03 Position and movement Flashcards
There was a barrier across the road.
The boy ran across the road.
Position:
Movement:
Most prepositions of place say where something is or where it is going.
We were at the café.
We went to the café.
Position:
Movement:
At usually expresses position, and to expresses movement.
We were sitting in the café.
She stood on the balcony.
We went into the café.
She walked onto the balcony.
As a general rule, in and on express position, and into and onto express movement.
We went in the café.
We sometimes use in and on for movement, especially in informal English.
We walked on the beach (for half an hour). We walked (from the car park) onto the beach.
But sometimes the choice of preposition depends on the meaning.
They laid the body on a blanket.
Tom sat down in the armchair.
After lay, place, put and sit we do not usually use into or onto.
Lots of people work from nine o’clock to five.
From
To
Some prepositions of place can also express time.
I’m really into modern jazz.
Into (= interested in)
Ian comes from Scotland.
From (= He’s Scottish./He lives in Scotland.)
The show was above/beyond criticism.
Above/beyond (= too good to be criticized)
We are working towards a United States of Europe.
Towards (= working to create)
The party is right behind its leader.
Behind (= supporting)
City are among the most successful teams in the country.
Among (= one of)
