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Mastering Prepositions: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Writer: AGrader Learning Centre
    AGrader Learning Centre
  • 5 days ago
  • 5 min read

What Is a Preposition

Prepositions may be small, but they play a mighty role in the English language. Understanding how to use them properly is vital for writing and speaking clearly. This article will guide you through the correct usage of prepositions, highlight common mistakes, and show you how to avoid them—particularly useful for PSLE English exam preparation.


Table of Contents:


What Is a Preposition?


A preposition is a word used to link nouns, pronouns, or noun phrases to other words in a sentence. They express relationships in terms of time, place, direction, cause, manner, and possession. Examples include:


  • Place: in, on, at, under, between, beside

  • Time: before, after, during, since, until

  • Direction: to, from, into, onto

  • Manner/Cause: by, with, because of, due to


When used correctly, these small words help clarify meaning by indicating exact locations or specific points in time.


  • She is at the library. (specific location)

  • He was born in April. (prepositions of time)


What Is a Preposition

Common Preposition Mistakes and How to Avoid Them


1. Using the Wrong Preposition


One of the most common errors in writing is using a word that appears similar in meaning but doesn’t fit the context properly.


Incorrect: I am good in maths.

Correct: I am good at maths.


However, you can say:

✅ I got good marks in English. (When referring to results)

✅ He performed well in math. (When referring to performance)


Incorrect: She is married with a doctor.

Correct: She is married to a doctor.


Here’s why: “good at” expresses competence or skill, while “married to” refers to the person someone is legally joined with.


2. Confusing "In," "On," and "At" (Prepositions of Place)


These three prepositions often confuse learners.


  • “In” is used for larger areas (countries, cities, rooms).

    Correct example: I live in Singapore.


  • “On” is used for surfaces.

    Correct example: The book is on the table.


  • “At” is used for specific locations.

    Correct example: She is waiting at the bus stop.


Grasping the right word combinations is essential for expressing ideas naturally and accurately.


3. Incorrect Use of "For" and "Since"


These prepositions of time are not interchangeable.


  • “For” is used with a duration of time.

    Correct example:  I have lived here for five years.


  • “Since” is used with a starting point.

    Correct example: I have lived here since 2018.


Misusing words like these can confuse the time frame you're trying to convey.


4. Misusing "Between" and "Among"


  • “Between” is used when referring to two things.

    Correct example: The match is between Team A and Team B.


  • “Among” is used for three or more things.

    Correct example: She was among the top three students in class.


This is a classic example of a common mistake in sentence structure.


5. Confusing "By" and "With"


  • "By" indicates the agent: The novel was written by Jane Austen.

  • "With" refers to the instrument: He cut the paper with scissors.


Both are part of commonly used word combinations, and mixing them up is a typical language error.


Common Preposition Mistakes

6. Incorrect Use of "Of," "About," and "For"


These prepositions are subtle but critical to use properly.


  • "Of" is used to indicate belonging or association. 

Correct example: The pages of the book were torn.


  • "About" is used when discussing a topic. 

Correct example: We talked about our holiday plans.


  • "For" is used to indicate purpose or intended recipient. 

Correct example: This gift is for you.


Understanding the correct usage of these words prevents awkward and unclear writing.


7. Confusing "To" and "Into"


  • "To" shows direction: He went to the park.

  • "Into" shows movement inside: She jumped into the pool.


Many students make mistakes with directional expressions. Always remember that "into" implies movement and entry.


Why Prepositions Matter in Exams


In the PSLE English exam, these commonly used words are tested across multiple components:


  • Comprehension Cloze: Students must select the correct option to complete a sentence naturally.

  • Grammar MCQs: Questions often require identifying the most suitable word for clarity.

  • Editing for Grammar: Learners need to spot and correct incorrect word choices.

  • Composition Writing: Using the right expression ensures smooth, natural sentence flow.


Mastering their accurate use is essential to scoring well.


Tips to Master Prepositions


Read Extensively


Exposure to well-written material helps develop an ear for natural language. Pay close attention to sentences with a preposition.


Learn Preposition Phrases


Familiarise yourself with common preposition phrases like:

  • Afraid of

  • Good at

  • Interested in 


These combinations often appear in exams and everyday use.


Practise with Exercises


Grammar drills focused on prepositions help reinforce correct usage. Try filling in blanks with the correct preposition or editing sentences with preposition mistakes.


Why Prepositions Matter in Exams

Write Your Own Examples


Use prepositions in context by writing your own sentences. For example:


  • He sat beside his best friend.

  • They arrived at midnight. 


This active engagement strengthens understanding.

Prepositions are essential building blocks in English. They may be short words, but their impact on meaning is substantial. The wrong use of a preposition can result in awkward phrasing or completely change the intended meaning. However, with consistent practice, regular reading, and review of common errors, mastering them is entirely achievable.


Whether you're preparing for the PSLE or simply aiming to improve your everyday English, recognising and avoiding the incorrect use of prepositions will help you write more clearly and confidently. 


At AGrader Learning Centre, we don’t just teach English—we empower young learners to master it. Our Primary English Tuition Programme gives students a true academic edge by aligning every lesson with the latest MOE syllabus and teaching ahead of the school curriculum. That means your child isn’t just keeping up—they’re moving ahead with confidence.


Each week, students dive into meticulously planned lessons led by experienced educators and supported by our high-quality, in-house worksheets. From building grammar foundations and expanding vocabulary to tackling comprehension and oral communication, we cover it all. Our all-in-one approach ensures every child is well-prepared for every section of the English exam—especially the often-dreaded Paper 2.


Tips to Master Prepositions

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