1. Prepositions
A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or a pronoun and another word in the sentence.
Examples:
behind the tree
beside the tree
under the tree
in the tree

2. Remember the "To" Rule!
If “to” is followed by a noun or a pronoun, it is a preposition.
Example: He went to the gala.
Example: We are going to Disney World over Christmas break.
If "to" is followed by a verb, it is an infinitive.
Example: I like to read every evening before bed.
Teachers tell their students to study before every test.

3. Prepositional Phrase A preposition cannot exist alone.
A prepositional phrase includes a preposition, a noun or pronoun called the object, and any modifiers of that object.
Example: among the students

4. Prepositions vs. Adverbs
A preposition will have an object after it.
Ex: He sat (inside the house.)
Ex:
An adverb will NOT! It will stand alone.
Ex: He sat inside.
Ex:

5. Compound Prepositions
A common compound preposition is made up of more than one preposition.
In front of, instead of, in addition to, next to, out of, up to, in spite of, according to, because of
Ex: You can use acrylic paints (instead of oils.)
These words are used together as ONE preposition.