Some words can be used as either prepositions or adverbs. If the word has an object, it is acting as a preposition. If it has no object, it is acting as an adverb.
Adverb: My school bus just went past. Preposition: My brother just drove past us.
Hint:
Ask what after the word to see if it has an object.
Adverb: My school bus just went past. (Past what? Nothing = Adverb) Preposition: My brother just drove past us. (Past what? Us = Preposition)
Practice What You've Learned
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Directions:
Decide whether the underlined word is a preposition or an adverb.
1.
Please leave your muddy shoes outside the front door. adverb/preposition
2.
I hope to be inside by the time the rain starts. adverb/preposition
3.
This book is by my favorite author. adverb/preposition
4.
The dog can go outside while we paint the walls. adverb/preposition
5.
While visiting the cathedral, we tried not to walk over the tombs in the floor. adverb/preposition
6.
The arrow went right through the center of the target. adverb/preposition
7.
The rain came down heavily for several hours. adverb/preposition
8.
I want to go to outer space and beyond. adverb/preposition
9.
Within this book, you will find the answers to all kinds of mysteries. adverb/preposition
10.
The fudge was behind the broccoli on the top shelf of the fridge. adverb/preposition
