October 17, 2026
Product of Zambia Daily Mail
Education

Explore the language: English prepositions

 

Continued

  • Over

Over generally means directly or vertically above/ directly on top of:

The plane flew over the city.

He held an umbrella over his head.

Movement at a higher level across something:

The birds flew over the trees.

Control or superiority:

The head teacher presides over the staff meetings.

More than a number or age:

There are over 50 people outside.

For you to drive a car, you need to be over 21 years old.

During an event:

We spoke about it over coffee.

  • Above

At a higher level:

The water came above our knees.

  • Under

Directly beneath:

The ball is under the table.

Less than a certain number, amount or age:

We need under twenty people in class.

She is under the age of five.

Lower status or authority:

He was under her supervision.

In a state:

He drove under the influence of alcohol.

  • Below

Below a certain standard or level:

Your result is below average.

  • To

Destination:

Mary is going to Mongu.

Indicating a recipient:

Mary gave the bag to Jane.

Indicating a relationship:

She’s an adviser to the minister.

Time or point in time:

The clinic is open from 08:00 hours to 18:00 hours.

Purpose or reason:

They went to buy clothes.

Comparison or ratio:

I prefer tea to coffee

The teacher-student ratio is one to twenty.

  • Towards

Direction:

They walked towards Findeco House.

The boat drifted towards the shore.

Attitude or emotion:

How is their attitude towards schoolwork?

They have always been friendly towards me.

Purpose or contribution:

The donation is going towards the well-being of the orphans.

The man donated K50,000 towards the church building.

  • From

Starting point, origin, source:

We come from Asia.

Material used for something:

This shirt is made from cotton.

Time:

I work from 11:00 hours.

Cause/ reason:

They were tired from playing football.

Distance:

Our school is two kilometres from town.

To be continued

ephatm@yahoo.com/ emudenda@daily-mail.co.zm

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