.
Some verbs take direct objects and therefore do not require a preposition before the object.
Common examples include discuss the problem, mention the issue, reach the station, enter the building, and approach the house.
discuss the problem
обсудить проблему
"Discuss" takes a direct object without a preposition.
mention the issue
упомянуть вопрос
"Mention" takes a direct object without a preposition.
reach the station
добраться до станции
"Reach" takes a direct object without a preposition.
enter the building
войти в здание
"Enter" takes a direct object without a preposition.
approach the house
приблизиться к дому
"Approach" takes a direct object without a preposition.
answer the question
ответить на вопрос
"Answer" takes a direct object without a preposition.
resemble her mother
быть похожей на мать
"Resemble" takes a direct object without a preposition.
request more information
запросить дополнительную информацию
"Request" takes a direct object without a preposition.
Discuss normally takes its topic as a direct object and does not normally require about.
For example, We discussed the problem, not We discussed about the problem.
We discussed the problem.
Мы обсудили проблему.
"Discuss" takes a direct object without "about".
She discussed the plan with her team.
Она обсудила план с командой.
"Discuss" takes a direct object without "about".
He discussed the issue with his boss.
Он обсудил вопрос с начальником.
"Discuss" takes a direct object without "about".
They discussed the changes.
Они обсудили изменения.
"Discuss" takes a direct object without "about".
We discussed the details.
Мы обсудили детали.
"Discuss" takes a direct object without "about".
She discussed the proposal.
Она обсудила предложение.
"Discuss" takes a direct object without "about".
He discussed the results.
Он обсудил результаты.
"Discuss" takes a direct object without "about".
We discussed the matter.
Мы обсудили дело.
"Discuss" takes a direct object without "about".
Reach normally takes the destination as a direct object and does not require to.
For example, We reached the station at six, not We reached to the station.
We reached the station at six.
Мы добрались до станции в шесть.
"Reach" takes the destination as a direct object without "to".
She reached the top of the mountain.
Она достигла вершины горы.
"Reach" takes the destination as a direct object without "to".
He reached the airport on time.
Он добрался до аэропорта вовремя.
"Reach" takes the destination as a direct object without "to".
They reached the city at noon.
Они добрались до города в полдень.
"Reach" takes the destination as a direct object without "to".
She reached the office early.
Она добралась до офиса рано.
"Reach" takes the destination as a direct object without "to".
He reached the end of the road.
Он дошёл до конца дороги.
"Reach" takes the destination as a direct object without "to".
We reached the hotel late.
Мы добрались до отеля поздно.
"Reach" takes the destination as a direct object without "to".
She reached the finish line.
Она достигла финишной черты.
"Reach" takes the destination as a direct object without "to".
Enter normally takes the place entered as a direct object in the ordinary physical-entry construction.
For example, She entered the building, not She entered to the building.
She entered the building.
Она вошла в здание.
"Enter" takes the place entered as a direct object without "to".
He entered the room quietly.
Он тихо вошёл в комнату.
"Enter" takes the place entered as a direct object without "to".
They entered the classroom.
Они вошли в класс.
"Enter" takes the place entered as a direct object without "to".
She entered the competition.
Она вошла в соревнование.
"Enter" takes the place entered as a direct object without "to".
He entered the house.
Он вошёл в дом.
"Enter" takes the place entered as a direct object without "to".
They entered the office.
Они вошли в офис.
"Enter" takes the place entered as a direct object without "to".
She entered the data.
Она ввела данные.
"Enter" takes the place entered as a direct object without "to".
He entered the room slowly.
Он медленно вошёл в комнату.
"Enter" takes the place entered as a direct object without "to".
Mention normally takes the topic as a direct object and does not require about.
For example, He mentioned the problem during the meeting.
He mentioned the problem during the meeting.
Он упомянул проблему во время собрания.
"Mention" takes the topic as a direct object without "about".
She mentioned the change to me.
Она упомянула об изменении мне.
"Mention" takes the topic as a direct object without "about".
They mentioned the issue.
Они упомянули этот вопрос.
"Mention" takes the topic as a direct object without "about".
He mentioned your name.
Он упомянул твоё имя.
"Mention" takes the topic as a direct object without "about".
She mentioned the deadline.
Она упомянула о сроке.
"Mention" takes the topic as a direct object without "about".
They mentioned the new policy.
Они упомянули новую политику.
"Mention" takes the topic as a direct object without "about".
He mentioned the meeting.
Он упомянул собрание.
"Mention" takes the topic as a direct object without "about".
She mentioned the delay.
Она упомянула задержку.
"Mention" takes the topic as a direct object without "about".
Home commonly occurs without to after verbs of movement when it functions as an adverb.
For example, We went home and She walked home.
We went home.
Мы пошли домой.
"Home" occurs without "to" after a verb of movement.
She walked home.
Она пошла домой пешком.
"Home" occurs without "to" after a verb of movement.
They drove home.
Они поехали домой.
"Home" occurs without "to" after a verb of movement.
He ran home.
Он побежал домой.
"Home" occurs without "to" after a verb of movement.
She cycled home.
Она поехала домой на велосипеде.
"Home" occurs without "to" after a verb of movement.
We flew home.
Мы полетели домой.
"Home" occurs without "to" after a verb of movement.
They walked home together.
Они вместе пошли домой.
"Home" occurs without "to" after a verb of movement.
He came home late.
Он пришёл домой поздно.
"Home" occurs without "to" after a verb of movement.
Certain time expressions normally occur without a preposition.
For example, yesterday, tomorrow, last week, next month, this year, and every Monday.
I saw her yesterday.
Я видел её вчера.
"Yesterday" is used without a preposition.
We will leave tomorrow.
Мы уедем завтра.
"Tomorrow" is used without a preposition.
We met last week.
Мы встретились на прошлой неделе.
"Last week" is used without a preposition.
I will see you next month.
Я увижу тебя в следующем месяце.
"Next month" is used without a preposition.
She is busy this year.
Она занята в этом году.
"This year" is used without a preposition.
We have a meeting every Monday.
У нас собрание каждый понедельник.
"Every Monday" is used without a preposition.
I saw him this morning.
Я видел его сегодня утром.
"This morning" is used without a preposition.
They arrived last night.
Они прибыли прошлой ночью.
"Last night" is used without a preposition.
During is followed by a noun phrase, while while is followed by a finite clause.
For example, during the meeting versus while we were meeting.
during the meeting
во время собрания
"During" is followed by a noun phrase.
while we were meeting
пока мы совещались
"While" is followed by a finite clause.
during the film
во время фильма
"During" is followed by a noun phrase.
while the film was playing
пока шёл фильм
"While" is followed by a finite clause.
during lunch
во время обеда
"During" is followed by a noun phrase.
while we were eating lunch
пока мы ели обед
"While" is followed by a finite clause.
during the night
в течение ночи
"During" is followed by a noun phrase.
while it was raining
пока шёл дождь
"While" is followed by a finite clause.
Because introduces a finite clause, while because of introduces a noun phrase or equivalent non-finite expression.
For example, because it was raining versus because of the rain.
We stayed home because it was raining.
Мы остались дома, потому что шёл дождь.
"Because" introduces a finite clause.
We stayed home because of the rain.
Мы остались дома из-за дождя.
"Because of" introduces a noun phrase.
She was late because she missed the bus.
Она опоздала, потому что пропустила автобус.
"Because" introduces a finite clause.
She was late because of the bus delay.
Она опоздала из-за задержки автобуса.
"Because of" introduces a noun phrase.
He was happy because he passed.
Он был счастлив, потому что сдал.
"Because" introduces a finite clause.
He was happy because of his exam results.
Он был счастлив из-за результатов экзамена.
"Because of" introduces a noun phrase.
We left because it was late.
Мы ушли, потому что было поздно.
"Because" introduces a finite clause.
We left because of the late hour.
Мы ушли из-за позднего часа.
"Because of" introduces a noun phrase.
Despite is followed by a noun phrase, pronoun, or gerund, while although introduces a finite clause.
For example, Despite the rain, we went out and Although it was raining, we went out.
Despite the rain, we went out.
Несмотря на дождь, мы вышли на улицу.
"Despite" is followed by a noun phrase.
Although it was raining, we went out.
Хотя шёл дождь, мы вышли на улицу.
"Although" introduces a finite clause.
Despite being tired, she continued.
Несмотря на усталость, она продолжала.
"Despite" is followed by a gerund.
Although she was tired, she continued.
Хотя она устала, она продолжала.
"Although" introduces a finite clause.
Despite his age, he is active.
Несмотря на возраст, он активен.
"Despite" is followed by a noun phrase.
Although he is old, he is active.
Хотя он стар, он активен.
"Although" introduces a finite clause.
Despite the difficulties, they succeeded.
Несмотря на трудности, они добились успеха.
"Despite" is followed by a noun phrase.
Although there were difficulties, they succeeded.
Хотя были трудности, они добились успеха.
"Although" introduces a finite clause.
In case introduces a precaution taken in anticipation of a possible event, while if introduces a condition affecting the result.
For example, Take an umbrella in case it rains differs from If it rains, we will stay home.
Take an umbrella in case it rains.
Возьми зонт на случай, если пойдёт дождь.
"In case" introduces a precaution.
If it rains, we will stay home.
Если пойдёт дождь, мы останемся дома.
"If" introduces a condition affecting the result.
I will bring extra money in case we need it.
Я возьму дополнительных денег на случай, если они понадобятся.
"In case" introduces a precaution.
If we need extra money, I will bring it.
Если нам понадобятся деньги, я их принесу.
"If" introduces a condition affecting the result.
She took a map in case she got lost.
Она взяла карту на случай, если заблудится.
"In case" introduces a precaution.
If she gets lost, she will use the map.
Если она заблудится, она воспользуется картой.
"If" introduces a condition affecting the result.
Bring a jacket in case it gets cold.
Возьми куртку на случай, если похолодает.
"In case" introduces a precaution.
If it gets cold, put on a jacket.
Если похолодает, надень куртку.
"If" introduces a condition affecting the result.
Between commonly identifies relationships involving separate reference points, while among places something within a group or surrounding set.
For example, between the two buildings and among the trees.
The bank is between the two buildings.
Банк между двумя зданиями.
"Between" identifies two separate reference points.
The house is among the trees.
Дом среди деревьев.
"Among" places something within a group.
She sat between John and Mary.
Она сидела между Джоном и Мэри.
"Between" identifies two separate reference points.
She was sitting among her friends.
Она сидела среди своих друзей.
"Among" places something within a group.
The ball rolled between the two chairs.
Мяч закатился между двумя стульями.
"Between" identifies two separate reference points.
He was among the crowd.
Он был среди толпы.
"Among" places something within a group.
The café is between the library and the park.
Кафе между библиотекой и парком.
"Between" identifies two separate reference points.
She found the letter among the papers.
Она нашла письмо среди бумаг.
"Among" places something within a group.
Beside means next to, while besides means in addition to or apart from.
For example, She sat beside me, while Besides John, Mary also attended.
She sat beside me.
Она сидела рядом со мной.
"Beside" means next to.
Besides John, Mary also attended.
Кроме Джона, Мэри тоже присутствовала.
"Besides" means in addition to.
The chair is beside the table.
Стул рядом со столом.
"Beside" means next to.
Besides English, she speaks French.
Кроме английского, она говорит по-французски.
"Besides" means in addition to.
He stood beside the door.
Он стоял рядом с дверью.
"Beside" means next to.
Besides being late, he was rude.
Кроме того, что он опоздал, он был груб.
"Besides" means in addition to.
The bank is beside the post office.
Банк рядом с почтой.
"Beside" means next to.
Besides the cost, there are other issues.
Кроме стоимости, есть другие проблемы.
"Besides" means in addition to.
In time means early enough for a required event or purpose, while on time means at the expected or scheduled time.
For example, We arrived in time for dinner and The train arrived on time.
We arrived in time for dinner.
Мы прибыли вовремя к ужину.
"In time" means early enough.
The train arrived on time.
Поезд прибыл по расписанию.
"On time" means at the scheduled time.
She finished in time for the deadline.
Она закончила вовремя к сроку.
"In time" means early enough.
The meeting started on time.
Собрание началось вовремя.
"On time" means at the scheduled time.
We got there in time to see the beginning.
Мы добрались вовремя, чтобы увидеть начало.
"In time" means early enough.
He always arrives on time.
Он всегда приходит вовремя.
"On time" means at the scheduled time.
She called in time to cancel.
Она позвонила вовремя, чтобы отменить.
"In time" means early enough.
The bus was on time today.
Автобус сегодня был вовремя.
"On time" means at the scheduled time.
At the end identifies a location or endpoint, while in the end means eventually or after considering the situation as a whole.
For example, at the end of the road and In the end, we decided to stay.
at the end of the road
в конце дороги
"At the end" identifies a location or endpoint.
In the end, we decided to stay.
В конце концов мы решили остаться.
"In the end" means eventually.
at the end of the meeting
в конце собрания
"At the end" identifies a temporal endpoint.
In the end, everything worked out.
В конце концов всё получилось.
"In the end" means eventually.
at the end of the film
в конце фильма
"At the end" identifies a temporal endpoint.
In the end, she agreed.
В конце концов она согласилась.
"In the end" means eventually.
at the end of the day
в конце дня
"At the end" identifies a temporal endpoint.
In the end, it was a good decision.
В конце концов это было хорошее решение.
"In the end" means eventually.
By accident means unintentionally, while on purpose means intentionally.
For example, I deleted the file by accident and She did it on purpose.
I deleted the file by accident.
Я удалил файл случайно.
"By accident" means unintentionally.
She did it on purpose.
Она сделала это нарочно.
"On purpose" means intentionally.
He broke the vase by accident.
Он разбил вазу случайно.
"By accident" means unintentionally.
He insulted her on purpose.
Он оскорбил её нарочно.
"On purpose" means intentionally.
I met him by accident.
Я встретил его случайно.
"By accident" means unintentionally.
She left the door open on purpose.
Она оставила дверь открытой нарочно.
"On purpose" means intentionally.
He took the wrong bag by accident.
Он взял не ту сумку случайно.
"By accident" means unintentionally.
He lied on purpose.
Он солгал нарочно.
"On purpose" means intentionally.
On the train identifies physical presence on the train, while by train identifies the means of transportation.
For example, I met her on the train, but We travelled by train.
I met her on the train.
Я встретил её в поезде.
"On the train" identifies physical presence on the train.
We travelled by train.
Мы путешествовали на поезде.
"By train" identifies the means of transportation.
He was reading on the train.
Он читал в поезде.
"On the train" identifies physical presence on the train.
They went by train.
Они поехали на поезде.
"By train" identifies the means of transportation.
She left her bag on the train.
Она оставила сумку в поезде.
"On the train" identifies physical presence on the train.
We prefer to travel by train.
Мы предпочитаем путешествовать на поезде.
"By train" identifies the means of transportation.
I saw him on the train.
Я видел его в поезде.
"On the train" identifies physical presence on the train.
We arrived by train.
Мы прибыли на поезде.
"By train" identifies the means of transportation.
At school commonly refers to being at school as an institution or activity, while in the school emphasizes physical presence inside the building.
For example, The children are at school and I saw the teacher in the school.
The children are at school.
Дети в школе (учатся).
"At school" refers to school as an institution or activity.
I saw the teacher in the school.
Я видел учителя в школе (внутри).
"In the school" emphasizes physical presence inside the building.
She is at school.
Она в школе (учится).
"At school" refers to school as an institution or activity.
The meeting is in the school.
Собрание в школе (внутри).
"In the school" emphasizes physical presence inside the building.
He teaches at school.
Он преподаёт в школе.
"At school" refers to school as an institution or activity.
The event is in the school.
Мероприятие в школе (внутри).
"In the school" emphasizes physical presence inside the building.
They are at school.
Они в школе (учатся).
"At school" refers to school as an institution or activity.
The office is in the school.
Офис в школе (внутри).
"In the school" emphasizes physical presence inside the building.
When a verb follows a preposition, it normally appears as a gerund rather than a to-infinitive.
For example, interested in learning, responsible for managing, and without saying anything.
interested in learning
заинтересованный в обучении
A gerund follows the preposition "in".
responsible for managing
ответственный за управление
A gerund follows the preposition "for".
without saying anything
не говоря ничего
A gerund follows the preposition "without".
good at solving problems
хороший в решении проблем
A gerund follows the preposition "at".
afraid of making mistakes
боящийся совершать ошибки
A gerund follows the preposition "of".
before leaving
перед уходом
A gerund follows the preposition "before".
after finishing
после завершения
A gerund follows the preposition "after".
instead of going
вместо того чтобы идти
A gerund follows the preposition "of".
Prepositions normally require object pronouns rather than subject pronouns.
For example, between you and me, with him, and for them.
between you and me
между тобой и мной
"Me" is the object pronoun after the preposition.
with him
с ним
"Him" is the object pronoun after the preposition.
for them
для них
"Them" is the object pronoun after the preposition.
to her
ей
"Her" is the object pronoun after the preposition.
with us
с нами
"Us" is the object pronoun after the preposition.
from me
от меня
"Me" is the object pronoun after the preposition.
beside him
рядом с ним
"Him" is the object pronoun after the preposition.
at them
на них
"Them" is the object pronoun after the preposition.
A preposition can remain at the end of a clause in ordinary English or occur before its complement in formal constructions.
For example, Who are you talking to? versus To whom are you speaking?
Who are you talking to?
С кем ты разговариваешь?
"To" remains at the end of the clause in ordinary English.
To whom are you speaking?
С кем вы говорите?
"To" occurs before its complement in formal constructions.
The person I spoke to was helpful.
Человек, с которым я говорил, был полезен.
"To" remains at the end of the relative clause in ordinary English.
The person to whom I spoke was helpful.
Человек, с которым я говорил, был полезен.
"To" occurs before its complement in formal constructions.
What are you looking at?
На что ты смотришь?
"At" remains at the end of the clause in ordinary English.
At what are you looking?
На что вы смотрите?
"At" occurs before its complement in formal constructions.
The house we looked at is too expensive.
Дом, который мы смотрели, слишком дорогой.
"At" remains at the end of the relative clause in ordinary English.
The house at which we looked is too expensive.
Дом, на который мы смотрели, слишком дорогой.
"At" occurs before its complement in formal constructions.
Accurate preposition use requires control of meaning, fixed collocations, complement types, movement and location, time relationships, omission, register, and regional variation.
Before choosing a preposition, identify the grammatical pattern and the exact relationship being expressed rather than translating the phrase literally.
We met at 7 o'clock.
Мы встретились в 7 часов.
Correct: "at" is used with exact times.
We met on 7 o'clock.
Мы встретились в 7 часов.
Incorrect: "on" is not used with exact times.
interested in learning
заинтересованный в обучении
Correct: a gerund follows the preposition.
interested in to learn
заинтересованный в обучении
Incorrect: the gerund form is required after a preposition.
We discussed the problem.
Мы обсудили проблему.
Correct: "discuss" takes a direct object without a preposition.
We discussed about the problem.
Мы обсудили проблему.
Incorrect: "about" is not used after "discuss".
We went home.
Мы пошли домой.
Correct: "home" is used without "to".
We went to home.
Мы пошли домой.
Incorrect: "to" is not used before "home".