B2 grammarPart 2 of 3

Prepositions of Place and Movement: Choose the Viewpoint

Advanced choices depend on how the speaker sees the route: as a surface, an enclosed space, a boundary, a line or a reference point.

12-15 minutes4 guided tasks8-question mastery check

What you will be able to do

UnderstandShow entry and destination with to, into and onto.

ChooseChoose a path preposition from the shape of the route.

UseUse vertical position words according to viewpoint, not translation.

Start with the meaning

Are you crossing a surface, entering a space or moving past a landmark? Predict each answer, then open the explanation.

1. The train went through the mountain. Did it travel on the mountain’s surface?

No. Through presents the mountain as a three-dimensional space with an inside route, such as a tunnel.

2. She ran across the road. Did she move from one side to the other?

Yes. Across highlights crossing a surface or area.

The essential distinctions

To, into and onto show different endpoints

Use to for a destination, into for movement from outside to inside, and onto for movement to a surface.

Drive to the station. · Step into the lift. · Put the box onto the shelf.

The route has a shape

Use across for a surface, through for an enclosed space, along for following a line and past for passing a reference point.

Across the square · through the forest · along the coast · past the bank.

Vertical words add a viewpoint

Above/below mainly describe level. Over/under can suggest direct position, covering, control or movement across.

The shelf is above the desk. · A bridge runs over the river.

See the contrast

Preposition	Picture it as	Example
across	one side to another over a surface	They cycled across the island.
through	inside and out of a space	Light came through the curtains.
along	following a line or edge	Walk along the river.
past	beyond a reference point	Go past reception.
over	higher and often directly across	The cable stretches over the street.
above	at a higher level	The temperature is above average.

A three-step decision tool

Find the endpointIs the destination enough, or does entry onto or into something matter?

Sketch the routeIs it a surface, an inside space, a line or a landmark you pass?

Check the viewpointFor vertical position, ask whether you only mean level or a more direct relationship.

Three traps to avoid

✕ We walked through the bridge.

✓ We walked across the bridge.

A bridge is normally treated as a surface that connects two sides.

✕ She went in the conference room.

✓ She went into the conference room.

Use into when the movement across the boundary matters.

✕ The sign is over eye level.

✓ The sign is above eye level.

Use above for a comparison of levels.

Guided practice

Say your answer aloud before opening the explanation.

1. The path continues ___ the fence for about a kilometre.

along, because the path follows the line of the fence.

2. The children ran ___ the hall when the doors opened.

into, because they moved from outside to inside the hall.

3. A narrow footbridge passes ___ the railway line.

over, because the bridge crosses at a higher level.

4. Go ___ the pharmacy, then turn left at the lights.

past, because the pharmacy is a reference point that you pass.