Prepositions of Manner - Definition, Rules, Examples in English

What is Preposition of Manner?

A preposition of manner explains how something happens or the way an action is done.
It answers the question “How?” For example: She spoke with confidence.  Here, the word ‘with’ tells us the manner in which she spoke.

To understand English grammar better, it is important to learn the different kinds of prepositions such as prepositions of time, place, direction, and manner. Among them, prepositions of manners are used frequently in everyday conversations and writing to describe actions clearly.

Preposition of Manner Definition

The preposition of manner definition states that it is a word showing how an action happens. It connects a verb with the way something is done and expresses the method, style, or attitude of the action.

Examples:

• He ran with speed. (shows the manner of running)

• She solved the problem by thinking carefully.

Common prepositions of manner words include with, by, like, in, as, on, and without.

Common Preposition of Manner Words With Meaning

Here are some of the most used preposition of manner words with examples:

Also read: Action Words in English: Definition, Types and Examples

Preposition of Manner Rules

While using these words, remember a few rules of preposition to avoid mistakes:

1. Use the right preposition for the right context.

Incorrect: She spoke by confidence.

Correct: She spoke with confidence.

2. Avoid repeating prepositions unnecessarily.

Incorrect: He travelled by by train.

Correct: He travelled by train.

3. Use the gerund (ing form of the verb) after “by.”

Example: He improved his English by practising every day.

4. Be careful with “with” and “without.”

Example: She wrote the test without help.

Learning the rules of preposition of manners will help you write more accurate sentences and improve your English fluency.

Also read:  What is a Determiner? – Meaning and Definition

Different Types of Prepositions

Here are the different types of prepositions that help us understand time, place, direction, reason, and the way actions happen in a sentence.

1. Prepositions of Time

These prepositions show when something happens. They help express time, duration, or specific moments.  Common words: at, on, in, before, after, during

 Examples:

• She wakes up at 7 a.m.

• We met on Monday.

• He was born in 2005.

• The shop closes before sunset.

2. Prepositions of Place

These prepositions show where something or someone is located. They describe position or spatial relationships. Common words are under, on, in, between, beside, near, behind. For example:

• The cat is on the table.

• The pen is in the drawer.

• The park is near my house.

• The ball rolled under the chair.

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3. Prepositions of Direction

These prepositions show movement or the direction in which something or someone goes. Common words are to, from, across, into, onto, through, towards. For example:

• She walked to the bus stop.

• The bird flew across the sky.

• They moved into a new house.

• He came from school.

4. Prepositions of Manner

These prepositions describe how something is done or the manner of an action.  Common words are with, by, in, like, as, without. For example:

• She spoke with confidence.

• The letter was sent by mail.

• He danced in joy.

• They worked without any help.

Preposition of Manner Examples in Sentences

Here are more preposition of manner example sentences to understand their use better:

• The teacher spoke with patience.

• The thief escaped by running through the alley.

• The baby slept in peace.

• She danced like a star.

• He finished the project without help.

• The message was sent by email.

• They celebrated with excitement.

Also read:  8 Parts of Speech in English: Definition, Types & Examples

Prepositions of Manner Practice Questions 

A. Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition of manner words.

1. She spoke _______ confidence during the presentation.

2. The letter was sent _______ email.

3. He completed the project _______ great care.

4. They travelled _______ train to Melbourne.

5. The children played _______ joy in the park.

6. He finished the work _______ help from anyone.

7. The cake was baked _______ my mother.

8. She danced _______ a professional dancer.

9. The teacher explained the topic _______ simple words.

10. He repaired the car _______ his own tools.

B. Choose the correct answer.

1. Which sentence uses the preposition of manner correctly?
   a) She spoke by confidence.
   b) She spoke with confidence.
   c) She spoke on confidence.
   
   

2. Identify the preposition of manner in this sentence:
   He painted the wall with a brush.
   a) the
   b) wall
   c) with
   
   

3. The film was made _______ a famous director.
   a) by
   b) on
   c) at
   
   

4. She worked _______ care and patience.
   a) by
   b) with
   c) to
   
   

5. He completed his task _______ making any mistakes.
   a) by
   b) without
   c) in

C. Make your own sentences using these preposition of manner words:

1. with

2. by

3. in

4. like

5. without

Also read: Noun Phrase - Definition, Uses, Examples

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