How to Memorize the Prepositions: Mnemonics, Visuals & Practice
Struggling with prepositions? You’re not the first, and you won’t be the last. After two decades of teaching English, I’ve seen these small words (in, on, at, by, with) create major headaches for learners because their patterns often seem random and differ across languages. The good news? You can master them systematically. This 7-step approach combines proven memory techniques, using mnemonics, visual aids, and deliberate practice, to help you internalize prepositions naturally. Language experts and research confirm these methods work, transforming prepositions from frustrating obstacles into automatic parts of your speech.
Step 1: Categorize Prepositions by Function
Organizing prepositions into logical groups makes them easier to remember. Instead of trying to memorize an overwhelming list, group them by how they function in sentences.
| Category | Examples | Sample Sentence |
| Time | in, on, at | I’ll meet you at noon on Monday in January. |
| Place | under, above, between | The cat is hiding under the bed, not between the cushions. |
| Direction | to, from, toward | He walked from home toward the beach. |
| Accompaniment | with, without | She came with her brother without telling anyone. |
| Cause/Purpose | for, because of | I studied for the test because of my low previous score. |
To improve your learning, use a list of prepositions and sort them into these categories for efficient study. Consider downloading an “easy way to learn prepositions PDF” or “how to memorize the prepositions PDF” as a quick reference resource.
Step 2: Create Mnemonic Devices
Mnemonics create mental shortcuts that help information stick. Here are effective approaches for different preposition categories (see also this Art of Memory forum thread on preposition mnemonics):
Time Prepositions
Acronyms: Remember “I.A.O.”
In for years, months, seasons (in 2025, in summer)
At for specific times, moments (at 3 PM, at midnight)
On for days, dates (on Monday, on July 4th)
Phrase Mnemonic: “At that moment, on that day, in May” helps differentiate usage: at for clock times, on for days/dates, and in for months/years/seasons.
Place Prepositions
“The Mouse and the Box” Story: Visualize a mouse interacting with a box (in the box, on the box, under the box, behind the box) to create strong visual associations.
Rhymes: “Above the clouds we soar so high, below the ground, the worms will lie” – linking prepositions with spatial imagery.
Direction Prepositions
Story Link: Visualize a journey: “I go TO the store FROM my house TOWARD the park” to connect prepositions to physical movement.
Acronym: “FFT” (From, For, To, Toward) can be used, associating it with “Fast Forward Track”.
Cause/Purpose Prepositions
Mini-sentence: “I studied FOR the test BECAUSE OF my goals” helps anchor their function in a cause-and-effect relationship.
If you’re musical, try learning or making a Preposition Song. Several effective options include:
The Prepositions Song by Scratch Garden: Features contextual lyrics like “Above, below, in front of, behind…” with examples – watch it on YouTube here.
“The Preposition Song” by Jack Hartmann: Rhythmically lists numerous prepositions, effective for memorization check it out.
Hip-Hop and Animated Variations: Artists like The Bazillions offer adult-friendly versions with higher production values and humor.
From what I’ve seen with my adult students, the versions from Scratch Garden and The Bazillions are particularly good because they provide context without being overly childish.
Step 3: Learn Prepositions in Context
Prepositions rarely make sense in isolation. Learn them as part of common phrases (collocations) where they naturally appear. Here’s an expanded list of frequently used and often confusing collocations:
Verb + Preposition Collocations:
accuse (someone) of (something)
agree with (someone)/on (something)
apologize for (something)/to (someone)
apply for (a job, position)
believe in (someone/something)
care for (someone/something)
concentrate on (something)
depend on (someone/something)
focus on (something)
insist on (something)
listen to (someone/something)
object to (something)
rely on (someone/something)
search for (something)
wait for (someone/something)
Adjective + Preposition Collocations:
afraid of (something)
angry about (something)/with (someone)
bad at (something)
fond of (someone/something)
good at (something)
interested in (something)
proud of (someone/something)
responsible for (something)
similar to (something)
tired of (something)
This approach mirrors how children naturally acquire language through chunks rather than isolated words. If you’re wondering how to memorize the prepositions in a sentence, always pay attention to how they pair with specific verbs and nouns.
Step 4: Use Visual Aids and Diagrams
Visual learners benefit tremendously from seeing prepositions in action:
Draw a simple room scene and label objects with prepositions: “The book is on the table,” “The dog is under the chair,” “The lamp is beside the couch.” Trust me, even a terrible drawing works wonders for memory.
Use online images and add text labels showing preposition relationships. Sites like Canva or even PowerPoint make this easy.
Create a mind map with preposition categories branching out from the center, with examples and images for each.
Convert abstract prepositions into physical images or interactive activities, using props or gestures to demonstrate relationships.
This technique is particularly effective for place prepositions, where the visual relationship directly connects to meaning.
Step 5: Practice with Interactive Exercises
Turn learning into active engagement through games and exercises:
Preposition Bingo: Create bingo cards with prepositions instead of numbers. Call out sentences with prepositions missing, and players mark when they hear their prepositions used correctly.
Directional Board Game: Design a simple board game where moving requires using the correct preposition (“Move three spaces to the right”).
Fill-in-the-blank Sentences: Complete sentences like “I arrived _____ the airport _____ 9 PM _____ Tuesday.”
Error-correction Worksheets: Fix sentences with incorrect prepositions, which forces a deeper analysis of proper usage.
For more ideas on playful activities, see “Fun Ways to Teach Prepositions” on Teaching with TLC.
You can find high-quality downloadable resources on sites like MathWorksheets4Kids, 15Worksheets.com, and EnglishForEveryone.org. Look for materials that include fill-in-the-blank exercises, sentence rewriting, matching activities, and paragraph correction to improve your writing and editing skills.
Step 6: Build Listening Habits with Audio Resources
Train your ear to recognize prepositions in natural speech:
Listen to songs with lyrics in front of you and circle every preposition. Pop songs often use numerous prepositions in their choruses. The classic Preposition Song is a fun way to reinforce memory. Search for “How to Memorize Prepositions Song” online for catchy tunes.
Use podcast transcripts (like those from NPR or the BBC) and highlight all prepositions as you listen.
For adult learners, using well-known pop songs that frequently use prepositions (e.g., “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel) can be highly effective, allowing you to study prepositions within authentic, meaningful lyrics.
Additional free resources include:
- Lyricstraining.com for music-based learning.
- Podcast English for podcasts with transcripts.
- YouTube channels like English with Lucy that specifically cover prepositions.
Step 7: Review and Self-Test Regularly
Spaced repetition is crucial for moving knowledge from short-term to long-term memory:
Digital Flashcards: Use platforms like Anki or Quizlet, which offer pre-made “English prepositions” decks. From experience, I can say that cloze deletion (fill-in-the-blank) cards are far more effective than simple definition cards because they force you to recall the word in context.
Schedule Weekly Mini-quizzes: Focus on different categories each week.
Simple 4-week review plan:
- Week 1: Daily review of time prepositions
- Week 2: Daily review of place prepositions
- Week 3: Daily review of direction/movement prepositions
- Week 4: Comprehensive mixed review of all types
PDF resources like “how to memorize the prepositions PDF” or “easy way to learn prepositions PDF” can provide ready-made practice tests and review materials.
Conclusion
Mastering prepositions requires a varied approach. Start by categorizing them logically, create memorable associations through mnemonics, learn them in phrases rather than in isolation, visualize their meanings, practice actively, build listening habits, and review systematically. Consistent application of these seven steps will transform prepositions from confusing obstacles into natural parts of your language toolkit. Track your progress and revisit any technique that works particularly well for your learning style.
Exploring a list of prepositions and using aids like a Preposition Song or a quick reference PDF can boost your progress if you prefer auditory or visual learning. For more support, search for resources like “how to memorize the prepositions in a sentence” or “how to memorize the prepositions in English.” In addition, consider checking out the Memrise Language Learning Platform and its app or the English Course to further your language skills.
FAQs
1. How to learn prepositions easily?
The easiest approach is learning them in context through phrases and collocations rather than memorizing isolated lists. Combine this with categorization by function and regular, varied practice.
2. How to remember what prepositions are?
Prepositions are relationship words that show how nouns connect to other parts of the sentence. They typically indicate position, time, or manner. Think of them as “position words” that often answer questions about where, when, and how.
3. How do you memorize appropriate prepositions?
Memorize them in chunks or common phrases rather than individually. For instance, learn “depend on,” “good at,” and “afraid of” as complete units. Context-based learning with regular exposure to natural language is key.
4. What is the easiest way to teach prepositions?
Use visual aids, physical demonstrations, and plenty of examples in context. For young learners, incorporate movement-based games where they physically position objects “on,” “under,” or “between” items. For older students, categorize prepositions by function and teach common collocations.
