This list includes 20 Prepositions that start with O that begin with the letter O, from “of” to “owing to”. Many are single-word prepositions, and several are common multi-word phrases used in everyday and formal English. They show relationships of time, place, reason, and possession in sentences.

Prepositions that start with O are words and phrases that link nouns or pronouns to other sentence parts. Notably, “of” ranks among English’s most frequent words, showing how crucial these prepositions are.

Below you’ll find the table with Preposition, Definition, Common pairings, Example, and Notes.

Preposition: The word or phrase itself so you can locate the entry quickly.

Definition: A short meaning of each preposition, helping you choose correct usage in context.

Common pairings: Typical complements or collocations show how the preposition commonly combines with words.

Example: One clear sentence shows the preposition in natural context you can model.

Notes: Usage tags and brief remarks point out formality, regional use, or rare status.

Prepositions that start with O

Preposition Category Definition Common pairings Description
of single-word indicating belonging, source, part, or measure possession; part; material; cause [neutral] Very common particle showing relationships of possession, origin, or measure. Example: The cover of the book is red.
off single-word away from a surface, removed, or finished the table; duty; the road [neutral] Used for physical removal, separation, or completion. Example: She fell off the ladder.
off of multi-word prepositional phrase informal variant of “off” meaning away from the shelf; the table; the list [informal, dialect: US] Common in conversational American English; considered informal or redundant by some. Example: He took the book off of the shelf.
on single-word indicating contact, position, or topic the table; Monday; the phone; topic [neutral] Extremely common; marks location, time, or topics. Example: The keys are on the table.
on account of multi-word prepositional phrase because of; due to the delay; illness; weather; the mistake [formal/neutral] A formal/common way to give a reason. Example: The match was canceled on account of heavy rain.
on behalf of multi-word prepositional phrase representing or for the benefit of someone the company; clients; the team [formal] Used in formal or official contexts for representation. Example: She accepted the award on behalf of the whole team.
on board multi-word prepositional phrase on or inside a vehicle or part of a group the plane; the ship; the team [neutral] Means physically aboard or figuratively part of a group or project. Example: Everyone on board must wear a lifejacket.
on top of multi-word prepositional phrase physically above; additionally; in control of the pile; the list; unexpected problems [neutral] Can mean literally above or figuratively “in addition to.” Example: On top of his job, he volunteers every week.
onto single-word movement to a position on a surface the roof; the stage; the table [neutral] Indicates motion toward something’s surface. Example: She climbed onto the roof.
opposite single-word facing or across from; contrary to the bank; the house; opinion [neutral] Functions as a preposition in contexts of location or contrast. Example: The café is opposite the bookstore.
opposite to multi-word prepositional phrase facing or contrary to (dialectal variant) the entrance; popular opinion; the line [dialect: British] Common in some British usages; US English often omits “to.” Example: His view is opposite to mine.
other than multi-word prepositional phrase except or different from him; exceptions; routine [neutral] Used to exclude or contrast alternatives. Example: No one other than Sarah knew the password.
over single-word above, across, or more than; finished the bridge; three years; the wall [neutral] Versatile preposition for space, excess, or completion. Example: The cat jumped over the wall.
over to multi-word prepositional phrase toward someone; transferring responsibility or turn you; the host; the presenter [informal] Often used when handing control or attention to someone. Example: It’s over to you to finish the presentation.
out single-word from inside to outside; not present; extinguished the door; of the house; the light [neutral] Common for movement outward, absence, or being switched off. Example: She went out for a walk.
out of multi-word prepositional phrase from within; lacking; because of the box; patience; necessity [neutral] Very common for origin, shortage, or motive. Example: He took the book out of the box.
outwith single-word outside of (Scots usage) the area; Glasgow; normal practice [dialect: Scottish] Mainly Scottish English; means outside or beyond. Example: Outwith the city, services are sparse.
outside single-word on the exterior or beyond limits of something the house; work; the building [neutral] Can mark physical exterior or figurative exclusion. Example: Let’s meet outside the café.
outside of multi-word prepositional phrase outside; apart from; except (informal US) work; family; exceptions [informal, dialect: US] Common in conversational US English; sometimes criticized by prescriptive guides. Example: Outside of work, she’s a painter.
owing to multi-word prepositional phrase because of; due to the delay; illness; circumstances [formal] A formal way to indicate cause; often used in writing. Example: The flight was delayed owing to fog.

Descriptions

of
off
off of
on
on account of
on behalf of
on board
on top of
onto
opposite
opposite to
other than
over
over to
out
out of
outwith
outside
outside of
owing to
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