20 commonly used prepositions in business emails

Prepositions are essential in business communication as they clarify relationships between words and ideas. Below is a list of commonly used prepositions in business emails, their meanings, and examples.

1. About – concerning or regarding something

📧 I am writing to inquire about the meeting schedule for next week.

2. Above – higher than or exceeding

📧 Please refer to the above-mentioned guidelines for reference.

3. According to – as stated by

📧 According to our records, your payment is overdue.

Stated by" and "according to" are interchangeable phrases that both mean "as reported by" or "as stated by someone else". However, "according to" is more general and can be used in different situations, while "stated by" is more specific and usually refers to a direct quote or a particular source.

4. Across – from one side to another

📧 We have expanded our services across multiple regions.

5. After – later in time

📧 Let’s discuss this further after the presentation.

6. Against – in opposition to

📧 We advise against making changes at this stage.

7. Among – within a group

📧 The responsibility will be shared among all team members.

8. Around – approximately or surrounding

📧 The report will be ready around 3 PM.

9. At – referring to a place, time, or situation

📧 We will meet at the conference room at 10 AM.

10. Before – earlier in time

📧 Please submit the document before the deadline.

11. Behind – at the back of or delayed

📧 The project is behind schedule due to unforeseen issues.

12. Below – lower than or less than

📧 Please see the details below for further clarification.

13. Between – in the middle of two or more things

📧 We need to choose between these two proposals.

14. By – indicates the means of action or a deadline

📧 Please complete the task by Friday.

15. For – indicating purpose or recipient

📧 This report is for the management team.

16. From – indicating a starting point

📧 The shipment will arrive from our supplier next Monday.

17. In – inside or within

📧 The details are provided in the attached document.

18. On – referring to a specific date or topic

📧 The meeting is scheduled on Monday.

19. To – indicating direction or recipient

📧 I have forwarded your request to the finance department.

20. With – indicating association or accompaniment

📧 We are pleased to collaborate with your company on this project.