Using Prepositions Correctly in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you're required to describe visual information (e.g., a
graph, chart, table, map, or diagram) in at least 150 words. Accurate use of prepositions is
essential to describe trends, comparisons, and relationships between data clearly and
precisely.
1. Prepositions of Time
Common Prepositions:
in – years, decades, months
from...to... – duration
during – a time period
over – a span of time
by – a deadline or final point
since – from a point in the past until now
Examples:
The number of tourists increased in 2010.
The population grew rapidly from 2000 to 2010.
The decline occurred during the 1990s.
Sales rose over a ten-year period.
The target was achieved by 2020.
There has been a steady rise since 2005.
2. Prepositions of Place and Position
Common Prepositions:
in, at, on, to the north/south/east/west of, next to, between, opposite, behind, in front of,
under, over, above, below
Examples:
The library is located next to the cafeteria.
The new railway was constructed to the east of the city center.
The park lies between the river and the school.
A playground was added behind the building.
A new road was built over the railway track.
3. Prepositions of Movement and Change
Common Prepositions:
to, by, from...to..., at, with
Examples:
The figure increased to 90% in 2015.
Prices fell by 30% over the period.
Unemployment rose from 5% to 10%.
The number remained at 50 units for two years.
Sales declined with a slight fluctuation in 2012.
4. Prepositions in Comparative Structures
Common Prepositions:
than, as...as, in comparison with, compared to, more...than, less...than, higher than, lower
than
Examples:
The figure was higher in 2010 than in 2005.
The growth rate was less significant in Canada than in the USA.
In comparison with previous years, the output decreased.
The factory produced more cars than trucks.
5. Prepositions of Quantity and Proportion
Common Prepositions:
of, out of, per, among, in
Examples:
40% of the population preferred buses.
3 out of 5 people chose the second option.
There were 10 accidents per 1,000 drivers.
Income was divided among four sectors.
A sharp increase was seen in the percentage of online shoppers.
6. Prepositions with Verbs in Data Descriptions
Examples Table:
increase by/to – Sales increased by 10% to 90 units.
rise to/by – The number rose to 500.
fall by/to – Profits fell by $5 million.
decline to/by – Figures declined to 30%.
fluctuate around – Prices fluctuated around $20.
peak at – The graph peaked at 95%.
remain steady at – The rate remained steady at 60%.
Mini Sample Paragraph Using Prepositions
Example:
The number of foreign students enrolled in UK universities rose steadily from 2000 to 2010,
increasing by 30,000 students. In contrast, domestic enrollment fluctuated around 100,000
during the same period. The highest point was reached in 2009, when figures peaked at
130,000. By 2010, the total number of students had grown significantly in comparison with
the early 2000s.
Quick Tips for Mastery
Tips:
Practice with real charts – Describe trends using prepositions.
Memorize collocations – Some verbs always go with certain prepositions.
Group by function – Time, movement, comparison, etc.
Use sample answers – Analyze how prepositions are used in model essays.
Check for consistency – Don’t mix tenses or use incorrect prepositions with time.
Conclusion
Summary:
Mastering prepositions is essential for scoring well in IELTS Writing Task 1. They help you
describe when, where, and how changes occur in data clearly and accurately. Use this guide
to recognize patterns, memorize useful phrases, and practice with actual IELTS visuals.
