Spanish Prepositions and How To Use Them by Marisa Mostek

What is a preposition?
A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other elements in a sentence.

What four things do prepositions often indicate?
Four things prepositions often indicate include:

  1. Location.
  2. Direction.
  3. Time.
  4. Relationship between different objects.

Why can prepositions be tricky?
Prepositions are tricky because they can have multiple meanings depending on the context.

What are some examples of the preposition "en" having multiple meanings?
Some examples of the preposition "en" having multiple meanings include:

  • Vivo en Madrid.
  • El libro está en la mesa.
  • Estoy en la oficina.
  • El gato se metió en la caja.
  • Llegamos en taxi.

What three prepositions can you use to indicate location and direction?
Three prepositions you can use to indicate location and direction include:

  1. En.
  2. A.
  3. Hacia.

Which preposition can you use to indicate being in a place?
To indicate being in a place, you can use the preposition "en."

Which preposition can you use to indicate movement towards a place?
To indicate movement towards a place, you can use the preposition "a."

Which preposition can you use to indicate a more specific direction?
To indicate a more specific direction, you can use the preposition "hacia."

What two prepositions can you use to indicate time?
To prepositions you can use to indicate time include:

  1. En.
  2. A.

Which preposition can you use to indicate time periods, months, and years?
To indicate time periods, months, and years, you can use the preposition "en."

Which preposition can you use to indicate specific times?
To indicate specific times, you can use the preposition "a."

What three prepositions can you use to indicate manner and possession?
Three prepositions you can use to indicate manner and possession include:

  1. Con.
  2. Sin.
  3. De.

Which preposition can you use to express accompaniment?
To express accompaniment, you can use the preposition "con."

Which preposition can you use to express lack or absence?
To express lack or absence, you can use the preposition "sin."

Which preposition can you use to indicate possession?
To indicate possession, you can use the preposition "de."

What two prepositions can you use to indicate cause and purpose?
Two prepositions you can use to indicate cause and purpose include:

  1. Por.
  2. Para.

Which preposition can you use to indicate cause or reason?
To indicate cause or reason, you can use the preposition "por."

Which preposition can you use to express purpose or goal?
To express purpose or goal, you can use the preposition "para."