English Preposition RuleThere is one very simple rule about prepositions. And, unlike most rules, this rule has no exceptions. Rule
A preposition is followed by a "noun". It is never followed by a verb. By "noun" we include: - noun (dog, money, love)
- proper noun (name) (Bangkok, Mary)
- pronoun (you, him, us)
- noun group (my first job)
- gerund (swimming)
A preposition cannot be followed by a verb. If we want to follow a preposition by a verb, we must use the "-ing" form which is really a gerund or verb in noun form. Quick Quiz: In the following sentences, why is "to" followed by a verb? That should be impossible, according to the above rule: - I would like to go now.
- She used to smoke.
Here are some examples: | Subject + verb | preposition | "noun" | | The food is | on | the table. | | She lives | in | Japan. | | Tara is looking | for | you. | | The letter is | under | your blue book. | | Pascal is used | to | English people. | | She isn't used | to | working. | | I ate | before | coming. |
Answer to Quick Quiz: In these sentences, "to" is not a preposition. It is part of the infinitive ("to go", "to smoke"). 
For a full list of 150 prepositions, including one-word and complex prepositions, with 370 example sentences, try the English Club ebook English Prepositions Listed.
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