What is a Preposition? (English + Hindi)

A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word in a sentence. It usually tells us about place, time, direction, cause, or manner.

Preposition वह शब्द होता है जो संज्ञा (noun) या सर्वनाम (pronoun) का वाक्य के दूसरे शब्दों से संबंध बताता है। यह संबंध अक्सर स्थान, समय, दिशा, कारण या तरीके का होता है।

Example:

The book is on the table.
Here, on is a preposition. It shows the relationship between book and table (place).

किताब मेज़ पर है।
यहाँ पर (on) एक preposition का काम कर रहा है। यह किताब और मेज़ के बीच स्थान का संबंध बता रहा है।

All Possible Uses of the Preposition “ON”

The preposition “on” is mainly used to show position, time, contact, support, topic, dependence, state, and direction. Its meaning changes according to context.

1. On for Position / Surface (Contact with a surface)

Used when something is touching or resting on a surface.

Examples:
The book is on the table.
She sat on the chair.
There is dust on the shelf.
The picture is on the wall.
He placed his hand on my shoulder.

2. On for Time (Days, Dates & Special Days)

Used with days and specific dates.

Examples:
I will meet you on Monday.
He was born on 15th August.
We go shopping on Sundays.
The exam is on New Year’s Day.
She called me on her birthday.

3. On for Means of Transport (Public or Large Vehicles)

Used with vehicles you can walk on or public transport.

Examples:
She is on the bus.
He travelled on a train.
They are on a plane.
I met him on a ship.

❌ In a car (not on a car)

4. On for Direction / Movement onto a Surface

Used when movement ends on a surface.

Examples:
The cat jumped on the bed.
He climbed on the roof.
The child fell on the ground.
She stepped on my foot.

5. On for Topic / Subject

Used to talk about a subject or topic.

Examples:
He gave a lecture on English grammar.
She wrote a book on Indian history.
There is a program on climate change.
We had a discussion on education.

6. On for Devices / Media / Technology

Used when something is displayed, shown, or running on a device or platform.

Examples:
I saw the news on TV.
She is talking on the phone.
The movie is on Netflix.
He is active on social media.
The file is saved on the computer.

7. On for State / Condition

Used to show a temporary state or condition.

Examples:
The patient is on oxygen.
He is on leave today.
She is on duty.
The shop is on strike.
The machine is on fire.

8. On for Dependence / Basis

Used when something depends on or is based on something else.

Examples:
Success depends on hard work.
I rely on my friends.
The decision is based on facts.
The story is based on a true incident.

9. On for Food, Expenses & Consumption

Used to show what someone lives on or spends on.

Examples:
He lives on bread and milk.
She spends money on clothes.
They survive on little income.
The poor family lives on charity.

10. On for Responsibility / Authority

Used to show responsibility or authority.

Examples:
Leave it on me.
The blame is on him.
The duty is on the manager.
The decision is on the committee.

11. On for Reaction / Effect

Used to show impact or effect.

Examples:
The speech had a strong effect on the audience.
Smoking has a bad effect on health.
His words made an impression on me.

12. On for Continuation / Progress

Used to show continuity or progression.

Examples:
The show goes on.
Life must go on.
He worked on improving his English.
She is working on a new project.

13. On for Clothing / Accessories

Used when something is worn or carried.

Examples:
She has a ring on her finger.
He is wearing a cap on his head.
The police officer has a badge on his uniform.

14. On for Physical Contact / Pressure

Used when force or pressure is applied.

Examples:
Don’t put pressure on me.
He pushed his weight on the door.
She leaned on the wall.

15. On for Location (Along / Beside)

Used to show something located along a line or road.

Examples:
His house is on MG Road.
The hotel is on the river bank.
There are many shops on this street.

16. On for Law, Rules & Documents

Used to refer to official matters.

Examples:
He is out on bail.
She was released on parole.
The decision was taken on legal advice.

17. On for Age / Stage

Used for age or development stage.

Examples:
A child on the verge of adulthood.
He is on the threshold of success.

18. On in Idiomatic Expressions

Very common fixed expressions:

Examples:
On time – at the correct time
On purpose – intentionally
On foot – walking
On sale – available for purchase
On duty – working
On fire – burning
On hold – delayed
On the way – coming
On and on – continuously

19. On vs In vs At (Quick Comparison)

On → surface, days, devices
In → inside, months, years
At → exact point, time, place

Example:
The book is on the table.
The book is in the bag.
He is at the table.

Common Errors to Avoid

❌ He is on the car.
✅ He is in the car.

❌ I was born on 2001.
✅ I was born in 2001.

❌ She is on home.
✅ She is at home.

Meaning of ONTO

Onto means movement to a position on the surface of something.
It shows direction + destination (motion ending on a surface).

Hindi meaning: पर / ऊपर की ओर (गति के साथ)

1. Movement from one place to a surface

Used when something moves from somewhere else and lands on a surface.

Structure:
verb of motion + onto + surface

Examples:
He jumped onto the table.
The cat climbed onto the roof.
She threw the bag onto the bed.
The child fell onto the ground.

👉 Difference:

on = position (already there)
onto = movement (going there)

2. Change of position to a higher or flat surface

Used when someone or something moves upward or forward to reach a surface.

Examples:
The boy climbed onto the wall.
She stepped onto the stage.
He lifted the box onto the shelf.

3. Transfer or placing something on a surface

Used when an object is put, placed, loaded, or spread on something.

Common verbs: put, place, load, spread, throw, drop

Examples:
She put the books onto the table.
They loaded the luggage onto the bus.
He spread butter onto the bread.
The farmer poured water onto the plants.

4. Entering a vehicle or platform (focus on movement)

Used when someone gets on a vehicle, stage, platform, or similar surface.

Examples:
He climbed onto the train.
The passengers stepped onto the platform.
She jumped onto the bus as it stopped.

(Normal conversation often uses on, but onto emphasizes movement.)

5. Transition or change into a new role, subject, or situation (figurative)

Used in formal or written English to show movement from one state or topic to another.

Examples:
The discussion moved onto the next issue.
She was promoted onto a senior role.
The teacher went onto a new topic.

6. Physical contact caused by motion

Used when contact happens because of movement, often suddenly or accidentally.

Examples:
He slipped and crashed onto the floor.
The child bumped onto the wall.
The tree fell onto the house.

7. Focus or attention shifting to something

Used when attention, responsibility, or blame moves to someone or something.

Examples:
The responsibility fell onto his shoulders.
The spotlight turned onto the young actor.
The blame was pushed onto the manager.

8. Onto vs On (important exam point)

On	Onto
Position / state	Movement / direction
The book is on the table.	He put the book onto the table.
She is on the stage.	She walked onto the stage.

9. Common verbs used with onto

climb onto
jump onto
step onto
fall onto
put onto
move onto
load onto
crash onto

10. Common learner mistakes ❌

❌ He jumped on the wall. (wrong if movement is stressed)
✅ He jumped onto the wall.

❌ She put the bag on the bed. (acceptable, but less clear)
✅ She put the bag onto the bed. (movement is clear)

Preposition “Upon” – All Possible Uses with Examples

Upon generally means “on”, “on top of”, “immediately after”, or “as a result of”.

It is more formal than on and is commonly used in written English, rules, notices, laws, stories, and academic language.

1. “Upon” - On / On the surface of

This is the most basic meaning. It shows physical contact with a surface.

Examples:
The cat jumped upon the table.
He placed his hand upon my shoulder.
Snow fell upon the mountains.

👉 In modern spoken English, on is more common, but upon sounds formal and literary.

2. “Upon” - Immediately after (As soon as)

Used to show that one action happens right after another.

Examples:
Upon reaching the station, he called his father.
Upon hearing the news, she started crying.
Upon arrival, please report to the office.

👉 Very common in formal writing, notices, and instructions.

3. “Upon” - As a result of / Because of

Shows cause and effect.

Examples:
The decision was made upon careful consideration.
He was promoted upon the recommendation of his manager.
Success depends upon hard work.

4. “Upon” - Dependence (depends on)

Used with verbs like depend, rely, base, hinge.

Examples:
Your future depends upon your actions today.
The plan is based upon accurate data.
Everything hinges upon his approval.

5. “Upon” - Coming into a state or condition

Used to show entering a new situation or stage.

Examples:
Upon graduation, she joined a multinational company.
Upon marriage, they moved to Delhi.
Upon completion of the course, a certificate is issued.

6. “Upon” - Formal replacement of “on” (fixed expressions)

Used in many fixed phrases.

Examples:
Once upon a time, there lived a king.
He called upon his friend.
The committee acted upon the complaint.
She insisted upon honesty.

7. “Upon” - Direction toward / movement onto

Shows movement towards and onto something.

Examples:
The tiger sprang upon its prey.
The soldiers marched upon the enemy camp.
He threw himself upon the bed.

8. “Upon” - Authority / Power

Used to show pressure, authority, or influence.

Examples:
The teacher impressed the importance of discipline upon the students.
The responsibility was placed upon him.
The duty falls upon the manager.

9. “Upon” - Time / Occasion

Used to refer to a specific time or event.

Examples:
Upon request, the form will be provided.
Upon inquiry, we found the truth.
Upon inspection, the goods were damaged.

10. “Upon” in Legal & Official Language

Very common in rules, laws, contracts, and official notices.

Examples:
Upon failure to comply, strict action will be taken.
Upon signing this document, you agree to the terms.
Upon verification, payment will be released.

Difference between ON and UPON

ON	UPON
Common in spoken English	Formal and written
Simple usage	Official / literary
Sit on the chair	Upon completion of work

👉 In most cases, upon can replace on, but not always needed in casual speech.

Common Collocations with “Upon”

depend upon
rely upon
base upon
insist upon
act upon
call upon
focus upon
concentrate upon

Exam Tip ✅

Use upon in formal writing, letters, essays, notices, reports
Avoid overusing it in spoken English

All Possible Uses of the Preposition “WITH”

The preposition “with” is one of the most commonly used words in English. It shows company, association, instrument, manner, possession, agreement, cause, contrast, and many other relationships.

1. With - Accompanied by / Together with (साथ में)

Used to show that two or more people or things are together.

Examples
I went to the market with my brother.
She is sitting with her friends.
He came with his parents.

2. With - Having / Possession (के पास)

Shows that someone has something.

Examples
A man with a beard is standing outside.
She bought a bag with two pockets.
I saw a house with a garden.

3. With = Using an instrument or tool (के द्वारा / से)

Shows the tool, instrument, or means used to do something.

Examples
He cut the paper with a knife.
She wrote the letter with a pen.
The thief was killed with a gun.

4. With - Manner / Style (तरीके से)

Shows how an action is done.

Examples
He spoke with confidence.
She answered with a smile.
The teacher explained the topic with patience.

5. With - Cause / Reason (के कारण)

Shows the reason behind a feeling or situation.

Examples
He was shaking with fear.
She was crying with joy.
The boy was weak with hunger.

6. With = Filled or Covered (से भरा हुआ)

Shows something is full of something.

Examples
The room was filled with smoke.
His eyes were red with anger.
The ground was covered with snow.

7. With - Agreement / Support (के पक्ष में)

Shows support or agreement.

Examples
I agree with you.
The public is with the government.
Are you with me on this decision?

8. With - Relationship / Dealing (के साथ व्यवहार)

Shows behavior or relationship toward someone.

Examples
He is polite with everyone.
Be careful with the glass.
She is strict with her students.

9. With - Comparison / Contrast

Used to compare two different things.

Examples
Compare this answer with the correct one.
Her life is different with money than without it.
His behavior changes with age.

10. With - Against (विरुद्ध)

Sometimes “with” means “in opposition to”.

Examples
The fight was with the enemy.
He argued with his father.
She quarreled with her sister.

11. With - Condition / Circumstance

Shows a condition or situation.

Examples
With hard work, you can succeed.
With little money, he survived.
With his experience, the job is easy.

12. With - Emotional Reaction

Shows emotions expressed during an action.

Examples
She looked at me with surprise.
He listened with interest.
The news was received with shock.

13. With - Connection / Association

Shows connection or involvement.

Examples
He is associated with a big company.
She is popular with students.
This issue has nothing to do with me.

14. With - Accompanied Circumstance (Absolute Construction)

Used at the beginning of a sentence to show a situation.

Examples
With the sun rising, we started our journey.
With all doors closed, the room became dark.
With his hands trembling, he signed the paper.

15. With = In the Same Direction or Situation

Shows similarity or parallel change.

Examples
Prices rise with demand.
His confidence grew with time.
The pain increased with pressure.

16. With - After / As a Result of

Used to show result.

Examples
He fainted with exhaustion.
She became famous with one song.
The plant died with lack of water.

17. With - Together in Action

Shows participation.

Examples
• Work with me on this project.
• She sang with the choir.
• Join with others to help the poor.

18. With - Wearing / Carrying

Shows what someone is wearing or carrying.

Examples
A lady with a red scarf entered the room.
A man with a suitcase is waiting outside.
The boy with a cap is my brother.

19. With - According to / In Respect to

Used in formal English.

Examples
• With reference to your letter, I inform you…
• With respect to rules, he is very strict.
• With regard to safety, be careful.

All Possible Uses of the Preposition “BY”

The preposition “by” shows who does an action, how something is done, place near something, time limit, method, measurement, transport, authorship, and manner.

In Hindi, “by” is commonly translated as
द्वारा, के पास, से, तक, के अनुसार, के माध्यम से

1. By - Near / Beside (Place)

👉 Shows position close to something
Examples:
She is sitting by the window.
There is a tree by the river.
He stood by me.

2. By - Method / Means (How something is done)

👉 Shows method or process
Examples:
He earns money by teaching.
She solved the problem by thinking carefully.
You can learn English by practice.

3. By - Transport / Vehicle

👉 Shows mode of travel
Examples:
I go to school by bus.
She came by train.
They traveled by air.
❌ NOT used with on foot
✔ I go on foot, not by foot

4. By = Deadline / Time limit

👉 Means “not later than”
Examples:
Finish this work by Monday.
Please come by 10 a.m.
I will complete it by evening.

5. By - Manner / Way of behavior

👉 Shows how someone behaves
Examples:
He spoke by chance.
She won by luck.
I met him by accident.

6. By = Measurement / Difference / Amount

👉 Shows degree or difference
Examples:
He missed the train by two minutes.
Prices increased by 10 percent.
She won the race by one point.

7. By = Authorship / Creator

👉 Used for books, poems, paintings, songs
Examples:
This book is written by Shakespeare.
The poem was composed by Tagore.
The painting is made by a famous artist.

8. By - According to / Rule / Law

👉 Means as per rule
Examples:
By law, smoking is prohibited here.
By rule, students must wear uniforms.
By tradition, we touch elders’ feet.
9. By = Through / Via (Medium)

Preposition - Part- 2 - Rules & Examples | EnglishEraWithAmitPoonia