Unlocking the Secrets of ESL Prepositions: 5 Essential Worksheets
English as a Second Language (ESL) students often struggle with mastering prepositions, which are a crucial aspect of the English language. Prepositions help establish relationships between objects, people, and locations, making them a vital component of effective communication. To aid in the learning process, we have compiled five essential ESL prepositions worksheets that cater to different skill levels and learning styles.
Worksheet 1: Basic Prepositions of Location
Prepositions of location are used to describe where something is in relation to another object or person. This worksheet focuses on the following prepositions:
- In
- On
- At
- By
- With
| Preposition | Example Sentence | Exercise |
|---|---|---|
| In | The book is in the box. | Complete the sentence: The key is ______________ the door. |
| On | The picture is on the wall. | Complete the sentence: My phone is ______________ the table. |
| At | Meet me at the park. | Complete the sentence: The concert is ______________ 8 PM. |
| By | The store is by the river. | Complete the sentence: The hotel is ______________ the beach. |
| With | I'm going to the party with my friends. | Complete the sentence: She's eating breakfast ______________ her family. |
👉 Note: This worksheet is ideal for beginners who need to grasp the basic concepts of prepositions of location.
Worksheet 2: Prepositions of Movement
Prepositions of movement describe the direction or path of an object or person. This worksheet focuses on the following prepositions:
- To
- From
- Up
- Down
- Across
| Preposition | Example Sentence | Exercise |
|---|---|---|
| To | I'm going to the store. | Complete the sentence: The bus is heading ______________ the city center. |
| From | I'm from New York. | Complete the sentence: The package was sent ______________ my friend in California. |
| Up | The prices are going up. | Complete the sentence: The plane is taking off ______________ into the sky. |
| Down | The stock prices are going down. | Complete the sentence: The waterfall flows ______________ into the lake. |
| Across | The bridge spans across the river. | Complete the sentence: The highway stretches ______________ the country. |
👉 Note: This worksheet is suitable for intermediate learners who need to practice prepositions of movement.
Worksheet 3: Prepositions of Time
Prepositions of time help describe when an event occurs or how long it lasts. This worksheet focuses on the following prepositions:
- At
- On
- During
- Before
- After
| Preposition | Example Sentence | Exercise |
|---|---|---|
| At | I'll meet you at 5 PM. | Complete the sentence: The party starts ______________ 8 PM. |
| On | My birthday is on July 12th. | Complete the sentence: The sale ends ______________ Friday. |
| During | I'll be on vacation during the summer. | Complete the sentence: The museum is open ______________ the holidays. |
| Before | I need to finish this project before the deadline. | Complete the sentence: We should arrive ______________ the concert starts. |
| After | I'll meet you after the movie. | Complete the sentence: The store will be open ______________ the storm passes. |
👉 Note: This worksheet is ideal for learners who need to practice prepositions of time in context.
Worksheet 4: Prepositions in Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are a crucial part of the English language, and prepositions play a significant role in their formation. This worksheet focuses on common phrasal verbs with prepositions:
- Pick up
- Get on
- Turn off
- Take off
- Give up
| Phrasal Verb | Example Sentence | Exercise |
|---|---|---|
| Pick up | Can you pick up the phone? | Complete the sentence: I need to ______________ my dry cleaning. |
| Get on | Get on the bus! | Complete the sentence: It's time to ______________ the train. |
| Turn off | Turn off the lights. | Complete the sentence: Can you ______________ the stove? |
| Take off | The plane is taking off. | Complete the sentence: I need to ______________ my shoes before entering the house. |
| Give up | I'm giving up on this project. | Complete the sentence: She's going to ______________ her favorite hobby. |
👉 Note: This worksheet is suitable for learners who need to practice phrasal verbs with prepositions in context.
Worksheet 5: Advanced Prepositions
This worksheet focuses on more advanced prepositions, including:
- Despite
- In spite of
- Due to
- Prior to
- Subsequent to
| Preposition | Example Sentence | Exercise |
|---|---|---|
| Despite | Despite the rain, we had a great time. | Complete the sentence: The company is struggling ______________ the economic downturn. |
| In spite of | In spite of the challenges, we persevered. | Complete the sentence: The team won the game ______________ the odds. |
| Due to | The concert was cancelled due to bad weather. | Complete the sentence: The flight was delayed ______________ technical issues. |
| Prior to | Prior to the meeting, we need to review the documents. | Complete the sentence: We should arrive ______________ the party starts. |
| Subsequent to | Subsequent to the accident, the driver was taken to the hospital. | Complete the sentence: The company will provide a refund ______________ the return policy. |
👉 Note: This worksheet is ideal for advanced learners who need to practice more complex prepositions in context.
By incorporating these five essential ESL prepositions worksheets into your language learning routine, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the intricacies of English prepositions. Remember to practice regularly and use these worksheets as a supplement to your language learning materials.
The key to mastering ESL prepositions is to practice consistently and use them in context. By doing so, you’ll improve your language skills and become more confident in your ability to communicate effectively in English.
What are the most common ESL prepositions?
+The most common ESL prepositions include words such as “in,” “on,” “at,” “by,” “with,” “to,” “from,” “up,” “down,” “across,” and many others.
How can I practice ESL prepositions effectively?
+To practice ESL prepositions effectively, try using them in context through exercises, worksheets, and real-life conversations. You can also watch English movies or TV shows with subtitles to see how prepositions are used in everyday language.
What are phrasal verbs, and how do they relate to ESL prepositions?
+Phrasal verbs are verbs that are combined with prepositions to create a new meaning. For example, “pick up” is a phrasal verb that means “to lift something up.” Practicing phrasal verbs with prepositions can help you improve your language skills and sound more natural when speaking English.
Related Terms:
- Preposition worksheet pdf
- Preposition of place worksheet pdf
- Preposition worksheet For kindergarten
- Preposition worksheet grade 4
