Preposition

Why Prepositions Matter for CELPIP

Prepositions show relationships between words—where things are, when they happen, and how they relate. Correct prepositions are essential for clear communication.

Skill Level	CELPIP Score Impact
Wrong prepositions	CLB 5–6 (confusing or unclear)
Correct prepositions	CLB 9–10 (precise and professional)

The Reality: A wrong preposition can confuse your meaning. "In the apartment" vs. "on the apartment" are very different.

Essential Prepositions by Type

Prepositions of Place (Where)

Describe location or position.

Preposition	Example	Usage
in	"The heater is in the bedroom."	Inside a space
on	"The water stain is on the ceiling."	Surface/top
at	"I met the landlord at the office."	Specific location
under	"The pipe under the sink is leaking."	Below
between	"The dispute between the tenant and landlord continues."	In the middle of two things
inside/outside	"The damage is inside the walls."	Interior/exterior

Prepositions of Time (When)

Describe when something happens.

Preposition	Example	Usage
at	"I submitted the complaint at 3 PM."	Specific time
on	"I called on Monday."	Specific day
in	"This happened in winter."	Month/season/year
during	"The damage occurred during my tenancy."	Within a time period
after	"After the storm, water leaked inside."	Following an event
before	"I reported the issue before it worsened."	Prior to an event
for	"I have lived here for two years."	Duration

Prepositions of Reason/Cause (Why)

Explain the reason or cause.

Preposition	Example	Usage
because of	"The apartment is uninhabitable because of poor ventilation."	Reason/cause
due to	"Due to negligence, the damage worsened."	Reason (more formal)
as a result of	"As a result of the leak, mold formed."	Consequence

Common Preposition Mistakes in CELPIP

Wrong	Correct	Why?
"I lived there during two years."	"I lived there for two years."	"for" = duration; "during" = specific event/period
"The damage is in the wall."	"The damage is in the walls."	Walls (plural) contain the damage
"I am frustrated of the delay."	"I am frustrated by the delay."	"by" = agent causing emotion
"Water leaked in the bedroom."	"Water leaked into the bedroom."	"into" = movement into a space
"I am complaining about the landlord"	✅ Correct	"complain about" = express dissatisfaction

CELPIP Writing Examples with Prepositions

Describe location clearly:

❌ "There is damage."
✅ "Water damage has appeared in the master bedroom, on the ceiling, and under the bathroom sink."

Show urgency with time prepositions:

❌ "This needs to be fixed."
✅ "This must be repaired within 7 days due to health concerns."

Use "during" for events, "for" for duration:

✅ "During my tenancy, I reported issues repeatedly. I have lived here for two years without adequate response."