Blog about English
Common fixed expressions containing prepositions.
Practice: build the sentences →A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition followed by its complement, usually a noun phrase, pronoun, or another type of complement.
For example, in the room, after the meeting, with my friends, and about the problem are prepositional phrases.
She is in the room.
Она в комнате.
"in the room" is a prepositional phrase consisting of a preposition and a noun phrase.
We met after the meeting.
Мы встретились после собрания.
"after the meeting" is a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverbial.
He came with my friends.
Он пришёл с моими друзьями.
"with my friends" is a prepositional phrase with a noun phrase complement.
They talked about the problem.
Они говорили о проблеме.
"about the problem" is a prepositional phrase functioning as a complement to the verb.
The book is on the table.
Книга на столе.
"on the table" is a prepositional phrase showing location.
She works in London.
Она работает в Лондоне.
"in London" is a prepositional phrase indicating place.
We waited for two hours.
Мы ждали два часа.
"for two hours" is a prepositional phrase expressing duration.
He spoke with confidence.
Он говорил с уверенностью.
"with confidence" is a prepositional phrase expressing manner.
A preposition is commonly followed by a noun phrase functioning as its complement.
For example, in the house, after the meeting, and with the new manager.
She is in the house.
Она в доме.
"in the house" is a preposition followed by a noun phrase.
We met after the meeting.
Мы встретились после собрания.
"after the meeting" is a preposition followed by a noun phrase.
He works with the new manager.
Он работает с новым менеджером.
"with the new manager" is a preposition followed by a noun phrase.
The cat is under the table.
Кошка под столом.
"under the table" is a preposition followed by a noun phrase.
They talked about the new project.
Они говорили о новом проекте.
"about the new project" is a preposition followed by a noun phrase.
She lives near the station.
Она живёт рядом с вокзалом.
"near the station" is a preposition followed by a noun phrase.
He walked through the park.
Он прошёл через парк.
"through the park" is a preposition followed by a noun phrase.
We stayed at a hotel.
Мы остановились в отеле.
"at a hotel" is a preposition followed by a noun phrase.
A preposition is followed by an object pronoun rather than a subject pronoun.
For example, with me, for him, between us, and to them.
Come with me.
Пойдём со мной.
"with me" uses the object pronoun "me" after a preposition.
This is for him.
Это для него.
"for him" uses the object pronoun "him" after a preposition.
Between us, we can do it.
Между нами, мы можем это сделать.
"between us" uses the object pronoun "us" after a preposition.
I gave it to them.
Я отдал это им.
"to them" uses the object pronoun "them" after a preposition.
She sat next to me.
Она села рядом со мной.
"next to me" uses the object pronoun "me" after a preposition.
The letter is for her.
Письмо для неё.
"for her" uses the object pronoun "her" after a preposition.
He spoke to us.
Он говорил с нами.
"to us" uses the object pronoun "us" after a preposition.
They laughed at him.
Они смеялись над ним.
"at him" uses the object pronoun "him" after a preposition.
English uses object forms such as me, him, her, us, and them after prepositions.
For example, between you and me, not between you and I in standard formal English.
Between you and me, this is a secret.
Между тобой и мной, это секрет.
Standard formal English uses "between you and me", not "between you and I".
She came with him.
Она пришла с ним.
The object pronoun "him" is used after the preposition "with".
This is for us.
Это для нас.
The object pronoun "us" is used after the preposition "for".
I spoke to her.
Я говорил с ней.
The object pronoun "her" is used after the preposition "to".
They gave it to them.
Они отдали это им.
The object pronoun "them" is used after the preposition "to".
He sat beside me.
Он сидел рядом со мной.
The object pronoun "me" is used after the preposition "beside".
The gift is from her.
Подарок от неё.
The object pronoun "her" is used after the preposition "from".
They laughed at us.
Они смеялись над нами.
The object pronoun "us" is used after the preposition "at".
When a verb follows a preposition, it normally appears in the gerund form.
For example, after leaving, without knowing, and by working harder.
After leaving the office, she went home.
После ухода из офиса она пошла домой.
"after leaving" uses the gerund "leaving" after the preposition "after".
He left without knowing the answer.
Он ушёл, не зная ответа.
"without knowing" uses the gerund "knowing" after the preposition "without".
She succeeded by working harder.
Она добилась успеха, работая усерднее.
"by working" uses the gerund "working" after the preposition "by".
Before going to bed, he read a book.
Перед сном он читал книгу.
"before going" uses the gerund "going" after the preposition "before".
She is good at solving problems.
Она хорошо решает проблемы.
"at solving" uses the gerund "solving" after the preposition "at".
He is interested in learning languages.
Он интересуется изучением языков.
"in learning" uses the gerund "learning" after the preposition "in".
Instead of waiting, we left.
Вместо того чтобы ждать, мы ушли.
"instead of waiting" uses the gerund "waiting" after the preposition "of".
She apologized for being late.
Она извинилась за опоздание.
"for being" uses the gerund "being" after the preposition "for".
Many fixed expressions contain a preposition followed by a gerund.
For example, before leaving, after finishing, instead of going, and without saying anything.
Before leaving, he said goodbye.
Перед уходом он попрощался.
"before leaving" is a fixed expression with a preposition and a gerund.
After finishing the report, she sent it.
После завершения отчёта она отправила его.
"after finishing" is a fixed expression with a preposition and a gerund.
Instead of going out, we stayed home.
Вместо того чтобы пойти гулять, мы остались дома.
"instead of going" is a fixed expression with a preposition and a gerund.
He left without saying anything.
Он ушёл, ничего не сказав.
"without saying" is a fixed expression with a preposition and a gerund.
She succeeded by working hard.
Она добилась успеха, усердно работая.
"by working" is a fixed expression with a preposition and a gerund.
In spite of being tired, she continued.
Несмотря на усталость, она продолжала.
"in spite of being" is a fixed expression with a preposition and a gerund.
He is capable of solving the problem.
Он способен решить проблему.
"of solving" is a fixed expression with a preposition and a gerund.
She is used to working late.
Она привыкла работать допоздна.
"to working" is a fixed expression with a preposition and a gerund.
A prepositional phrase can function as an adverbial and provide information about place, time, manner, reason, condition, or other circumstances.
For example, She works in London, We met after lunch, and He spoke with confidence.
She works in London.
Она работает в Лондоне.
"in London" is a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverbial of place.
We met after lunch.
Мы встретились после обеда.
"after lunch" is a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverbial of time.
He spoke with confidence.
Он говорил с уверенностью.
"with confidence" is a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverbial of manner.
They stayed because of the rain.
Они остались из-за дождя.
"because of the rain" is a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverbial of reason.
She left in a hurry.
Она ушла в спешке.
"in a hurry" is a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverbial of manner.
We will meet at the station.
Мы встретимся на вокзале.
"at the station" is a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverbial of place.
He arrived on Monday.
Он прибыл в понедельник.
"on Monday" is a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverbial of time.
She did it without hesitation.
Она сделала это без колебаний.
"without hesitation" is a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverbial of manner.
A prepositional phrase can follow a noun and provide additional information about that noun.
For example, the book on the table, the woman in the red dress, and the students from London.
The book on the table is mine.
Книга на столе моя.
"on the table" is a prepositional phrase modifying the noun "book".
The woman in the red dress is my aunt.
Женщина в красном платье — моя тётя.
"in the red dress" is a prepositional phrase modifying the noun "woman".
The students from London are here.
Студенты из Лондона здесь.
"from London" is a prepositional phrase modifying the noun "students".
The man with the hat is my uncle.
Мужчина в шляпе — мой дядя.
"with the hat" is a prepositional phrase modifying the noun "man".
The house on the hill is old.
Дом на холме старый.
"on the hill" is a prepositional phrase modifying the noun "house".
The car in the garage is new.
Машина в гараже новая.
"in the garage" is a prepositional phrase modifying the noun "car".
The report about the accident is missing.
Отчёт об аварии пропал.
"about the accident" is a prepositional phrase modifying the noun "report".
The girl with the blue eyes is my sister.
Девочка с голубыми глазами — моя сестра.
"with the blue eyes" is a prepositional phrase modifying the noun "girl".
Some verbs, adjectives, and nouns require or strongly prefer a particular prepositional phrase as part of their grammatical pattern.
For example, depend on the result, interested in the subject, and reason for the delay.
The result depends on the circumstances.
Результат зависит от обстоятельств.
"on the circumstances" is a prepositional phrase required by the verb "depend".
She is interested in the subject.
Она интересуется предметом.
"in the subject" is a prepositional phrase required by the adjective "interested".
The reason for the delay is unclear.
Причина задержки неясна.
"for the delay" is a prepositional phrase required by the noun "reason".
He is afraid of dogs.
Он боится собак.
"of dogs" is a prepositional phrase required by the adjective "afraid".
She is responsible for the project.
Она отвечает за проект.
"for the project" is a prepositional phrase required by the adjective "responsible".
We waited for the bus.
Мы ждали автобус.
"for the bus" is a prepositional phrase required by the verb "wait".
She has an interest in art.
Она интересуется искусством.
"in art" is a prepositional phrase required by the noun "interest".
He is good at mathematics.
Он хорош в математике.
"at mathematics" is a prepositional phrase required by the adjective "good".
A sentence can contain several prepositional phrases, each performing a different grammatical function.
For example, She worked in the office after the meeting with the new manager.
She worked in the office after the meeting with the new manager.
Она работала в офисе после собрания с новым менеджером.
The sentence contains multiple prepositional phrases: "in the office", "after the meeting", "with the new manager".
He walked through the park to the station in the rain.
Он шёл через парк до вокзала под дождём.
The sentence contains multiple prepositional phrases: "through the park", "to the station", "in the rain".
The book on the table in the corner is mine.
Книга на столе в углу моя.
The sentence contains multiple prepositional phrases: "on the table", "in the corner".
She spoke to the students about the exam after class.
Она поговорила со студентами об экзамене после урока.
The sentence contains multiple prepositional phrases: "to the students", "about the exam", "after class".
We met at the café near the station on Friday.
Мы встретились в кафе рядом с вокзалом в пятницу.
The sentence contains multiple prepositional phrases: "at the café", "near the station", "on Friday".
He put the keys on the table by the door.
Он положил ключи на стол у двери.
The sentence contains multiple prepositional phrases: "on the table", "by the door".
The report about the changes in the system from last year is missing.
Отчёт об изменениях в системе с прошлого года пропал.
The sentence contains multiple prepositional phrases: "about the changes", "in the system", "from last year".
She traveled by train to Paris with her friends in July.
Она путешествовала на поезде в Париж с друзьями в июле.
The sentence contains multiple prepositional phrases: "by train", "to Paris", "with her friends", "in July".
Prepositional phrases can occur in different positions depending on their function, length, emphasis, and relationship to other elements.
For example, After the meeting, we went home and We went home after the meeting.
After the meeting, we went home.
После собрания мы пошли домой.
"After the meeting" is a fronted prepositional phrase establishing time context.
We went home after the meeting.
Мы пошли домой после собрания.
"after the meeting" is a prepositional phrase at the end of the sentence.
In the morning, she usually goes for a run.
Утром она обычно ходит на пробежку.
"In the morning" is a fronted prepositional phrase establishing time context.
She usually goes for a run in the morning.
Она обычно ходит на пробежку утром.
"in the morning" is a prepositional phrase at the end of the sentence.
With great care, he opened the box.
С большой осторожностью он открыл коробку.
"With great care" is a fronted prepositional phrase for emphasis.
He opened the box with great care.
Он открыл коробку с большой осторожностью.
"with great care" is a prepositional phrase at the end of the sentence.
On the table, there was a book.
На столе была книга.
"On the table" is a fronted prepositional phrase establishing place context.
There was a book on the table.
На столе была книга.
"on the table" is a prepositional phrase at the end of the sentence.
A prepositional phrase can be placed at the beginning of a sentence to establish context or provide emphasis.
For example, After the meeting, we went for coffee.
After the meeting, we went for coffee.
После собрания мы пошли на кофе.
"After the meeting" is a fronted prepositional phrase establishing context.
In the morning, I drink coffee.
Утром я пью кофе.
"In the morning" is a fronted prepositional phrase for context.
At the station, we waited for the train.
На вокзале мы ждали поезд.
"At the station" is a fronted prepositional phrase for context.
With a smile, she accepted the gift.
С улыбкой она приняла подарок.
"With a smile" is a fronted prepositional phrase for emphasis.
In the end, everything worked out.
В конце концов всё получилось.
"In the end" is a fronted prepositional phrase.
On the table, there is a vase.
На столе есть ваза.
"On the table" is a fronted prepositional phrase.
After lunch, we went for a walk.
После обеда мы пошли гулять.
"After lunch" is a fronted prepositional phrase.
By the window, she sat reading.
У окна она сидела и читала.
"By the window" is a fronted prepositional phrase.
Prepositional phrases commonly occur after the main verb, object, or complement when they function as adverbials.
For example, We met at the station and She worked until midnight.
We met at the station.
Мы встретились на вокзале.
"at the station" is a prepositional phrase at the end functioning as an adverbial.
She worked until midnight.
Она работала до полуночи.
"until midnight" is a prepositional phrase at the end functioning as an adverbial.
He put the book on the table.
Он положил книгу на стол.
"on the table" is a prepositional phrase at the end functioning as an adverbial.
They arrived in London.
Они прибыли в Лондон.
"in London" is a prepositional phrase at the end functioning as an adverbial.
She spoke with confidence.
Она говорила с уверенностью.
"with confidence" is a prepositional phrase at the end functioning as an adverbial.
We waited for two hours.
Мы ждали два часа.
"for two hours" is a prepositional phrase at the end functioning as an adverbial.
He walked through the park.
Он прошёл через парк.
"through the park" is a prepositional phrase at the end functioning as an adverbial.
She lives near the station.
Она живёт рядом с вокзалом.
"near the station" is a prepositional phrase at the end functioning as an adverbial.
A prepositional phrase following a noun can function as a postmodifier specifying which person or thing is meant.
For example, the students in the classroom and the report about the accident.
The students in the classroom are quiet.
Студенты в классе тихие.
"in the classroom" is a prepositional phrase after the noun "students".
The report about the accident is missing.
Отчёт об аварии пропал.
"about the accident" is a prepositional phrase after the noun "report".
The woman in the red dress is my aunt.
Женщина в красном платье — моя тётя.
"in the red dress" is a prepositional phrase after the noun "woman".
The book on the table is mine.
Книга на столе моя.
"on the table" is a prepositional phrase after the noun "book".
The man with the hat is my uncle.
Мужчина в шляпе — мой дядя.
"with the hat" is a prepositional phrase after the noun "man".
The house on the hill is old.
Дом на холме старый.
"on the hill" is a prepositional phrase after the noun "house".
The car in the garage is new.
Машина в гараже новая.
"in the garage" is a prepositional phrase after the noun "car".
The girl with the blue eyes is my sister.
Девочка с голубыми глазами — моя сестра.
"with the blue eyes" is a prepositional phrase after the noun "girl".
Some adjectives are followed by prepositional phrases that complete or specify their meaning.
For example, interested in science, afraid of dogs, and responsible for the project.
She is interested in science.
Она интересуется наукой.
"in science" is a prepositional phrase after the adjective "interested".
He is afraid of dogs.
Он боится собак.
"of dogs" is a prepositional phrase after the adjective "afraid".
She is responsible for the project.
Она отвечает за проект.
"for the project" is a prepositional phrase after the adjective "responsible".
He is good at mathematics.
Он хорош в математике.
"at mathematics" is a prepositional phrase after the adjective "good".
She is proud of her son.
Она гордится своим сыном.
"of her son" is a prepositional phrase after the adjective "proud".
He is married to a doctor.
Он женат на враче.
"to a doctor" is a prepositional phrase after the adjective "married".
She is famous for her research.
Она известна своими исследованиями.
"for her research" is a prepositional phrase after the adjective "famous".
He is capable of great kindness.
Он способен на большую доброту.
"of great kindness" is a prepositional phrase after the adjective "capable".
Some verbs are followed by prepositional phrases as part of their normal grammatical pattern.
For example, listen to music, depend on the result, and wait for the bus.
I listen to music.
Я слушаю музыку.
"to music" is a prepositional phrase after the verb "listen".
The result depends on the circumstances.
Результат зависит от обстоятельств.
"on the circumstances" is a prepositional phrase after the verb "depend".
We waited for the bus.
Мы ждали автобус.
"for the bus" is a prepositional phrase after the verb "wait".
She looked at the picture.
Она посмотрела на картину.
"at the picture" is a prepositional phrase after the verb "look".
He is looking for his keys.
Он ищет свои ключи.
"for his keys" is a prepositional phrase after the verb "look".
They talked about the problem.
Они говорили о проблеме.
"about the problem" is a prepositional phrase after the verb "talk".
She believes in equal opportunities.
Она верит в равные возможности.
"in equal opportunities" is a prepositional phrase after the verb "believe".
He succeeded in finding a job.
Он преуспел в поиске работы.
"in finding a job" is a prepositional phrase after the verb "succeed".
Prepositional phrases commonly express location or position.
For example, in the room, on the table, under the bed, and near the station.
She is in the room.
Она в комнате.
"in the room" is a prepositional phrase expressing location.
The book is on the table.
Книга на столе.
"on the table" is a prepositional phrase expressing location.
The cat is under the bed.
Кошка под кроватью.
"under the bed" is a prepositional phrase expressing location.
The hotel is near the station.
Отель рядом с вокзалом.
"near the station" is a prepositional phrase expressing location.
He is at the door.
Он у двери.
"at the door" is a prepositional phrase expressing location.
She lives in London.
Она живёт в Лондоне.
"in London" is a prepositional phrase expressing location.
The picture is on the wall.
Картина на стене.
"on the wall" is a prepositional phrase expressing location.
The car is behind the house.
Машина за домом.
"behind the house" is a prepositional phrase expressing location.
Prepositional phrases can express points, periods, duration, deadlines, and other temporal relationships.
For example, at six o’clock, on Monday, in July, for two hours, and since 2020.
We met at six o'clock.
Мы встретились в шесть часов.
"at six o'clock" is a prepositional phrase expressing a point in time.
The meeting is on Monday.
Собрание в понедельник.
"on Monday" is a prepositional phrase expressing a day.
She was born in July.
Она родилась в июле.
"in July" is a prepositional phrase expressing a month.
I waited for two hours.
Я ждал два часа.
"for two hours" is a prepositional phrase expressing duration.
He has lived here since 2020.
Он живёт здесь с 2020 года.
"since 2020" is a prepositional phrase expressing a starting point.
Please finish it by Friday.
Пожалуйста, закончите это к пятнице.
"by Friday" is a prepositional phrase expressing a deadline.
We stayed until midnight.
Мы оставались до полуночи.
"until midnight" is a prepositional phrase expressing an endpoint.
She worked during the summer.
Она работала летом.
"during the summer" is a prepositional phrase expressing a period.
Prepositional phrases can describe direction, destination, route, and movement through or around a place.
For example, to the station, into the room, across the road, and through the tunnel.
We went to the station.
Мы пошли на вокзал.
"to the station" is a prepositional phrase expressing destination.
She walked into the room.
Она вошла в комнату.
"into the room" is a prepositional phrase expressing movement inside.
He ran across the road.
Он перебежал дорогу.
"across the road" is a prepositional phrase expressing movement across.
They walked through the tunnel.
Они прошли через туннель.
"through the tunnel" is a prepositional phrase expressing movement through.
She drove along the coast.
Она ехала вдоль побережья.
"along the coast" is a prepositional phrase expressing movement along.
He jumped over the fence.
Он перепрыгнул через забор.
"over the fence" is a prepositional phrase expressing movement over.
The cat ran under the table.
Кошка пробежала под столом.
"under the table" is a prepositional phrase expressing movement under.
She walked around the park.
Она обошла парк.
"around the park" is a prepositional phrase expressing movement around.
Prepositional phrases can describe how an action is performed or the manner in which something happens.
For example, with care, without hesitation, and in silence.
She did it with care.
Она сделала это с осторожностью.
"with care" is a prepositional phrase expressing manner.
He left without hesitation.
Он ушёл без колебаний.
"without hesitation" is a prepositional phrase expressing manner.
They sat in silence.
Они сидели в тишине.
"in silence" is a prepositional phrase expressing manner.
She spoke with confidence.
Она говорила с уверенностью.
"with confidence" is a prepositional phrase expressing manner.
He completed the task with ease.
Он выполнил задачу с лёгкостью.
"with ease" is a prepositional phrase expressing manner.
She reacted with surprise.
Она отреагировала с удивлением.
"with surprise" is a prepositional phrase expressing manner.
He answered in a calm voice.
Он ответил спокойным голосом.
"in a calm voice" is a prepositional phrase expressing manner.
She left in a hurry.
Она ушла в спешке.
"in a hurry" is a prepositional phrase expressing manner.
Some prepositional phrases express cause or reason.
For example, because of the rain, due to the delay, and owing to technical problems.
We stayed home because of the rain.
Мы остались дома из-за дождя.
"because of the rain" is a prepositional phrase expressing reason.
The flight was delayed due to the delay.
Рейс был задержан из-за задержки.
"due to the delay" is a prepositional phrase expressing reason.
The event was cancelled owing to technical problems.
Мероприятие было отменено из-за технических проблем.
"owing to technical problems" is a prepositional phrase expressing reason.
She was absent because of illness.
Она отсутствовала из-за болезни.
"because of illness" is a prepositional phrase expressing reason.
He lost his job due to the economic crisis.
Он потерял работу из-за экономического кризиса.
"due to the economic crisis" is a prepositional phrase expressing reason.
We were late because of the traffic.
Мы опоздали из-за пробок.
"because of the traffic" is a prepositional phrase expressing reason.
The match was postponed owing to the storm.
Матч был отложен из-за бури.
"owing to the storm" is a prepositional phrase expressing reason.
She missed the meeting because of a prior commitment.
Она пропустила собрание из-за ранее запланированного обязательства.
"because of a prior commitment" is a prepositional phrase expressing reason.
Some prepositional phrases express purpose or intended function.
For example, for safety, for educational purposes, and with the aim of improving efficiency.
He did it for safety.
Он сделал это для безопасности.
"for safety" is a prepositional phrase expressing purpose.
The event is for educational purposes.
Мероприятие проводится в образовательных целях.
"for educational purposes" is a prepositional phrase expressing purpose.
She did it with the aim of improving efficiency.
Она сделала это с целью повышения эффективности.
"with the aim of improving efficiency" is a prepositional phrase expressing purpose.
He saved money for a new car.
Он копил деньги на новую машину.
"for a new car" is a prepositional phrase expressing purpose.
They left early for the meeting.
Они ушли рано на встречу.
"for the meeting" is a prepositional phrase expressing purpose.
She bought it for a special occasion.
Она купила это для особого случая.
"for a special occasion" is a prepositional phrase expressing purpose.
He studies for a degree.
Он учится на степень.
"for a degree" is a prepositional phrase expressing purpose.
She exercises for health reasons.
Она занимается спортом по состоянию здоровья.
"for health reasons" is a prepositional phrase expressing purpose.
Prepositional phrases can describe the tool, method, or means used to perform an action.
For example, with a knife, by train, and by email.
He cut the bread with a knife.
Он нарезал хлеб ножом.
"with a knife" is a prepositional phrase expressing instrument.
She traveled by train.
Она путешествовала на поезде.
"by train" is a prepositional phrase expressing means of transport.
I sent it by email.
Я отправил это по электронной почте.
"by email" is a prepositional phrase expressing method.
She wrote the letter with a pen.
Она написала письмо ручкой.
"with a pen" is a prepositional phrase expressing instrument.
He paid by credit card.
Он заплатил кредитной картой.
"by credit card" is a prepositional phrase expressing method.
They communicated by phone.
Они общались по телефону.
"by phone" is a prepositional phrase expressing method.
She opened the box with a key.
Она открыла коробку ключом.
"with a key" is a prepositional phrase expressing instrument.
He fixed it with a hammer.
Он починил это молотком.
"with a hammer" is a prepositional phrase expressing instrument.
With can introduce a person or thing accompanying another person or action.
For example, She went with her friends and I travelled with my brother.
She went with her friends.
Она пошла с друзьями.
"with her friends" is a prepositional phrase expressing accompaniment.
I travelled with my brother.
Я путешествовал с братом.
"with my brother" is a prepositional phrase expressing accompaniment.
He came with his dog.
Он пришёл со своей собакой.
"with his dog" is a prepositional phrase expressing accompaniment.
She brought a cake with her.
Она принесла торт с собой.
"with her" is a prepositional phrase expressing accompaniment.
We went to the party with our neighbours.
Мы пошли на вечеринку с соседями.
"with our neighbours" is a prepositional phrase expressing accompaniment.
He works with a team.
Он работает с командой.
"with a team" is a prepositional phrase expressing accompaniment.
She lives with her parents.
Она живёт с родителями.
"with her parents" is a prepositional phrase expressing accompaniment.
I ate lunch with my colleagues.
Я обедал с коллегами.
"with my colleagues" is a prepositional phrase expressing accompaniment.
Prepositional phrases can identify a reference point in comparisons.
For example, taller than me, similar to the original, and different from the previous version.
He is taller than me.
Он выше меня.
"than me" is a prepositional phrase identifying a reference point in a comparison.
This design is similar to the original.
Этот дизайн похож на оригинал.
"to the original" is a prepositional phrase identifying a reference point in a comparison.
Her answer is different from mine.
Её ответ отличается от моего.
"from mine" is a prepositional phrase identifying a reference point in a comparison.
She is more experienced than him.
Она опытнее его.
"than him" is a prepositional phrase identifying a reference point in a comparison.
This method is better than the other one.
Этот метод лучше другого.
"than the other one" is a prepositional phrase identifying a reference point in a comparison.
The new model is similar to the old one.
Новая модель похожа на старую.
"to the old one" is a prepositional phrase identifying a reference point in a comparison.
His opinion is different from hers.
Его мнение отличается от её.
"from hers" is a prepositional phrase identifying a reference point in a comparison.
This problem is more complex than the previous one.
Эта проблема сложнее предыдущей.
"than the previous one" is a prepositional phrase identifying a reference point in a comparison.
Prepositional phrases can identify agents, instruments, causes, or other relationships in passive constructions.
For example, The report was written by the research team and The wall was damaged by the storm.
The report was written by the research team.
Отчёт был написан исследовательской группой.
"by the research team" is a prepositional phrase identifying the agent in a passive construction.
The wall was damaged by the storm.
Стена была повреждена штормом.
"by the storm" is a prepositional phrase identifying the cause in a passive construction.
The letter was sent by my assistant.
Письмо было отправлено моим ассистентом.
"by my assistant" is a prepositional phrase identifying the agent in a passive construction.
The cake was made by my grandmother.
Торт был приготовлен моей бабушкой.
"by my grandmother" is a prepositional phrase identifying the agent in a passive construction.
The window was broken by a ball.
Окно было разбито мячом.
"by a ball" is a prepositional phrase identifying the instrument in a passive construction.
The decision was made by the committee.
Решение было принято комитетом.
"by the committee" is a prepositional phrase identifying the agent in a passive construction.
The building was destroyed by fire.
Здание было разрушено огнём.
"by fire" is a prepositional phrase identifying the cause in a passive construction.
The song was performed by a famous singer.
Песня была исполнена известной певицей.
"by a famous singer" is a prepositional phrase identifying the agent in a passive construction.
Prepositional phrases can appear inside relative clauses and may involve a relative pronoun or relative adverb.
For example, the person to whom I spoke, the person I spoke to, and the place where I work.
The person to whom I spoke was helpful.
Человек, с которым я говорил, был полезен.
"to whom I spoke" is a prepositional phrase inside a relative clause.
The person I spoke to was helpful.
Человек, с которым я говорил, был полезен.
"I spoke to" contains a stranded preposition inside a relative clause.
The place where I work is nice.
Место, где я работаю, хорошее.
"where I work" is a relative adverb construction with a prepositional relationship.
The book in which I found the information is rare.
Книга, в которой я нашёл информацию, редкая.
"in which I found the information" is a prepositional phrase inside a relative clause.
The man with whom she works is my uncle.
Мужчина, с которым она работает, мой дядя.
"with whom she works" is a prepositional phrase inside a relative clause.
The house that we looked at is too expensive.
Дом, который мы смотрели, слишком дорогой.
"that we looked at" contains a stranded preposition inside a relative clause.
The candidate for whom I voted won.
Кандидат, за которого я голосовал, победил.
"for whom I voted" is a prepositional phrase inside a relative clause.
The friend I went out with is a teacher.
Друг, с которым я гулял, учитель.
"I went out with" contains a stranded preposition inside a relative clause.
A noun phrase can contain multiple layers of modification involving prepositional phrases.
For example, the report about the changes in the education system from last year.
The report about the changes in the education system from last year is missing.
Отчёт об изменениях в системе образования с прошлого года пропал.
The noun phrase contains multiple prepositional phrases: "about the changes", "in the education system", "from last year".
The book on the table in the corner near the window is mine.
Книга на столе в углу у окна моя.
The noun phrase contains multiple prepositional phrases: "on the table", "in the corner", "near the window".
The man with the hat in the blue suit from London is my uncle.
Мужчина в шляпе в синем костюме из Лондона — мой дядя.
The noun phrase contains multiple prepositional phrases: "with the hat", "in the blue suit", "from London".
The house on the hill with the red roof near the river is old.
Дом на холме с красной крышей у реки старый.
The noun phrase contains multiple prepositional phrases: "on the hill", "with the red roof", "near the river".
The car in the garage with the broken window from the accident is new.
Машина в гараже с разбитым окном после аварии новая.
The noun phrase contains multiple prepositional phrases: "in the garage", "with the broken window", "from the accident".
The students from London in the classroom with the new teacher are here.
Студенты из Лондона в классе с новым учителем здесь.
The noun phrase contains multiple prepositional phrases: "from London", "in the classroom", "with the new teacher".
The letter to the manager about the delay in the project from last week was sent.
Письмо менеджеру о задержке проекта с прошлой недели было отправлено.
The noun phrase contains multiple prepositional phrases: "to the manager", "about the delay", "in the project", "from last week".
The girl with the blue eyes in the red dress from Paris is my sister.
Девочка с голубыми глазами в красном платье из Парижа — моя сестра.
The noun phrase contains multiple prepositional phrases: "with the blue eyes", "in the red dress", "from Paris".
A prepositional phrase can contain a complex noun phrase as its complement.
For example, in the middle of the meeting and because of the unexpected changes in the schedule.
She was in the middle of the meeting.
Она была в середине собрания.
"in the middle of the meeting" contains a complex noun phrase as its complement.
The event was cancelled because of the unexpected changes in the schedule.
Мероприятие было отменено из-за неожиданных изменений в расписании.
"because of the unexpected changes in the schedule" contains a complex noun phrase as its complement.
He sat at the back of the room.
Он сидел в задней части комнаты.
"at the back of the room" contains a complex noun phrase as its complement.
She arrived on the first day of the conference.
Она прибыла в первый день конференции.
"on the first day of the conference" contains a complex noun phrase as its complement.
We met in front of the new shopping centre.
Мы встретились перед новым торговым центром.
"in front of the new shopping centre" contains a complex noun phrase as its complement.
He left after the end of the film.
Он ушёл после конца фильма.
"after the end of the film" contains a complex noun phrase as its complement.
She spoke at the beginning of the ceremony.
Она говорила в начале церемонии.
"at the beginning of the ceremony" contains a complex noun phrase as its complement.
The book is on the top shelf of the bookcase.
Книга на верхней полке книжного шкафа.
"on the top shelf of the bookcase" contains a complex noun phrase as its complement.
In some constructions, especially questions, relative clauses, and passive-related structures, a preposition can remain at the end of the clause rather than preceding its complement.
For example, Who are you talking to? and The person I spoke to.
Who are you talking to?
С кем ты разговариваешь?
"talking to" is a stranded preposition at the end of the question.
The person I spoke to was helpful.
Человек, с которым я говорил, был полезен.
"I spoke to" contains a stranded preposition in a relative clause.
What are you looking at?
На что ты смотришь?
"looking at" is a stranded preposition at the end of the question.
The house that we looked at is too expensive.
Дом, который мы смотрели, слишком дорогой.
"that we looked at" contains a stranded preposition in a relative clause.
Who did you go with?
С кем ты пошёл?
"go with" is a stranded preposition at the end of the question.
The friend I went out with is a teacher.
Друг, с которым я гулял, учитель.
"I went out with" contains a stranded preposition in a relative clause.
What are you waiting for?
Чего ты ждёшь?
"waiting for" is a stranded preposition at the end of the question.
The book I was looking for is on the shelf.
Книга, которую я искал, на полке.
"I was looking for" contains a stranded preposition in a relative clause.
In formal English, a preposition can sometimes be placed before its complement rather than stranded at the end.
For example, To whom are you speaking? and The person to whom I spoke.
To whom are you speaking?
С кем вы говорите?
"To whom" is a fronted preposition in formal English.
The person to whom I spoke was helpful.
Человек, с которым я говорил, был полезен.
"to whom I spoke" is a fronted preposition in a relative clause in formal English.
For what purpose was the document created?
С какой целью был создан документ?
"For what purpose" is a fronted preposition in formal English.
The system on which the software runs is secure.
Система, на которой работает программное обеспечение, безопасна.
"on which the software runs" is a fronted preposition in a relative clause in formal English.
With whom did she work?
С кем она работала?
"With whom" is a fronted preposition in formal English.
The book in which I found the information is rare.
Книга, в которой я нашёл информацию, редкая.
"in which I found the information" is a fronted preposition in a relative clause in formal English.
On what basis was the decision made?
На каком основании было принято решение?
"On what basis" is a fronted preposition in formal English.
The candidate for whom I voted won.
Кандидат, за которого я голосовал, победил.
"for whom I voted" is a fronted preposition in a relative clause in formal English.
Some prepositional phrases function as established expressions whose wording is relatively fixed.
For example, in fact, by chance, at first, on purpose, and in general.
In fact, I have never been there.
На самом деле, я никогда там не был.
"In fact" is a fixed prepositional expression.
I met her by chance.
Я встретил её случайно.
"by chance" is a fixed prepositional expression.
At first, I did not like it.
Сначала мне это не понравилось.
"At first" is a fixed prepositional expression.
He did it on purpose.
Он сделал это нарочно.
"on purpose" is a fixed prepositional expression.
In general, the results were positive.
В целом результаты были положительными.
"In general" is a fixed prepositional expression.
By the way, I saw your brother yesterday.
Кстати, я видел твоего брата вчера.
"By the way" is a fixed prepositional expression.
At least, we tried our best.
По крайней мере, мы сделали всё возможное.
"At least" is a fixed prepositional expression.
In the end, everything worked out.
В конце концов всё получилось.
"In the end" is a fixed prepositional expression.
Different prepositional expressions can vary in formality, frequency, and appropriateness for particular contexts.
For example, owing to is generally more formal than because of, while in accordance with is strongly associated with formal writing.
The event was cancelled owing to heavy rain.
Мероприятие было отменено из-за сильного дождя.
"owing to" is generally more formal than "because of".
The event was cancelled because of heavy rain.
Мероприятие было отменено из-за сильного дождя.
"because of" is neutral and common in everyday English.
In accordance with the regulations, we must submit the form.
В соответствии с правилами мы должны подать форму.
"In accordance with" is strongly associated with formal writing.
According to the rules, we must submit the form.
Согласно правилам, мы должны подать форму.
"According to" is neutral and common.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the meeting is postponed.
Из-за непредвиденных обстоятельств собрание отложено.
"Due to" is common in formal and everyday English.
On account of the weather, the flight was delayed.
Из-за погоды рейс был задержан.
"On account of" is formal.
By means of this tool, we can measure the distance.
С помощью этого инструмента мы можем измерить расстояние.
"By means of" is formal.
With regard to your request, we will respond soon.
Относительно вашего запроса мы скоро ответим.
"With regard to" is formal.
A prepositional phrase should be positioned so that it is clear which word or phrase it modifies.
For example, Long modifiers can otherwise create ambiguity about whether a phrase modifies the noun or the main verb.
She saw the man with the telescope.
Она увидела мужчину с телескопом.
The prepositional phrase "with the telescope" can ambiguously modify "the man" or "saw".
She saw the man who had a telescope.
Она увидела мужчину, у которого был телескоп.
The relative clause "who had a telescope" clearly modifies "the man".
She used a telescope to see the man.
Она использовала телескоп, чтобы увидеть мужчину.
The sentence clearly states that she used a telescope.
He painted the wall with the brush.
Он покрасил стену кистью.
The prepositional phrase "with the brush" can ambiguously modify "painted" or "the wall".
He used a brush to paint the wall.
Он использовал кисть, чтобы покрасить стену.
The sentence clearly states that he used a brush.
The report on the table in the office is missing.
Отчёт на столе в офисе пропал.
The prepositional phrases "on the table" and "in the office" clearly modify "the report".
She discussed the plan with the manager in the meeting.
Она обсудила план с менеджером на встрече.
The prepositional phrases "with the manager" and "in the meeting" clearly modify "discussed".
I saw the girl with the binoculars on the hill.
Я увидел девочку с биноклем на холме.
The prepositional phrase "with the binoculars" can ambiguously modify "the girl" or "saw".
Use prepositional phrases with the correct preposition, complement, position, and grammatical function.
Common mistakes include using the wrong object pronoun, using an infinitive after a preposition, confusing complements with optional adverbials, stranding a preposition incorrectly in formal constructions, and creating ambiguous attachment.
Come with me.
Пойдём со мной.
Correct: the object pronoun "me" is used after the preposition "with".
Come with I.
Пойдём со мной.
Incorrect: the subject pronoun "I" is used after a preposition.
She is good at solving problems.
Она хорошо решает проблемы.
Correct: a gerund "solving" follows the preposition "at".
She is good at solve problems.
Она хорошо решает проблемы.
Incorrect: an infinitive "solve" follows the preposition "at".
The result depends on the circumstances.
Результат зависит от обстоятельств.
Correct: "on the circumstances" is a required complement after "depends".
The result depends the circumstances.
Результат зависит обстоятельств.
Incorrect: the preposition "on" is missing.
To whom are you speaking?
С кем вы говорите?
Correct: in formal English, the preposition "To" is fronted.
Whom are you speaking to?
С кем вы говорите?
Correct: the preposition "to" is stranded at the end in less formal English.