Preposition vs. Conjunction: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sara Rehman || Updated on November 22, 2023
Preposition is a word used to show the relationship between nouns/pronouns and other words. Conjunction connects clauses, sentences, or words.
Key Differences
A preposition is a part of speech that indicates the relationship of a noun or pronoun to other elements in the sentence, typically in terms of time, place, or manner. A conjunction, conversely, is used to link words, phrases, clauses, or sentences, expressing relationships like addition, contrast, or cause and effect.
Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
Common prepositions include 'in', 'on', 'at', 'by', 'for'. They can be simple (like 'at'), compound ('along with'), or phrasal ('in front of'). Conjunctions are words like 'and', 'but', 'or', 'because', 'although', and can be coordinating (joining equals), subordinating (linking dependent clauses), or correlative (used in pairs, e.g., 'either...or').
Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
Prepositions usually precede a noun or pronoun to form a prepositional phrase ('on the table'). Conjunctions can appear at the beginning of sentences ('But I disagreed.') or between the elements they are connecting ('Apples and oranges').
Huma Saeed
Nov 21, 2023
Prepositions provide necessary detail by specifying relationships, making a sentence more informative and precise. Conjunctions, however, are pivotal for sentence structure, ensuring coherence and connecting ideas or actions within or across sentences.
Janet White
Nov 21, 2023
Prepositional use can be complex, with specific rules and exceptions based on context and usage. Conjunctions have fewer complexities but are crucial for understanding the structure and flow of language, especially in compound and complex sentences.
Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Examples
'in', 'on', 'at', 'by', 'for'
'and', 'but', 'or', 'because', 'although'
Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
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Preposition and Conjunction Definitions
Preposition
A word that shows the relationship of a noun/pronoun to another word.
The cat is under the table.
Sara Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Conjunction
Bridges words or groups of words with similar grammatical structures.
Either you start now, or you'll be late.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 16, 2023
Preposition
A word used to link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words.
She sat beside her friend.
Harlon Moss
Nov 16, 2023
Conjunction
Links ideas in a sentence for coherence.
She plays the guitar and sings.
Huma Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Preposition
Indicates location, time, or direction in a sentence.
She arrived after the party started.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023
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Conjunction
Connects two independent clauses or phrases.
I finished my work, so I went home.
Sara Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Preposition
Establishes a relationship of a noun to the rest of the sentence.
They walked along the beach.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 16, 2023
Conjunction
Introduces an element of contrast, choice, or reason.
He's quiet, whereas his brother is talkative.
Sara Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Preposition
A connector that provides context in a sentence.
He read the book during the flight.
Harlon Moss
Nov 16, 2023
Conjunction
A word that connects clauses, sentences, or words.
I wanted to go, but I was too tired.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023
Preposition
A word or phrase placed typically before a substantive and indicating the relation of that substantive to a verb, an adjective, or another substantive, as English at, by, with, from, and in regard to.
Sara Rehman
Nov 15, 2023
Preposition
To position or place in position in advance
Artillery that was prepositioned at strategic points in the desert.
Sara Rehman
Nov 15, 2023
Preposition
Any of a class of non-inflecting words typically employed to connect a following noun or a pronoun, in an adjectival or adverbial sense, with some other word: a particle used with a noun or pronoun (in English always in the objective case) to make a phrase limiting some other word.
Sara Rehman
Nov 15, 2023
Conjunction
A joint or simultaneous occurrence; concurrence
The conjunction of historical and economic forces that created a depression.
Sara Rehman
Nov 15, 2023
Preposition
To place in a location before some other event occurs.
It is important to preposition the material before turning on the machine.
Sara Rehman
Nov 15, 2023
Preposition
A word employed to connect a noun or a pronoun, in an adjectival or adverbial sense, with some other word; a particle used with a noun or pronoun (in English always in the objective case) to make a phrase limiting some other word; - so called because usually placed before the word with which it is phrased; as, a bridge of iron; he comes from town; it is good for food; he escaped by running.
Sara Rehman
Nov 15, 2023
Preposition
A proposition; an exposition; a discourse.
He made a long preposition and oration.
Sara Rehman
Nov 15, 2023
Preposition
A function word that combines with a noun or pronoun or noun phrase to form a prepositional phrase that can have an adverbial or adjectival relation to some other word
Sara Rehman
Nov 15, 2023
Preposition
(linguistics) the placing of one linguistic element before another (as placing a modifier before the word it modifies in a sentence or placing an affix before the base to which it is attached)
Sara Rehman
Nov 15, 2023
FAQs
What is a prepositional phrase?
A prepositional phrase starts with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun, acting as a modifier providing additional context.
Janet White
Nov 21, 2023
What are examples of prepositions?
Examples include "in," "on," "at," "by," "for," "with," "about," "under," and "over."
Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
Can a preposition end a sentence?
Yes, a sentence can end with a preposition, especially in informal language or in questions where the object is implied or earlier in the sentence.
Huma Saeed
Nov 21, 2023
What is a preposition?
A preposition is a word used to express a relationship between other words in a sentence, typically indicating time, place, or direction.
Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
Can prepositions be omitted?
In some cases, especially in informal speech, prepositions can be omitted if the meaning remains clear without them.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 21, 2023
How do I choose the right preposition?
Preposition choice often depends on convention and specific context; it's best learned through reading, listening, and practice.
Harlon Moss
Nov 21, 2023
What are complex prepositions?
Complex prepositions consist of two or more words forming a single prepositional unit, like "in front of," "according to," and "because of."
Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
Can prepositions be used in idiomatic expressions?
Yes, many idiomatic expressions in English include prepositions, like "out of the blue" or "at odds with."
Harlon Moss
Nov 21, 2023
How do prepositions function in a sentence?
Prepositions function to show the relationship between the noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence, often indicating location, time, or manner.
Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
What is a conjunction?
A conjunction is a word that connects clauses, sentences, phrases, or words, showing how they are related.
Harlon Moss
Nov 21, 2023
Are prepositions different in other languages?
Yes, prepositions can vary significantly across languages, both in form and usage, and often don't have direct translations.
Janet White
Nov 21, 2023
What are coordinating conjunctions?
Coordinating conjunctions connect elements of equal importance in a sentence, such as "and," "but," "or," "nor," "for," "yet," and "so."
Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
Are conjunctions necessary in a sentence?
Conjunctions are not always necessary but are often used to make sentences more fluid and show relationships between ideas.
Janet White
Nov 21, 2023
What are subordinating conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, examples include "although," "because," "since," "unless," and "while."
Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
How do conjunctions affect sentence structure?
Conjunctions can change sentence structure by connecting ideas in different ways, affecting the flow and complexity of sentences.
Harlon Moss
Nov 21, 2023
Are there differences in conjunction usage among English dialects?
Yes, there are some variations in conjunction usage among different English dialects, though the basic functions remain similar.
Harlon Moss
Nov 21, 2023
Can conjunctions be omitted?
In some cases, particularly in informal language, conjunctions can be omitted, especially if the relationship between ideas is implied.
Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
Can conjunctions be used in compound sentences?
Yes, conjunctions are often used in compound sentences to connect two independent clauses.
Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
What are correlative conjunctions?
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions used together, like "either...or," "neither...nor," "not only...but also."
Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
Can conjunctions start a sentence?
Yes, especially in informal writing or speech, conjunctions like "and," "but," and "so" can start a sentence.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 21, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sara RehmanSara Rehman is a seasoned writer and editor with extensive experience at Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Information Technology, she combines her academic prowess with her passion for writing to deliver insightful and well-researched content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
