Basic User’s Manual of Prepositions

I know, prepositions can be very confusing. Besides their various meanings, their usage can depend on whether they form part of a phrasal verb, or on the word that comes before or after it. But for now, let’s look at the basic uses of some common prepositions. 

TO for movements Towards a place: I’m going to the cinema.
or intention: I came to talk to you.

FROM to show where someone or something originates: 

I’m coming from the cinema… She comes from Germany.

IN for INside: in the box

And parts of the day: in the morning / afternoon / evening 
And within a period of time: in December, in winter

ON for surfaces: on the table, on the wall

And for days and dates: on Thursday, on December 1st

AT for a specific point in space: at the bus stop, at the cinema 

And for specific time, meals and night: at 7:00, at lunchtime, at midnight 

INTO for movements to the inside: She went into the bulding.

OUT OF for moveements to the outside: She came out of the bulding. 

ONTO for movements to a surface: The spoon fell onto the floor.

OFF OF for movements from a surface: She picked it off of the floor.

OF to denote that something belongs to another: the legs of the table 

WITH to accompany: She went to the cinema with him.

Or for using an instrument: She fixed the nail with the hammer.

SINCE for the beginning of a period of time: 

I have lived here since I was a child.

FOR with a quantity time: I have lived here for 10 years. 

Or to indicate who/what an action is directed to: 

Is there a letter for me? This is a present for your house.

BY to indicate who/what did an action: 

The film was directed by Spielberg.

Or to indicate the method or means: 

These shoes are made by hand. I get to work by train.” 

Or for proximity: He lives by the sea.

NEAR, NEXT TO for proximity too: He lives near the sea. He lives next to the sea.

Of course, there are other uses for these prepositions and other prepositions, but this should give you a good start.