Yes, “beyond” is a preposition when it shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and another part of the sentence. It can also function as an adverb in some cases.
Uses of “Beyond” as a Preposition:
- Indicating Physical Location (Farther Than Something)
- The restaurant is beyond the shopping mall.
- The mountains extend beyond the horizon.
- Indicating a Point in Time (Later Than a Certain Time)
- The promotion is valid beyond this weekend.
- We stayed at the event beyond midnight.
- Indicating a Limit or Extent (More Than or Outside the Scope Of)
- The new menu goes beyond traditional dishes.
- This challenge is beyond my abilities.
Uses of “Beyond” as an Adverb:
- The view stretches beyond.
- He didn’t plan for anything beyond.
Why “Beyond” Is a Preposition in Most Cases
- When followed by a noun or pronoun, “beyond” functions as a preposition (e.g., beyond the restaurant, beyond midnight).
- When it stands alone modifying a verb, it functions as an adverb (e.g., The road continues beyond).
Thus, “beyond” is primarily a preposition but can also be an adverb.