Lesson
Position prepositions
Text
These are spatial prepositions that describe the position of one object relative to another.
Table
| Preposition | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| under | below something (directly beneath) | The server is stored under the desk. |
| behind | at the back of something or out of direct view | The printer is behind the filing cabinet. |
| opposite | facing or across from something (on the other side) | Her office is opposite the conference room. |
| in front of | the area before something (facing away from the back) | The receptionist sits in front of the entrance. |
| next to | immediately beside something | The coffee machine is next to the microwave. |
Tip
How to choose the right word:
Think about vertical (under), depth (behind), and facing/across (opposite).
Example
The invoice was under the stack of papers on my desk.
Please check the router behind the cabinet if the internet is slow.
My office is opposite the HR department.
The USB drive is behind the monitor, next to the power strip.
Tip
Universal errors learners make with spatial prepositions:
Focus on the spatial relationship (vertical vs. depth vs. facing) rather than literal synonyms.
Quiz
Choose the correct sentence using 'opposite':
Hint: Think about how to say two places face each other.
Correct!
When two places face each other across a space, use 'opposite' (no 'to' required in this structure).
Incorrect
The correct answer was: The café is opposite the station.
When two places face each other across a space, use 'opposite' (no 'to' required in this structure).
Quiz
Complete: The meeting room is _____ the reception desk.
Hint: Think about a room that faces another room across a space.
Correct!
'Opposite' indicates that the meeting room faces the reception desk across the corridor or space.
Incorrect
The correct answer was: opposite
'Opposite' indicates that the meeting room faces the reception desk across the corridor or space.
Quiz
Choose the sentence that correctly shows something is below another object:
Hint: Focus on the preposition that indicates 'below'.
Correct!
'Under' describes a position directly beneath another object; the other choices describe different relations.
Incorrect
The correct answer was: The cat is under the desk.
'Under' describes a position directly beneath another object; the other choices describe different relations.
Vocabulary
In or to a position below something.
The files are under the keyboard.
Vocabulary
At the back of something; not in front of it.
The spare keys are behind the noticeboard.
Vocabulary
Facing something else, typically across a space.
Her desk is opposite mine in the open-plan office.
Expression
Beside or adjacent to something.
Please put the brochures next to the sign-in sheet.
Expression
Located before something, usually facing away from its back.
The CEO stood in front of the team to present the quarterly results.
Vocabulary
Formally means 'under'; often used in writing or formal speech.
Please sign beneath your printed name.