Fill in the blanks with an appropriate preposition.
1. They swam ………………….. the river.
We usually prefer across to talk about movement in water.
2. They live in a village just ………………………… the border.
Across and over can mean on or to the other side of a line, river, road etc.
3. I work best ……………………….. the evening.
We use in with parts of the day.
4. See you …………………….. Saturday evening.
Before days we use on.
5. I can run 400 meters ………………………. about one minute.
6. We usually go and see grandmother …………………………. Sunday.
7. That car can seat ……………………….. seven people.
To talk about quantity we use up to.
8. I won’t be seeing him ………………………. Wednesday.
Not until can mean the same as not before.
9. The nearest restaurant is about half a mile ………………………….. the road.
Sometimes both up and down can mean along.
10. None of the last six trains has been ………………………….. time.
On time means at the planned time.
11. He could have been saved if they had brought him to hospital ………………………….. time.
In time means before the last moment.
12. I have been here …………………………. three weeks now.
Answers
1. They swam across the river.
2. They live in a village just across / over the border.
3. I work best in the evening.
4. See you on Saturday evening.
5. I can run 400 meters in about one minute.
6. We usually go and see grandmother on Sunday.
7. That car can seat up to seven people.
8. I won’t be seeing him until / before Wednesday.
9. The nearest restaurant is about half a mile up / down the road.
10. None of the last six trains has been on time.
11. He could have been saved if they had brought him to hospital in time.
12. I have been here for three weeks now.
