This quiz works best with JavaScript enabled.
Home
>
English Grammar
>
Grammar
>
Parts Of Speech
>
Prepositions
>
Prepositions Of Movement – Quiz 1
Prepositions Of Movement Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates students' understanding of directional prepositions in spatial relationships, including their usage for describing movement through objects or spaces. It covers concepts such as falling over vs. tripping over objects, vertical direction during flight, and circular path description. Students will test their ability to choose appropriate prepositions for various motion scenarios.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Choose the correct preposition to fill in the blank:The fish swam ..... the bridge.
A) Beside.
B) Under.
C) Inside.
D) Over.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct preposition to fill in the blank is "Under." When a fish swims, it typically moves beneath a bridge, not beside, inside, or over it. This usage demonstrates the proper use of prepositions indicating movement relative to objects.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Beside - Fish do not swim next to bridges; they are usually below them.
Option B:
Under - Correct. Fish swim beneath bridges.
Option C:
Inside - Fish cannot be inside a bridge as it is an open structure.
Option D:
Over - Fish do not swim above bridges; they are below them.
2.
Movement of something in a line that follows the side of something long.
A) Around.
B) Along.
C) Off.
D) Under.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Along.
This preposition accurately describes the movement of something in a line that follows the side of something long, such as walking along a riverbank or driving along a road.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Around" implies movement in a circular path or perimeter, not following the side of something.
Option B:
"Along" correctly indicates movement in a line that follows the side of something long.
Option C:
"Off" suggests moving away from something, not following its side.
Option D:
"Under" means below or beneath something, which does not fit the context of following the side of a long object.
3.
Tom was born ..... Chicago, but his family moved ..... New York when he was three. He still lives ..... New York.
A) In / to / in.
B) In / in / in.
C) To / at / in.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
In this sentence, we are dealing with prepositions of movement. "Born" is used with the preposition "in," indicating a place of origin. The family moved to New York when Tom was three, so "to" is correct here as it indicates moving towards a new location. Since he still lives in New York, "in" is appropriate for the final part.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "In Chicago," "to New York," and "in New York."
Option B:
Incorrect. "To New York" should be used instead of "in New York" for the movement.
Option C:
Incorrect. "At New York" is not appropriate; "in" is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. Option A is valid.
4.
Don't stand so ..... the edge! You're frightening me.
A) Against.
B) Near.
C) Beside.
D) Before.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "near" is correct because it accurately conveys the idea of being close to a boundary, which can create a sense of danger or discomfort for the speaker. The phrase "Don't stand so near the edge!" warns someone to stay away from the edge, implying that standing too close could be dangerous.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Against - This preposition indicates being in contact with something but does not convey the sense of proximity to a boundary.
Option B:
Near - Correct, as it means close to and can imply danger when near an edge.
Option C:
Beside - Similar to "against," this preposition indicates being next to something but does not convey the sense of proximity to a boundary that could be dangerous.
Option D:
Before - This preposition is used for indicating position in front of or prior to something, which does not fit the context of standing near an edge.
5.
The pop singer is ready to sing. He is coming ..... the stage.
A) Onto.
B) Into.
C) Down.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "onto" is correct because the singer is moving towards and arriving at a new position on the stage, indicating movement to and reaching a surface or location.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates movement to and onto a surface (the stage).
Option B:
Incorrect. "Into" suggests entering something enclosed, not arriving on a surface.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Down" implies descending from an elevated position, which doesn't fit the context of moving to a stage.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
6.
She held the umbrella ..... both of us.
A) Through.
B) Along.
C) Over.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "over" is used to indicate that the umbrella was positioned above both of them, providing shelter from rain or other elements. This usage correctly conveys the idea that the umbrella covered both individuals.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Through - Incorrect as it does not describe positioning over someone.
Option B:
Along - Incorrect as it suggests movement parallel to something, not covering.
Option C:
Over - Correct as it indicates the umbrella was positioned above both of them.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect since "over" is the correct choice.
7.
Who is that person coming ..... me?
A) Away from.
B) Toward.
C) At.
D) Above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "toward" is used to indicate movement in the direction of something, which fits the context of someone coming towards you.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Away from - Indicates movement away, not towards.
Option B:
Toward - Correctly indicates movement in your direction.
Option C:
At - Used to indicate a location, not movement.
Option D:
Above - Indicates position above, not movement towards.
8.
There was a barricade ..... the road.
A) TOWARDS.
B) THROUGH.
C) OVER.
D) ALONG.
E) ACROSS.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "across" is correct because it indicates that the barricade spans the road, meaning it lies over or extends from one side to the other of the road.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Towards - Indicates movement in a direction but not spanning. Incorrect.
Option B:
Through - Suggests passing inside something, which doesn't fit the scenario. Incorrect.
Option C:
Over - While it can be used, "across" is more precise for road barriers. Incorrect.
Option D:
Along - Indicates movement or a line of something but not spanning from one side to another. Incorrect.
Option E:
Across - Correctly indicates the barricade spans the road, making it the best choice. Correct.
9.
Be careful when you climb ..... that ladder.
A) Under.
B) Up.
C) Into.
D) Over.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "up" is correct because it indicates the direction of movement when climbing a ladder. The phrase "climb up the ladder" is a common and grammatically correct expression to indicate ascending to a higher position using a ladder.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Under - This preposition does not make sense in the context of climbing a ladder, as it would imply being beneath the ladder rather than moving up it.
Option B:
Up - Correct. Indicates the direction of movement when ascending a ladder.
Option C:
Into - This preposition is typically used for entering enclosed spaces or containers, not for climbing an object like a ladder.
Option D:
Over - While "climb over" can be used in some contexts (like climbing over a wall), it does not accurately describe the act of ascending a ladder to reach higher positions.
10.
Choose the preposition of movement that best describes the action of a cat moving in a circular path around a box.
A) Through.
B) Over.
C) Around.
D) Off.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Around" is the correct preposition of movement for describing a cat moving in a circular path around a box. This indicates that the cat is going all the way around the box, not just over it or through it.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Through" suggests passing directly into and out of an object, which does not fit the scenario of moving in a circle.
Option B:
"Over" implies going above or across something without necessarily circling it.
Option C:
"Around" correctly indicates movement that encircles or goes all the way around an object, which is what the cat is doing in this case.
Option D:
"Off" suggests moving away from a surface or point of contact, not circling it.
11.
Continue walking ..... the river to the church and then turn left.
A) Past.
B) Along.
C) Through.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Along" is the correct preposition to use when walking on a path, such as next to a river. "Walk along the river" indicates movement in a direction parallel to the river's course.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Past" suggests moving by or beyond something, which does not fit the context of walking beside the river.
Option B:
"Along" is correct as it indicates movement in a direction parallel to the river's course.
Option C:
"Through" implies passing into and out of an enclosed space, which does not fit the context of walking beside a river.
Option D:
Not applicable since one of the options is correct.
12.
The bakery is at .....
A) 151 Baker Street.
B) Here.
C) From the library.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "at" is used to indicate a location, such as the address of the bakery. Therefore, option A) 151 Baker Street correctly uses the preposition "at" to specify the location of the bakery.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses "at" to denote location.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Here" is used for a place close to the speaker, not an address.
Option C:
Incorrect. "From the library" indicates movement or origin, not location.
Option D:
Incorrect. An address is provided in option A.
13.
HOW DO YOU SAY '' A TRAVES DE '' IN ENGLISH?
A) DOWN.
B) AROUND.
C) THROUGH.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "a través de" in Spanish translates to "through" in English, which is why option C) THROUGH is correct. This preposition is used to indicate movement or passage through an object or space.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Down - Incorrect. "Down" indicates a direction of descent and not the concept of passing through.
Option B:
Around - Incorrect. "Around" suggests going in a circular path or circumference, not necessarily through an object or space.
Option C:
Through - Correct. This is the accurate translation for "a través de," indicating movement passing completely through something.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect. Since "through" is correct, this option is not applicable.
14.
He put his arm ..... her.
A) Through.
B) Past.
C) Around.
D) Along.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "around" is correct because it accurately describes the action of placing one's arm in a circular motion around another person, which is a common way to show affection or support.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Through - This implies passing something through an opening, not around someone.
Option B:
Past - This suggests moving by or beyond someone without touching them directly.
Option C:
Around - Correctly indicates the circular motion of the arm around another person.
Option D:
Along - Implies a linear movement, not a circular one.
15.
The elevator didn't work and we had to walk ..... the stairs to the 15th floor.
A) Down.
B) Up.
C) Towards.
D) Past.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Up.
When moving to a higher floor, such as the 15th floor, one must go up the stairs. The preposition "up" indicates movement in an upward direction, which is necessary when ascending to a higher level.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Down - Incorrect; going down would mean moving towards a lower floor, not the 15th floor.
Option B:
Up - Correct; this indicates movement in an upward direction to reach the higher floor.
Option C:
Towards - Incorrect; "towards" does not specify the direction of movement clearly enough for this context. It could mean moving towards any point, not necessarily upwards.
Option D:
Past - Incorrect; "past" implies passing by or continuing beyond a certain point without reaching it, which is not applicable here as we need to reach the 15th floor.
16.
The horses run fast ..... the hill.
A) Through.
B) Over.
C) Up.
D) From / to.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "through" is correct because it indicates that the horses are moving in a way that involves passing from one side of the hill to the other, possibly going into and out of the hill's terrain. This usage accurately describes the movement of the horses over or across the hill.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Through" is correct as it indicates passing through the hill’s terrain.
Option B:
"Over" would imply a more direct, top-to-bottom movement which doesn't fit the context of running fast on the hill's surface or sides.
Option C:
"Up" suggests climbing the hill, which is not necessarily implied by the sentence and might be too specific for just running fast.
Option D:
"From / to" implies a start and end point but doesn't describe the continuous movement well in this context.
17.
The plane is flying ..... the village.
A) Across.
B) Over.
C) Through.
D) Down.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Down.
When a plane flies over a village, it typically descends towards the ground as it approaches landing. The preposition "down" accurately describes this movement from a higher altitude to a lower one.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Across - This would imply the plane is moving horizontally over the village without descending.
Option B:
Over - While this can be correct in some contexts, "down" better describes the vertical movement towards landing.
Option C:
Through - This suggests the plane is passing inside or between parts of the village, which is not typical for a landing approach.
Option D:
Down - Correctly indicates the vertical descent of the plane as it prepares to land in or near the village.
18.
I want to spen a year ..... Barcelona
A) On.
B) To.
C) At.
D) In.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "in" is used to indicate a period of time, such as a year, when describing where an action takes place over that duration. Therefore, the correct answer is
D) In.
This usage helps specify the timeframe in which the action (spending a year) occurs.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
On is typically used for specific days or occasions, not periods of time like years.
Option B:
To is generally used to indicate direction or purpose but not the duration of an action.
Option C:
At is often used with small places or points in time (like at noon), not for periods such as a year.
Option D:
In is correctly used to indicate spending a year, specifying the duration of the action.
19.
He forgot his phone on the table, so he ran ..... to his house to grab it.
A) Back.
B) Past.
C) Out of.
D) Away.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Back.
The preposition "back" indicates a return to the starting point, which in this context means going back to his house from where he ran to retrieve his phone.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates returning to the original location.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Past" suggests moving beyond a point, not returning.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Out of" implies exiting from inside something, not necessarily returning.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Away" means moving farther from the starting point, not returning.
20.
Movement away from (and often down from) something
A) Off.
B) Onto.
C) Towards.
D) Past.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "off" is used to indicate movement away from and often down from something, making it the correct answer in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates movement away from and often downward.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Onto" means moving towards or onto a surface or position.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Towards" indicates movement in the direction of something.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Past" suggests passing by without necessarily indicating downward movement.
21.
He fell ..... his motorbike when he was riding very fast.
A) Towards.
B) Up.
C) Off.
D) Through.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Off.
When someone falls from a motorbike, they are moving away from the vehicle in a downward direction, which is best described by the preposition "off."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Towards" indicates movement toward something, which does not fit the scenario of falling.
Option B:
"Up" suggests moving in an upward direction, which is incorrect for someone who has fallen from a motorbike.
Option C:
"Off" correctly describes the downward and away movement when one falls from a vehicle.
Option D:
"Through" implies passing completely into or out of something, which does not fit the context of falling off a motorbike.
22.
They couldn't get the sofa ..... the door.
A) Down.
B) From.
C) Through.
D) Up.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Through.
The preposition "through" indicates movement from one side of something to the other, which fits the context of moving a sofa that is too large for the door opening.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Down - This implies vertical movement, not suitable for describing how a sofa moves relative to a door.
Option B:
From - This preposition does not accurately describe the action of moving through an opening.
Option C:
Through - Correctly indicates that the sofa is being moved from one side of the door to the other, passing through the space.
Option D:
Up - This implies vertical movement, not suitable for describing how a sofa moves relative to a door.
23.
I didn't see the dog lying on the floor, and I fell ..... it.
A) Under.
B) Over.
C) Into.
D) Down.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Over.
When you say "I didn't see the dog lying on the floor, and I fell over it," the preposition "over" indicates that you tripped or stumbled over the dog. This means the dog was in your path, causing you to fall.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Under - This would imply the dog was beneath where you were standing, which is unlikely given the context.
Option B:
Over - Correct. Indicates tripping or stumbling over something in your path.
Option C:
Into - Suggests falling into a space, like a hole, which doesn't fit the scenario of tripping over a dog on the floor.
Option D:
Down - Implies falling from an elevated position, not relevant to the situation described.
24.
[Movement from one side to another side]He ran ..... the road.
A) Across.
B) Towards.
C) Through.
D) Along.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Across" is the correct answer because it accurately describes running from one side of the road to the other, indicating movement over or from one side to another.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Across. This preposition correctly indicates movement from one side of the road to the other.
Option B:
Towards. This implies moving in a direction toward something, not necessarily crossing over to the other side.
Option C:
Through. This suggests passing completely inside or into the road, which is not the intended meaning here.
Option D:
Along. This indicates movement alongside or beside the road without crossing it.
25.
The dog jumped ..... the fence to chase the cat.
A) Over.
B) Into.
C) Off.
D) Through.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "over" is correct because the dog jumped over the fence, meaning it leaped from one side to the other without going through or into the fence itself.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The dog jumped over the fence.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Into" implies the dog went inside the fence, which is not the intended meaning.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Off" would imply the dog fell from the fence, which is not the case here.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Through" suggests the dog went inside or passed through the fence, which does not fit the context of jumping over it.
26.
We may travel ..... the harbour by ferry.
A) Across.
B) Into.
C) To.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Across" is appropriate for indicating movement over the surface of the harbour.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Into" would imply entering the harbour, which doesn't fit the context of traveling by ferry.
Option C:
Incorrect. "To" is used to indicate direction towards a place but not for movement over an area like a harbour.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
27.
We went ..... the bell tower by the stairs.
A) Across.
B) Up.
C) Around.
D) Down.
Show Answer
Explanations:
To move from one place to another, especially when going inside a structure like a bell tower, you typically use stairs for vertical movement. Therefore, the correct preposition of movement in this context is "up."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Across - This implies moving horizontally or side-to-side, not vertically.
Option B:
Up - Correct as it indicates vertical ascent using stairs.
Option C:
Around - This suggests going in a circle or circumference, which is not the case here.
Option D:
Down - This would imply descending, but the question states "went," suggesting an upward movement to reach the bell tower.
28.
Movement from a higher point to a lower point of something
A) Along.
B) Up.
C) Towards.
D) Down.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Down.
This preposition accurately describes the movement from a higher point to a lower point, which aligns with the definition of "down" in terms of spatial orientation and direction.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Along - This indicates movement in a straight line without necessarily implying vertical change.
Option B:
Up - This is opposite to the described movement, indicating a rise from lower to higher points.
Option C:
Towards - This preposition can indicate movement toward an object or point but does not specifically denote vertical descent.
Option D:
Down - This correctly describes the movement from a higher point to a lower point, making it the appropriate choice.
29.
He is a good friend that speaks well of us ..... our backs
A) Among.
B) Beneath.
C) Behind.
D) Upon.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "behind" is correct because it indicates that the friend speaks well of us when we are not present, implying he speaks about us in our absence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Among - This would imply speaking with others around us, which does not fit the context.
Option B:
Beneath - This preposition is used for physical location under something, not for speaking about someone in their absence.
Option C:
Behind - Correct. It means speaking well of us when we are not present or aware.
Option D:
Upon - This would imply an action directly on top of or at the start of something, which does not fit the context of speaking about someone in their absence.
30.
Choose the correct preposition to fill in the blank:The bird flew ..... the trees.
A) Beside.
B) Over.
C) Into.
D) Under.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "over" is correct because it indicates that the bird flew above the trees, not through them or on top of them in a way that would imply contact or movement underneath.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Beside - This suggests the bird was flying next to the trees, which is incorrect as it does not indicate upward movement.
Option B:
Over - Correct. It means the bird flew above the trees without touching or entering them.
Option C:
Into - This would imply the bird entered between or among the trees, which is not what happened in this scenario.
Option D:
Under - This suggests the bird was flying below the trees, which contradicts the given sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are prepositions of movement?
Prepositions of movement indicate the direction or path that something is moving. Examples include "to," "from," "into," and "onto."
How do prepositions of movement differ from other types?
Prepositions of movement specifically describe the direction or path, whereas other types like prepositions of time and place describe when or where something is located.
Can prepositions of movement be used in Spanish?
Yes, many prepositions of movement are similar between English and Spanish. For example, "to" in English can often be translated to "a" or "en" in Spanish depending on the context.
Are all prepositions used for movement?
No, not all prepositions are used to indicate movement. Some prepositions can be used to show time, place, or other relationships between words.
How do you teach prepositions of movement?
Teaching prepositions of movement involves using examples that demonstrate direction and path. Activities like drawing or describing movements can help students understand their usage.