simple preposition
- noun
- Specialized
- The word 'in' is a simple preposition in the phrase 'in the house'.
Examples
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Words like 'by', 'at', and 'from' are all examples of simple prepositions.
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English students often confuse simple prepositions with compound ones when learning grammar.
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A simple preposition is easy to understand.
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Can you give me an example of a simple preposition?
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The word 'in' is a simple preposition that shows location.
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Words such as 'by' and 'at' are common examples of simple prepositions.
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A simple preposition consists of just one word, making it straightforward to use.
Synonyms
A word placed before a noun that shows where, when, or which way
How Complex
- Specialized
- Specialized
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly and transparently derived from combining 'simple' (single/not compound) with 'preposition' (a relational word before a noun), so a learner who knows both words will infer it means a single-word preposition. This compositional interpretation is straightforward and cross-linguistically common, making it immediately comprehensible to a B1 learner.
Etymology
Simple preposition is a grammar name where preposition means a small word placed before a noun and simple means a single, separate word. So a simple preposition is 'one word' like in, at, or by, and the name helps learners know it is not made of two words.