Prepositions are small words that show the relationship between words in a sentence. The prepositions in, on, by, at, with, for, about, and of are often used in different phrases. Learning these phrases will help you sound more natural in English.
Below is a useful list of common phrases with these prepositions.

Phrases with ‘IN’
Phrase | Meaning |
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in time | early enough |
in demand | popular or needed |
in focus | clear, not blurry |
in an uproar | in chaos or confusion |
in answer to | as a response |
in danger | at risk |
in debt | owing money |
in decline | becoming less |
in disguise | hidden identity |
in flames | on fire |
in high spirits | very happy |
in progress | happening now |
in trouble | having problems |
in love | having strong romantic feelings |
in charge | responsible for something |
Phrases with ‘ON’
Phrase | Meaning |
on time | not late |
on demand | available anytime |
on the record | officially said |
on the road | traveling |
on balance | after thinking carefully |
on a trip | traveling |
on show | displayed for people |
on strike | refusing to work |
on suspicion of | suspected of something |
on board | inside a vehicle/ship |
on bail | released from jail with conditions |
on fire | burning |
on edge | nervous or anxious |
on purpose | intentionally |
on vacation | taking a break from work |
Phrases with ‘BY’
Phrase | Meaning |
by chance | accidentally |
by luck | fortunately |
by accident | not planned |
by air | traveling by plane |
by sea | traveling by boat |
by land | traveling on land |
by law | legally required |
by mistake | not on purpose |
by force | using power or strength |
by heart | memorized completely |
by nature | naturally |
by example | as a model |
by surprise | unexpectedly |
by phone | using a phone |
by email | using email |
Phrases with ‘AT’
Phrase | Meaning |
at high speed | very fast |
at a glance | quickly looking |
at a loss | confused or not knowing |
at a price | costing money |
at a standstill | not moving |
at all costs | no matter what |
at issue | being discussed |
at night | during the night |
at noon | at 12:00 PM |
at peace | feeling calm |
at one’s request | because someone asked |
at risk | in danger |
at home | in one’s house |
at work | at the workplace |
at ease | feeling relaxed |
Phrases with ‘WITH’
Phrase | Meaning |
with ease | without difficulty |
with care | carefully |
with interest | showing curiosity |
with regret | feeling sorry |
with a view to | with the aim of |
with confidence | without doubt |
with patience | calmly waiting |
with respect | showing admiration |
Phrases with ‘FOR’
Phrase | Meaning |
for a reason | with a purpose |
for good | forever |
for granted | assuming something will always be there |
for sale | available to buy |
for sure | definitely |
for the time being | temporarily |
for fun | for enjoyment |
for a change | to do something different |
Phrases with ‘ABOUT’
Phrase | Meaning |
about time | finally happening |
about to | going to do something soon |
about average | normal or usual |
about business | related to work |
about life | concerning life matters |
about a person | referring to someone |
about the future | considering what is next |
Phrases with ‘OF’
Phrase | Meaning |
of course | naturally |
of importance | significant |
of value | valuable |
of great concern | very worrying |
of no use | useless |
of necessity | required |
of interest | worth attention |
of help | useful |
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