Preposition Vs Adverb

Several words are used sometimes as Adverbs and sometimes as Preposition.

  • A word is a preposition when it governs a noun or a pronoun.
  • It is an adverb when it governs a verb.

For example, 

Adverb examples:

  1. Go and run about.
  2. Let’s move on.

Preposition examples:

  1. Don’t tell me about your excuses.
  2. The book lies on the table.

Following is the list of words that can act as preposition as well as adverbs.

AboutAboveAcross
AfterAlongAround
BeforeBehindBelow
BeneathBeyondBy
DownInInside
NearOffOn
OppositeOutsideOver
PastRoundThrough
UnderUpWithout

When referring to space ( i.e. a very wide area), we have a choice of preposition, depending upon the meaning we wish to express.

Let’s practice some more examples. 

  • In /an /from /under /over / across Multan
  • When the speaker is enclosed by the area, he uses “in”. For example, I live in Multan.
  • When he considers it as a point, he uses “at” with it. For example, We stopped at Multan on the way to Lahore.
  • Some prepositions like (into, onto, out of, to) combine with movement verbs normally. For example, A bird flew into my room early morning.
  • Prepositions like (at, in on) normally combine with only position verbs. For example, 
    • I waited for you in the hotel.
    • I live at Bosan Colony in Multan.

Common Questions

Is the word ‘around’ a preposition or adverb?

‘Around’ works as an adverb and preposition as well. Look at the following examples.

Preposition: She is speaking before the audience.
Adverb: He came to me a day before.

Is ‘before’ an adverb or preposition?

‘Before’ acts as an adverb, adjective as well as preposition. For example,

Preposition: This house has fence around it.
Adverb: One more event has come around.

Is ‘with’ an adverb or adjective?

‘With’ is a preposition. It can be used in the adverbial phrase to make the complete sense of the expression.

Preposition: Sophie is talking with her friend.
Adverb: I helped John with his homework.

Is ‘yesterday’ an adverb or preposition?

‘Yesterday’ can be considered as noun or adverb, in some cases as an adjective.

Adverb: I completed my task yesterday.

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