Past

The preposition past has several meanings and uses in English.

Here are some of the most common meanings, with examples:

 

 

Temporal Meaning: indicating a duration of time

that has already occurred:

I have lived in New York for the past five years.

(referring to the last five years leading up to the present)

 

She has been studying for the past hour.

(referring to the duration of time just before now)

 

 

Spatial Meaning: indicating movement or position in

relationship to something else:

 

He walked past the park.

(indicating movement in relation to the park)

 

The cat ran past me and into the house.

(indicating movement in relation to the speaker)

 

 

 

As an adjective, meaning gone by or former:

In past years, this area has been heavily industrialised.

(referring to years that have gone by)

 

Her past experiences shaped her worldview.

(referring to previous experiences)

 

 

 

As a noun, meaning all that has happened before

 the present time:

The past can teach us valuable lessons. (referring to all events and experiences that have occurred before now.)

 

 

These are some of the common meanings of the past as a preposition, but it can have additional nuances and uses in specific contexts. The meaning often depends on the context in which it is used.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preposition – “Past”

Preposition – “Over”

Preposition – “By”

Preposition – “After”