Complete the following sentences using appropriate prepositions.
1. Little Jack Horner sat ……………….. a corner.
We use 'in' to indicate position in a three-dimensional space.
2. The lion and the unicorn fought …………………. the crown.
They didn't fight with the crown. That means they didn't use the crown as a weapon. They fought because they both wanted the crown.
3. ………………….. the street, the Piper stepped.
4. She sat ………………… the fire, and told me a tale.
By can mean 'near'. Besides means 'in addition'.
5. They all ran ………………….. the farmer’s wife, who cut off their tails with a carving knife.
To run after somebody is to pursue them.
6. They rise ………………….. the morning lark, and labor till almost dark.
7. I bring fresh showers ..................... the thirsting flowers from the seas and the streams.
8. She laid her arms ………………….. her breast.
9. He swore ………………… the Nine Gods.
We swear by something.
10. We go away ............................ three weeks every summer.
For indicates duration; since shows the starting point.
11. Come and see us ............................ Christmas day.
We use on to talk about one day of the holiday.
12. I will phone you ...................... 4.30
We use 'at' with clock times.
Answers
1. Little Jack Horner sat in a corner.
2. The lion and the unicorn fought for the crown.
3. Into the street, the Piper stepped.
4. She sat by the fire, and told me a tale.
5. They all ran after the farmer’s wife, who cut off their tails with a carving knife.
6. They rise with the morning lark, and labor till almost dark.
7. I bring fresh showers for the thirsting flowers from the seas and the streams.
8. She laid her arms across her breast.
9. He swore by the Nine Gods.
10. We go away for three weeks every summer.
11. Come and see us on Christmas day.
12. I will phone you at 4.30
