Prepositional Phrases for Place and Position

Prepositional Phrases for Place and Position

Hello English learners. Welcome to a new lesson. If you want to describe a location clearly and precisely, prepositional phrases are your best friends. They help you show exactly where something is—whether it is in the city centre, in a remote village, or right next to the river. Prepositional Phrases for Place and Position

For Cambridge exams like B2 First and C1 Advanced, being able to use a variety of prepositional phrases makes your speaking and writing sound richer, more descriptive, and more natural. In today’s lesson, we will look at some useful B2–C1 level prepositional phrases related to place and position, with clear meanings and example sentences.

At the heart of

Meaning: in the central or most important part of something.

• The university is located right at the heart of the city, surrounded by historic buildings, lively cafés, and bustling markets.

In the vicinity of

Meaning: in the area near a particular place.

• There are several excellent restaurants in the vicinity of the train station, making it easy to find a good meal before your journey.

On the outskirts of

Meaning: on the outer edge of a town or city.

• The company’s headquarters are on the outskirts of London, where there is more space for large office buildings and parking facilities.

In close proximity to

Meaning: very near to something. Prepositional Phrases for Place and Position

• The hotel is in close proximity to the beach, so guests can walk there in just a few minutes.

In the middle of nowhere

Meaning: in a very remote or isolated place.

• The farmhouse was in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by endless fields and far from the nearest shop or neighbour.

At the foot of

Meaning: at the base of something, usually a hill or mountain.

• A small village lies at the foot of the mountain, giving stunning views of the snow-covered peaks.

By the side of

Meaning: next to something, usually a road, river, or path.

• A charming little café sits by the side of the canal, where people stop to enjoy coffee and watch the boats pass.

In the shadow of

Meaning: very close to something, often large or impressive.

• The market operates in the shadow of the cathedral, attracting both tourists and locals.

At the edge of

Meaning: at the boundary or limit of something. Prepositional Phrases for Place and Position

• Their cottage is at the edge of the forest, where the trees begin to thin and the open fields start.

Under the roof of

Meaning: inside a building or organisation.

• Several creative startups work under the roof of this co-working space, sharing ideas and resources.

In the centre of

Meaning: in the middle of an area or activity.

• The fountain stands in the centre of the square, all surrounded by cafés and flower stalls.

Adjacent to

Meaning: next to or joined to something.

• The new science building is adjacent to the library, making it convenient for students to access both facilities.

In the depths of

Meaning: deep inside a place, often hidden or far away.

• In the depths of the forest, you can find a hidden waterfall that few people know about.

Overlooking

Meaning: having a view over something from a higher position. Prepositional Phrases for Place and Position

• The hotel room has a balcony overlooking the harbour, offering beautiful sunset views.

At the junction of

Meaning: where two or more roads, paths, or lines meet.

• The café is at the junction of High Street and Park Avenue, making it a perfect meeting spot.

At the far end of

Meaning: located at the most distant point from the starting position.

• Her office is at the far end of the corridor, next to the large window overlooking the garden.

Opposite to

Meaning: directly facing something, usually across a street or space.

• The café is opposite to the town hall, so it’s easy to find.

Across from

Meaning: on the other side of something from where you are.

• The library is across from the bus stop, so you can’t miss it.

At the corner of

Meaning: where two streets meet. Prepositional Phrases for Place and Position

• There’s a bakery at the corner of King Street and Victoria Road that sells the best croissants in town.

Nestled between

Meaning: positioned snugly or comfortably between two things.

• The village is nestled between two rolling hills, protected from strong winds.

A stone’s throw from

Meaning: very close to something.

• The guesthouse is a stone’s throw from the beach, so that you can hear the waves from your room.

Within walking distance of

Meaning: near enough to walk to easily.

• The hotel is within walking distance of the old town, which is perfect for sightseeing.

✅ Tip for Cambridge exams: Using varied prepositional phrases can help you get a higher score for lexical resource in speaking and writing. Try replacing simple expressions like “next to” or “in the centre” with more advanced alternatives from this list.

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