英语中，介词、副词、形容词之间的关系十分密切，通常，它们之间的区别纯粹是一种主观判断：
He is in. (adj.)
He goes in. (Adv.)
He is in the house. (prep.)
介词通常都可以用作相同或相近意义的形容词或副词的：
|
Prep. |
Adj. |
Adv. |
|
up the river |
he is up |
going up |
|
off the coast |
mind is off |
goes off |
|
by his side |
by-path |
passes by |
|
inside the room |
people inside |
goes inside |
|
above your head |
man above |
stay above |
|
below him |
man below |
look below |
|
under the water |
under-dog |
go under (sink) |
|
between them |
a layer between |
came between |
|
over the top |
meeting is over |
talk it over |
|
about this point |
is about to |
turn about |
|
有关方位的形容词用作名词 |
介词 副词组合 |
副词 介词 或 介词 介词 |
|
the above |
over here |
down in the room |
|
the next |
over there |
jump on to the stage |
|
the last |
round here |
get down from the car |
|
the rear |
from above |
run up to the house |
|
the front |
from on high (=from above) |
look down upon him |
|
the east |
from abroad |
from within |
|
to the right |
up from slavery |
from behind |
|
on the left |
in between them |
up to the present |
