Where is it? Prepositions of Place for ESL Students

In ,

On At In Under Above

What Are Prepositions of Place?

Prepositions of place are small words that help us talk about where things are. They are very important for telling others exactly where something is. They answer the question “Where?” In this guide, we’ll learn about some common prepositions of place, with examples and tips to help you use them.

Common Prepositions of Place

1. In

  • Used to show that something or someone is enclosed or surrounded by something else; located inside a space or area.

                        The cat is in the box.

                        The apple is in the bag.

                        The students are in the grammar class.

2. On

  • Used to show that something is touching and supported by the surface of something else.

                        The cat is on the couch.         

                        The cup is on the desk.

                        She is on the second floor.

3. At

  • Used to show a specific point or exact location At a specific place.

                        He is at the door.

                        We are at the park.

                        The students are at school.

4. Under

  • Used to show that something is directly below or beneath something else.

                        The dog is under the table.

                        The shoes are under the bed.

                        The car is under the bridge.

5. Above

  • Used to show that something is higher than something else, without touching it.

                       The painting is above the fireplace.  

                        The clock is above the door.

                        The airplane is above the clouds.

What do I Know?

A. Match the image to the correct preposition of place.

a. under           b. above          c. on                d. in                 e. at

B. Use the images to complete each sentence with the correct preposition of place.

1. Where is the dog? The dog is _______ the table.

            a. on                b. at                 c. in                 d. under

2. Where are the books? The books  ________ the table.

a. in                 b. on                c. above           d. at    

3. Where are Alejandra and Diego? They are _______ the bus stop.

            a. at                 b. on                c. in                 d. above

4. Where is your computer? My computer is ______ the my backpack.

            a. at                 b. in                 c. on                d. under

5. Where is the clock? It is _______ the door.

            a. on                b. at                 c. above           d. under

C. Choose the correct preposition of place for each sentence.

1. Where is the table? The table is _______ the dining room.

            a. above           b. at                 c. in                 d. under

2. Where is the projector? The projector is ________ the teacher.

      a. above           b. under           c. on                d. in

3. Where are the cats? The cats are _________ the bed.

       a. above           b. under           c. at                 d. in

4. Where is my phone? Your phone is _______ the table.

      a. above           b. under           c. on                d. in

5. Where is the teacher? She is ______ the whiteboard.

            a. at                 b. on                c. in                 d. above

Scoring & Feedback

🔵 13–15 correct:
Excellent work! 🎉 You really understand prepositions of place. Keep using them in your everyday conversations and writing. Try explaining where things are to a friend or family member!

🟢 10–12 correct:
Great job! ✅ You know most of the prepositions, but review the ones you missed. Look around your house or classroom and describe what you see using in, on, at, above, and under.

🟡 7–9 correct:
Good effort! 💪 You’re learning, and that’s what matters. Take a moment to review the examples and do the quiz again. Try drawing a simple room and labeling objects using prepositions.

🔴 0–6 correct:
No worries! 🌱 Prepositions can be tricky at first. Go back and review the examples in the lesson.

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Practice Tips

1. Look Around You

Use the objects around you to practice. Say where they are.

2. Practice with Friends

Ask your friends where things are and use prepositions in your answers.

3. Use Pictures

Look at pictures and describe where things are using prepositions.

Fun Activities to Learn Prepositions

1. Treasure Hunt

Hide something and give clues using prepositions of place.

2. Matching Game

Match pictures with the correct prepositions.

3. Describe a Picture

Look at a picture and say where things are using prepositions.

Conclusion

Prepositions of place are important words that help us talk about where things are. By using them every day, you will get better at describing locations. Feel free to share your thoughts or ask any questions in the comments below.

Leave a comment below! 

And remember . . . Practice, Practice, Practice!!!!!