Between

We use between when something is in the middle of two things.

Example: The ball is between the boxes.

Beside

We use beside when something is next to another thing.

Example: The ball is beside the box.

Into

We use into when something moves from outside to inside.

Example: The cat jumped into the box.

Onto

We use onto when something moves to the top surface of something.

Example: The boy climbed onto the roof.

Across

We use across when something moves from one side to the other side.

Example: The lion walked across the road.

Towards

We use towards when something moves in the direction of someone or something.

Example: The rhino ran towards the car.

From

We use from to show the starting point of movement.

Example: The boy walked away from the washroom.

Through

We use through when something moves from one end to the other, passing the middle.

Example: The cat jumped into the house through the window.

1. Ask yourself: Am I describing where something is, or how it moves?
2. If describing position (where): Use between or beside.
3. If describing movement (direction): Use into, onto, across, towards, from, or through.
4. Look at the picture or think about the action. Does something go inside? Use into. Does something go to the top? Use onto.

Choose the correct preposition to complete each sentence.

1. The cat jumped _______ the box. (into / onto)
2. The boy ran _______ his friend. (towards / from)
3. The ball is _______ the two tables. (between / beside)
4. She walked _______ the road to reach the shop. (through / across)
5. The bird flew _______ the tree. (onto / from)
6. The shoes are _______ the bed. (beside / into)

In everyday life in Tanzania, you use these prepositions when giving directions to visitors at your school or in your village. For example, if a visitor asks how to reach the head teacher's office from the classroom, you might say: "Walk across the playground, then go through the door, and the office is beside the library." These prepositions also help you follow instructions on medicine bottles, recipe cards, or when someone tells you where to put your things at home.