Prepositions Beginning with ‘B’ List
One-word prepositions
► barring
Definition: without, except, but
- Barring a miracle, you will fail the examination.
► before (also conjunction and adverb)
Definition:
1. During the period of time preceding (a particular event or time)
- I had to complete the homework before dinner.
2. In front of
- Stephen stood before her.
3. In preference to; with a higher priority than
- A skilled warrior who places duty before all else.
► behind (also adverb and noun)
Definition:
1. At or to the far side of something, typically so as to be hidden by it
- The recording machinery was kept behind the screens.
- The sun went behind a cloud.
2. Later or less good than sb/sth, making less progress than sb/
- The train is 1 hour behind schedule.
3. In support of or giving guidance to.
- In every difficulty, I will be behind you.
4. After the departure or death of.
- He has left me behind.
► below (also adverb)
Definition:
1. At a lower level or layer than
- Her marks in the exam are below average.
- You can take it if it is below $100.
2. Extending underneath
- The tunnel is below the crags.
- There is an Indian family in the flat below us.
► beneath (also adverb)
Definition:
1. Extending or directly underneath, typically with close contact
- The ship disappeared beneath the waves.
2. At a lower level or layer than
- Beneath the floor, there is a cellar.
- Our shop is beneath our house.
► beside (also adverb)
Definition: At the side of; next to
- He sat beside me in the front row.
- The river flows beside our village.
► besides (also adverb)
Definition: In addition to; apart from
- I have no other family besides my husband.
- Besides singing, I like to cook new dishes.
► between (also adverb)
Definition:
1. at, into, or across the space separating (two objects or region?)
- This is the border between India and Bangladesh.
2. In the period separating (two points in time)
- They practice math between meals.
3. In the interval separating (two points on a scale)
- A man aged between 20 to 30 met us there.
4. Indicating a connection or relationship involving two or more parties.
- You don’t know the links between science and industry.
5. By combining the resources and actions of
- We have created something between us.
► beyond (also adverb and noun)
Definition:
1. At or to the further side of
- He pointed to a spot beyond the trees.
2. Happening or continuing after (a specified time or event)
- He is working excellent beyond the age of 60.
3. Having progressed or achieved more than (a specified stage or level)
- We need to get beyond square three.
4. To or in a degree or condition where a specified action is impossible.
- His face is beyond recognition.
5. Except, apart from
- Beyond telling us that she was well-educated, he has nothing to say about her.
► but (also conjunction and adverb)
Definition: except, apart from, other than
- He eats every vegetable but broccoli.
- None but I saw you there at that moment.
- We could not but shed tears.
- In Texas we were never anything but poor.
► by (also adverb and adjective)
Definition:
1. Identifying the agent performing an action.
- Malaria can be controlled by attacking parasites.
2. Indicating the amount or size of a margin.
- The shot missed her by miles.
3. Indicating a deadline or a particular period of time.
- I have got to complete this project by Sunday.
4. Indicating a physical object beside a place or object.
- Her body was discovered by the roadside.
5. Concerning, according to
- Anything you do is alright by me.
Complex Prepositions
► because of (also conjunction)
- We couldn’t play because of the rain.
► but for (also conjunction)
- Yes, you are right. But for you, my mother scolded me.
► by means of
- You unlocked the door by means of the key.
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