Difference between Prepositions and Conjunctions with Examples

Prepositions and conjunctions are important in English grammar, but they have different functions. Prepositions link nouns or pronouns to other words in a sentence and show relationships like place, time, or direction. For example, in “The keys are in the drawer,” the word “in” is a preposition showing location. Conjunctions, on the other hand, connect words, phrases, or sentences to make the meaning clearer. For example, in “She wanted to play, but it was too late,” the word “but” joins two ideas. in this article, you will learn Difference between Preposition and Conjunction with Examples in English. Understanding these differences helps in using them correctly in daily communication.

Table of Contents

What are Prepositions?

Prepositions are words that show a link between a noun or pronoun and other parts of a sentence. They often tell us about place, time, or direction. Prepositions help us understand where things are, when something happens, or how things are connected. They make the meaning of a sentence clear and complete.

Types of Prepositions

There are different types of prepositions, each showing a specific relationship. Prepositions of place show where something is, like “under” or “near.” Prepositions of time tell when something happens, such as “before” or “during.” Prepositions of direction show movement, like “into” or “towards.” Each type helps add clear meaning to a sentence. Prepositions are categorized based on their function in a sentence. Below is a table showing the main types with examples:

Type	Usage	Examples	Sentence Example
Prepositions of Place	Show location of an object	in, on, at, under, over, between, behind, beside	The keys are on the table.
Prepositions of Time	Indicate time relationships	before, after, during, since, until, by	We will meet after lunch.
Prepositions of Direction	Describe movement	to, towards, into, onto, from	She walked towards the school.
Prepositions of Manner	Describe how something happens	with, like, by, as, in	She spoke with confidence.
Prepositions of Cause, Reason, and Purpose	Show the reason for an action	because of, due to, for, from, out of	He succeeded because of hard work.
Prepositions of Possession	Indicate ownership	of, with, to	The book of John is missing.
Prepositions of Comparison	Show relationships between two things	like, as, than	She runs like a cheetah.
Prepositions of Agency or Instrumentality	Indicate a tool or method	by, with, via	The letter was sent by mail.

What are Conjunctions?

Conjunctions are words used to join other words, phrases, or sentences. They help connect ideas and make writing or speech smooth and clear. Conjunctions show how ideas are related, such as adding information, showing choices, or linking results. They are important for making sentences complete and easy to understand.

Difference between Preposition and Conjunction with Examples

Types of Conjunctions

Conjunctions are words that connect different parts of a sentence. There are three main types: Coordinating Conjunctions join words or groups of equal importance, like “and,” “but,” or “or.” Subordinating Conjunctions link a dependent clause to an independent clause, such as “because,” “although,” or “if.” Correlative Conjunctions work in pairs, such as “either…or” or “neither…nor,” to connect similar parts of a sentence. Each type helps to join ideas and make sentences clearer. These are categorized based on their function in a sentence. Below is a table showing the main types with examples:

Type	Usage	Examples	Sentence Example
Coordinating Conjunctions	Join two equal parts of a sentence	for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (FANBOYS)	He was tired, so he went to bed early.
Subordinating Conjunctions	Introduce dependent clauses	because, although, since, if, while, unless	She stayed home because she was sick.
Correlative Conjunctions	Work in pairs to connect elements	either…or, neither…nor, both…and, not only…but also	Neither John nor Sarah attended the meeting.

Key Differences Between Prepositions and Conjunctions

Prepositions and conjunctions are both important in English, but they are used differently. Prepositions show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence, often talking about place, time, or direction. Conjunctions, on the other hand, connect words, phrases, or sentences to show how ideas relate to each other. While prepositions usually come before a noun, conjunctions link whole parts of a sentence. This is the key difference between the two.

Feature	Preposition	Conjunction
Definition	Shows the relationship between a noun/pronoun and other words	Connects words, phrases, or clauses
Usage	Used before a noun or pronoun	Used to link sentence elements
Types	Prepositions of time, place, direction, etc.	Coordinating, subordinating, correlative
Example	The keys are on the table.	She was tired, *but* she finished her work.

How to Identify Prepositions and Conjunctions in a Sentence

Look at the word that follows:
- If it is a noun or pronoun, it is likely a preposition.
- If it connects two clauses or words, it is a conjunction.
Check its function:
- If it shows position, time, cause, or manner, it is a preposition.
- If it links ideas or choices, it is a conjunction.

Practice Sentences:

Identify whether the bold word is a preposition or a conjunction:

We arrived after the show started. (Preposition)
She was sad, but she didn’t cry. (Conjunction)
He ran towards the finish line. (Preposition)
I will go if you come with me. (Conjunction)

Differences between Prepositions and Conjunctions in Sentences

Prepositions (show place, time, direction)	Conjunctions (connect words, phrases, sentences)
She sat on the chair.	I will stay because I care.
The keys are under the table.	He left early, but she stayed.
We walked through the park.	She is tired, so she slept.
The book is beside the lamp.	I like tea, and she likes coffee.
They arrived before noon.	You can go if you want.
I put it inside the box.	She ran fast, yet she lost.
She lives near the school.	He studies hard, although it’s tough.
The cat is between the chairs.	I will come unless it rains.
He parked behind the house.	She smiled while reading.
The ball rolled onto the road.	We can eat or watch a movie.
He was born in July.	He is slow, but smart.
They traveled to Paris.	I will stay until you arrive.
She is standing against the wall.	Call me when you reach home.
The dog ran toward me.	He left because he was sick.
They went along the river.	She works hard, though she is young.