Preposition Rule



There is one very simple rule about prepositions. And, unlike most rules, this rule has no exceptions.
Rule: A preposition is followed by a "noun". It is never followed by a verb.
By "noun" we include:
  • noun (dog, money, love)
  • proper noun (name) (Bangkok, Mary)
  • pronoun (you, him, us)
  • noun group (my first job)
  • gerund (swimming)
A preposition cannot be followed by a verb. If we want to follow a preposition by a verb, we must use the "-ing" form which is really a gerund or verb in noun form.
Quick Quiz: In the following sentences, why is the preposition "to" followed by a verb? That should be impossible, according to the rule that you have just read.
  • I would like to go now.
  • She used to smoke.
See answer

Here are some examples:
subject + verbpreposition"noun"note
The food isonthe table.noun
She livesinJapan.proper noun
Tara is lookingforyou.pronoun
The letter isunderyour blue book.noun group
Pascal is usedtoEnglish people.
She isn't usedtoworking.gerund
I atebeforecoming.







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