5 Positional Words

Introduction to Positional Words

Positional words, also known as prepositions of location or positional prepositions, are words that describe the position of an object in relation to another object or surface. These words are essential in describing spatial relationships and help us understand where things are in relation to each other. In this article, we will explore five common positional words, their meanings, and how to use them in sentences.

1. On

The word “on” is used to describe something that is located on the surface of another object. For example: - The book is on the table. - She is sitting on the couch. - The picture is hanging on the wall. When using “on,” it’s essential to remember that the object is in contact with the surface of the other object.

2. Under

The word “under” describes something that is located below another object. For example: - The cat is hiding under the bed. - The keys are under the mat. - The submarine is diving under the water. When using “under,” it’s crucial to understand that the object is below the surface or beneath the other object.

3. Above

The word “above” describes something that is located higher than another object. For example: - The bird is flying above the trees. - The plane is soaring above the clouds. - The fan is spinning above our heads. When using “above,” it’s vital to remember that the object is higher than or over the other object.

4. Between

The word “between” describes something that is located in the space separating two objects. For example: - The ball is rolling between the two chairs. - She is standing between her parents. - The river flows between the two cities. When using “between,” it’s essential to understand that the object is in the middle or separating the two objects.

5. Behind

The word “behind” describes something that is located at the back of another object. For example: - The dog is hiding behind the curtain. - He is standing behind the door. - The car is parked behind the house. When using “behind,” it’s crucial to remember that the object is at the back or in the rear of the other object.

📝 Note: Understanding the differences between these positional words is vital to effectively describe the location of objects in relation to each other.

To further illustrate the differences between these positional words, consider the following table:

Positional Word	Meaning	Example Sentence
On	Located on the surface	The book is on the table.
Under	Located below	The cat is hiding under the bed.
Above	Located higher than	The bird is flying above the trees.
Between	Located in the space separating two objects	The ball is rolling between the two chairs.
Behind	Located at the back	The dog is hiding behind the curtain.

In summary, mastering the use of positional words is essential for effective communication and describing spatial relationships. By understanding the meanings and uses of words like “on,” “under,” “above,” “between,” and “behind,” you can improve your ability to describe the location of objects and enhance your overall language skills.