The key is in the box.
Grammar · A1
Prepositions of place and movement
Show where a thing is, or where it goes.
The keys are in the drawer.
01 · The idea
Look. Compare these examples.
Show where a thing is, or where it goes.
The chair is next to the bed.
The garden is behind the house.
02 · More examples
Look at what changes.
In = inside. On = on the top or surface. Under = below. Look at the picture.
The key is in the box.
The key is on the box.
The key is under the box.
Next to = beside. Between means one thing is on each side.
The chair is next to the bed.
The park is between the school and the hospital.
A school is on one side. A hospital is on the other.
Behind = at the back. In front of = at the front. To shows where you go.
The garden is behind the house.
Walk to school. Come from school.
The cat runs into the kitchen: outside → inside.
03 · Build a sentence
Make a choice. See what changes.
Change one choice at a time. Watch the sentence blocks.
The key is in the box.
What?
Where?
04 · Try it together
Choose the correct answer.
Quick check 1
The milk is ___ the fridge, inside it.
The thing is inside the container.
Quick check 2
The cafe is in the middle, with the bank on one side and the shop on the other. It is ___ them.
Look at the position or direction: in the middle, with something on each side.
Quick check 3
The garage is ___ the house, at the back.
Look at the position or direction: at the back.
05 · Real-life English
Use it in a conversation.
A: Where are my keys? B: On the table, next to your bag. A: I can see them. Thanks!
Put a small thing somewhere. Tell your partner where to find it.
A: Where is the bakery? B: It is between the bank and the café. A: Is it near here? B: Yes. Walk to the end of this street.
Draw three places in a row. Ask your partner where the middle place is.
06 · Common mistakes
Which sentence is correct?
07 · Keep this
The lesson in three small steps.
In. On. Under.
In: inside. On: on the surface. Under: below.
Next to. Between.
Next to: beside. Between: one thing on each side.
Where is it? Where does it go?
Behind the house. Walk from the park to school. Go into the room.
08 · Practice
Ready to try?
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