Prepositions 1

What is a preposition?
Prepositions are used to express the relationship of a noun or pronoun (or another
grammatical element functioning as a noun) to the rest of the sentence. The noun or pronoun
that is connected by the preposition is known as the object of the preposition.
Some common prepositions are in, on, for, to, of, with, and about, though there are many
others.

Prepositional Phrases
Prepositions and their objects together form prepositional phrases, which can function as
either adjectives or (more commonly) adverbs.
For example:

 “There is a film at noon we could see.” (adjectival, modifying the noun film)
 “He hit the nail with a hammer.” (adverbial, modifying the verb hit)

A prepositional phrase always contains at least a preposition and its object (a noun or
pronoun), but it can also contain modifiers that add additional meaning to the object. These
can even be other prepositional phrases functioning as adjectives. For example:

 “He arrived to school in a red car.”

 “We keep the lawnmower in the shed out back.”

Adjective complements
Occasionally, adverbial prepositions are used to modify predicative adjectives to complete or
elaborate upon their meaning. When they are used in this way, they function as adjective
complements. For example:

 “Megan was afraid of thunderstorms.”

 “Philip is upset about what was said.”
 “We are very pleased with the number of donations we received.”

Choosing the appropriate preposition

Common Prepositional Errors
Prepositions can be very difficult to navigate because many of them are used to express
multiple kinds of relationships, and it’s easy to use one in the wrong context. For example:

 “I had cereal and milk for breakfast.” (correct)

 “I had breakfast with cereal and milk.” (incorrect)
The second sentence is a common error. It implies that you, the cereal, and the milk all had
breakfast together. You can have breakfast with your friends or your family, but not with
cereal and milk. However, we can use with to show a connection between cereal and milk, as
in:

 “I had cereal with milk for breakfast.”

Another similar error is:

 “I go to work with my car.”

In the first sentence, it implies that you and your car go to work together. You can go to work
with a person, but when speaking about a means of transportation, we often use the
preposition by, as in:

 “I go to work by car.”

If the object is modified by a possessive determiner, we can also use the preposition in:

 “I go to work in my car.”

When choosing the appropriate preposition in a sentence, we must consider their

various categories as well as what the prepositional phrase is going to modify.
Categories of prepositions
Prepositions can be broadly divided into eight categories: time, place, direction or movement,
agency, instrument or device, reason or purpose, connection, and origin.
The following table highlights the most common categories of prepositions and how they are
used to form adjectival or adverbial prepositional phrases in a sentence:
Category Preposition Example sentences
 “There is a film at noon we could
at, in, on, for, during, since, by, see.” (adjectival)
Time  “We’re meeting him in an hour.”
until, before, after, to, past
(adverbial)
 “The cat on the roof was hissing at
at, in, on, by/near/close to, next us.” (adjectival)
Place to/beside, between, behind, in  “Try looking behind the shed.”
front of, above/over, below/under (adverbial)

 “The house down the road is being

to, from, over, under, along,
Direction or around, across, through, into, out sold.” (adjectival)
 “They drove across the country.”
Movement of, toward(s), away from, onto,
off, up, down (adverbial)
  “The book by the famous author is a
big hit.” (adjectival)
Agency by, with  “Her heart is filled with emotion.”
(adverbial)

 “The journey by boat is long and

arduous.” (adjectival)
Instrument or
by, with, on  “He hit the nail with a hammer.”
Device
(adverbial)

 “I have a separate
Reason or for, through, because of, on computer forwork.” (adjectival)
 “They left early because of the
Purpose account of, from
storm.” (adverbial)

 “A well-written cover
letter toemployers helps your
Connection of, to, with chances of being hired.” (adjectival)
 “I think she decided to
go withVictor.” (adverbial)

 “Tom is of German descent.”

(adjectival)
Origin from, of  “We started our trip from Italy.”
(adverbial)

Notice that many prepositions fall under two or more categories. To determine what type of
preposition is being used in a sentence, you must look closely at the context and what the
prepositional phrase is modifying. Remember that prepositional phrases can be used with
verbs, with nouns, and with adjectives.
Continue on to the rest of the sections in this chapter to learn more about how and when
prepositions are (and are not) used.

Prepositions vs. Infinitives

The word to is a very common preposition, used to express time, direction, and
connection. To is also used, however, as a particle to introduce the infinitive form of verbs—
e.g., to run, to play, to think, to be, etc.
For example:

 “I often ride my bicycle to work.” (preposition of direction)

 “I often ride my bicycle to stay healthy.” (infinitive)
Because they share the same introductory word, it’s easy to mistake one for the other. Just
remember that infinitives always use the word to with the base or bare form of a verb, while
the preposition to is always followed by a noun, pronoun, or a grammatical element
functioning as a noun.
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Prepositional Phrases 2
What is a prepositional phrase?
A prepositional phrase is made up of at least a preposition and its object, which can be a
noun, pronoun, or a noun phrase. Often times, the object will have a modifier or modifiers
(such as adjectives, noun adjuncts, etc.) that appear between it and the preposition. These
specify or describe the object, but, unlike prepositions, they do not serve to connect the
object grammatically to the rest of the sentence.

Examples
 on the ground — On describes the location in relation to the ground.
 of the bedroom — Of specifies that whatever is being discussed is particular to the
bedroom.
 down the dark alley — Down describes the direction of movement in relation to alley,
while the adjective dark is a modifier specifying that the alley is not well lit.
 into an empty parking lot — To describes the direction of movement in relation to
the compound noun parking lot. The adjective empty is a modifier specifying that the
parking lot doesn’t have people or cars in it.
 because of the nasty weather — Because of is a compound preposition describing the
reason why something happened—in this case, the nasty weather.

Prepositional phrases can behave in two ways in a sentence: as an adjective modifying a noun,
or as an adverb modifying a verb, adjective, or adverb.

Adjectival Prepositional Phrases

When a prepositional phrase modifies a noun, pronoun, gerund, or noun phrase (all of which
function grammatically as nouns), it is considered to function as an adjective within the
sentence. We call these adjectival prepositional phrases, or sometimes just adjective
prepositional phrases.

Adjectival prepositional phrases always follow the noun they are modifying. And, like an
adjective, this kind of prepositional phrase answers one or more of the following questions
about the noun:

 Which one?
  What kind?
 How many or how much?

Examples
 “The cat on the shed is black.”

On the shed is a prepositional phrase—on is a preposition describing the position of its

object, the shed. The prepositional phrase is adjectival because it modifies the noun cat (which
it follows directly in the sentence) by answering the question “Which cat?”

 “I would like to buy some flowers in a glass vase.”

The prepositional phrase here is in a glass vase—in is a preposition describing the object a
vase. Glass is a modifier of vase, appearing between the preposition and the noun that it
modifies. The prepositional phrase in this sentence is adjectival because it immediately follows
the noun that it describes (flowers), and it tells us what kind of flowers the speaker would like
to buy.

 “People from many different countries have visited here.”

From many different countries is a prepositional phrase modifying the noun people. It
immediately follows that noun, and it answers the question what kind of people (people from
different countries). But it also indirectly answers the question how many, because it tells the
reader that a large number of people have visited.

Adverbial Prepositional Phrases

When a prepositional phrase modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb, it is considered to have the
function of an adverb within the sentence. We call these adverbial prepositional phrases, or
sometimes just adverb prepositional phrases, adverb phrases, or even just adverbs.

If an adverbial phrase is describing an adjective or an adverb, it will follow that word in the
sentence. However, adverbial prepositional phrases don’t always immediately follow the verb
they are modifying. Like normal adverbs, adverbial prepositional phrases answer the
questions:

 When?
 Where?
 How (in what way)?
 Why (for what purpose)?
 To what extent?

Examples
Verbs

 “She will leave after a short run.”

Here the prepositional phrase after a short run follows the word it modifies, the verb leave. It
describes a point in time (albeit a nonspecific one), answering the question of when the action
will happen.

 “I ran a mile down the road.”

Even though the prepositional phrase down the road follows the noun mile, it actually
describes the verb run. Here it is answering the question where: “Where did you run (a
mile)?” “Down the road.”
An adverbial preposition can also be placed at different places in the sentence when
modifying a verb, such as at the beginning. For example:

 “Because of my operation, I had to cancel my flight.”

The prepositional phrase because of my operation, which opens the sentence, is describing
the verb cancel—in this instance, it is describing why the speaker had to cancel.

Adjectives and adverbs

Adverbial prepositional phrases that modify adjectives and adverbs can be harder to identify
because the adjectives and adverbs are usually paired with verbs. Remember that these
prepositional phrases always follow the adjective or adverband will contain
information specific to the adjective and adverb.

 “I was delighted with the results.”

In this sentence, the prepositional phrase with the results is describing the predicative
adjective delighted, and it answers the question “Why are you delighted?” Even
though delighted is paired with the linking verb was, the prepositional phrase very clearly
describes the adjective rather than the verb.

 “I can get there more quickly on my new bike.”

Here, on my new bike describes the adverb more quickly, answering the question “How?” or
“In what manner?” It could also seem that the prepositional phrase is describing the verb get,
but the information in the prepositional phrase is specific to getting there quickly.

Multiple Prepositional Phrases

Sentences can (and often do) have more than one prepositional phrase. What kind of
prepositional phrase each one is depends on what it is modifying, which is generally indicated
by where it is placed in the sentence and what kind of information it is providing. For instance,
verbs often take multiple adverbial prepositional phrases as modifiers, while an adjectival
prepositional phrase can modify the objects of other prepositional phrases. It can seem a little
bit complicated, but if you break the sentence down into parts, you can still apply the rules
that were outlined above.

Examples
 “During the Christmas break, I visited my old school behind our house.”

There are two prepositional phrases in this sentence.

The first, during the Christmas break, is an adverbial prepositional phrase. We know this
because it comes at the very beginning of the sentence, and it describes the
verb visited (answering the question “When?”).

The second prepositional phrase is behind our house. It is an adjectival prepositional phrase,
modifying the noun school and answering the question “Which one?”

 “We ended our game with the neighbors at once when we heard our parents calling.”

Here, two prepositional phrases occur one after the other. The first one, with the neighbors,
describes the noun game, so it is adjectival.
The second prepositional phrase, at once, describes the verb ended, even though it comes
quite a bit later in the sentence. Because it describes a verb, it is an adverbial prepositional
phrase.

 “While I was home for the summer after my first semester of college, I decided to
work in a store to earn some extra cash.”

This sentence features four prepositional phrases, three of which occur in succession.
The first is for the summer. It is functioning as an adverb to describe the verb phrase was
home, specifying when the speaker was at home. (In this case it is describing a duration of
time.)

Even though the second prepositional phrase, after my first semester, seems to describe the
first one, it is actually also describing the verb phrase to further clarify when the speaker was
home. In this instance, you can reverse the prepositional phrases—“While I was home after
my first semester for the summer”—and still have the clause make complete sense (even if it’s
not as clearly written).

However, the third prepositional phrase, of college, is an adjectival prepositional phrase—it is

describing the noun phrase my first semester, which is the object of the second prepositional
phrase. Here, it serves to answer the question which (or even what kind) about the semester
being discussed. As such, it is “tied” to that preposition: it would not make sense to place it
elsewhere in the sentence. For instance, “While I was home for the summer of college after
my first semester” does not make sense.

The final prepositional phrase, in a store, is much easier to understand. It is an adverbial

prepositional phrase modifying the verb work, and specifies where the speaker is going to
work.

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Categories of Prepositions 3
Defining Categories
Most prepositions have multiple usages and meanings. Generally speaking, prepositions can
be divided into eight categories: time, place, direction or movement, agency, instrument or
device, reason or purpose, connection, and origin. The following table highlights the most
common prepositions and their categories*:
Category Preposition
Time at, in, on, for, during, since, by, until, before, after, to, past
at, in, on, by/near/close to, next to/beside, between, behind, in front of,
Place
above/over, below/under
Direction or to, from, over, under, along, around, across, through, into, out of,
Movement toward(s), away from, onto, off, up, down
Agency by, with
Instrument or
by, with, on
Device
Reason or Purpose for, through, because of, on account of, from
Connection of, to, with
Origin from, of
(*Many prepositions will fall under two or more categories. To determine what type of
preposition is being used in a sentence, you must look closely at the context and what is being
described.)
Prepositions of time
A preposition of time describes when or for how long something occurred or will occur. The
three most common prepositions of time are at, in, and on. Each preposition of time refers to
a different increment of or point in time, as shown below:
Preposition of
What it Describes Example Sentences
Time
“Let’s meet at noon.”
at specific and short times of day
“Chris arrived at one o’clock.”
 “Beth starts school in August.”
“In 2008, the U.S. held a presidential
months, years, and specific times of
in election.”
day
“I would rather work on the
project in the afternoon.”
“On Tuesday, Dad went to the grocery
on days and dates store.”
“Valentine’s Day is on February 14.”
for durations of time “He lived abroad for many years.”
“We’re not supposed to
during simultaneous events
study duringclass.”
a continuous event originating from “She’s been waiting to hear back from
since
a specific point in the past the office since yesterday.”
a specific point in the future before “You must wake up by six o’clock
by
which an event must be completed tomorrow morning.”
a continuous event that will
“Daniel can’t sneak out of the
until terminate at a specific point in the
house until his parents go to bed.”
future
something prior to a specific time or
before “The moon rose before sunset.”
event
something following a specific time “Katrina made a promise to help
after
or event out after work today.”
time in relation to the next hour of “My watch says it’s 10 minutes to three
to
the day right now.”
time in relation to the previous hour “Ideally, the party would start no later
past
of the day than a quarter past eight.”

Prepositions of place
A preposition of place describes where something is located in reference to something else,
or where something occurred or will occur. Like prepositions of time, the most common
prepositions of place are also at, in, and on. The usages of these and other prepositions of
place are explained below:
Preposition of
What it Describes Example Sentences
Place
specific points or
at “Ben is planning on staying the night at a hotel.”
locations
in enclosed spaces “The rice is in the cabinet.”
on surfaces or tops of things “Leave the towel on the counter.”
by, near, close lack of distance “The library is by/near/close to the train station.”
to
“Many people consider it rude to sit next
next to, beside adjacency
to/beside a stranger in a movie theater.”
something in the middle “To make a sandwich, simply put
between
of two people or things something between two slices of bread.”
something at the back of
behind “I stood behind my sister while we waited in line.”
something
something situated
in front of “Let’s put the dresser in front of the window.”
before something
something higher than “The arch above/over the hallway reminded
above, over*
something Natalie of a castle she’d visited.”
below, something lower than “All children fear the monsters below/under their
under** something beds.”
(*Over and above both describe something higher than something else, but over can also
describe something directly in contact with and covering something beneath it. For example:
“I draped my jacket over the couch” is correct, whereas “I draped my jacket above the couch”
is incorrect.)
(**Under and below can both describe something lower than something else, but under can
also describe something that is directly in contact with something on top of it. For example:
“The puppy hid under the blanket” is correct, whereas “The puppy hid below the blanket” is
incorrect.)
Prepositions of direction or movement
A preposition of direction or movement describes how, where, or in what way something
moves. The following table highlights the most common prepositions of direction and
movement, as well as their different usages:
Preposition of
Direction or What it Describes Example Sentences
Movement
movement with a specific “My brother went to Europe with his
to
aim, direction, or destination friends.”
movement with a specific “She told stories about the time she
from
point of origin walked to Spain from France.”
movement higher than and
over “The bird flew over the trees.”
across something else
movement to a point higher
above “He shot his arrow above the target.”
than something else
movement lower than “That large worm
under/beneath
something went under/beneath the dirt.”
along movement on a straight line “The childhood friends rode their
 or edge bicycles along the road.”
movement in a circular “The couple held hands and
around
direction skated around the rink.”
movement from one end to
across “I walked across the flimsy bridge.”
the other
movement from one side of
“The burglar entered the
through an enclosed space and out of
house throughthe basement window.”
the other
movement ending inside “If you jump into the water like this,
into
something you can make a big splash.”
movement ending outside “Get out of that cave before the bear
out of
something comes back!”
movement closer to “Laughing, she threw up her hands and
toward(s)*
something ran toward(s) the park.”
movement farther from “Get away from the fire before you get
away from
something burned.”
movement ending on top of
onto “Be careful climbing onto that ledge.”
something
movement down or away “Parents are always yelling at their kids
off
from something to get off the furniture.”
“When you use a fireplace, smoke
up movement heading up
goes up the chimney.”
down movement heading down “He jumped down and hurt his knee.”
(*Toward and towards are interchangeable. In formal American English, “toward” is
preferred.)
Prepositions of agency
A preposition of agency describes a person or a thing that has caused or is causing something
to occur. Sentences containing prepositions of agency are usually written in the passive
voice and employ the prepositions by (for people) and with (for things). For example:

 “The house was built by the three siblings.” (passive)

 “The three siblings built the house.” (active)

 “Her heart is filled with emotion.” (passive)

 “Emotion filled her heart.” (active)

Prepositions of instrument or device

A preposition of instrument or device is used when describing certain technologies,
machines, or devices. These prepositions are by, with, and on. Typically, by refers to methods
of transportation, whereas with and on describe the use of machines and other devices. For
example:
  “Aunt Patricia returned home by ferry.”
 “She opened the locked door with an old key.”
 “May I finish my homework on your computer?”

Prepositions of reason or purpose

A preposition of reason or purpose describes why something has occurred or will occur.
Common prepositions of reason or purpose include for, through, because of, on account of,
and from. For example:

 “Everything I did was for you.”

 “Through her bravery, we were able to escape unharmed.”
 “Because of the delay, I was late to the parade.”
 “The employees refused to work on account of their low pay.”
 “He knows from experience how to deal with them.”

Prepositions of connection
A preposition of connection describes possession, relationships, or accompaniment. Of is
used for possession, to for relationships between people or things, and with for
accompaniment. For example:

 “The Statue of Liberty is located in New York Harbor.”

 “A well-written essay is impressive to teachers.”
 “Lisa wanted to go to the concert with Victor.”

Origin
When we describe a person or thing’s origin (such as nationality, hometown/state, ethnicity,
the place where something was built or designed, etc.), we typically use the
preposition from (and, to a lesser degree, of). For example:

 “I met the most delightful couple from Italy.”

 “I’m from New York originally, but I’ve lived in Dallas for many years.”
 “The new professor is of Turkish descent.”
 “The new computer from the tech giant should be revolutionary.”

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Common Prepositional Errors 4

Due to the large number of prepositions in English, as well as the fact that many prepositions
serve multiple purposes, it can be quite difficult to determine which preposition to use in a
particular situation. This is especially tricky for the prepositions we use after verbs.

In this section, we’ll look at some common errors that arise when trying to determine the
appropriate preposition to use with a particular kind of verb, as well as identifying patterns to
help us make the correct choice.

Verbs of motion — to vs. in

Verbs that describe the movement from one place to another generally take the
preposition to. However, when a verb describes a movement from one place into another, we
use the prepositions in or into. This can lead to confusion between the two prepositions when
using a motion verb that can describe either scenario. For example:

 “I went to London last year.” (correct)

 “I went in London last year.” (incorrect)

When we use a motion verb this way, we use the preposition of movement to. The only
exception to the rule is the verb phrase go home, where home is an adverbial noun that
modifies the verb. Otherwise we need to use to to express going from A to B.
Here are some more examples of motion verbs that take the preposition to:

 “Walk to school.”
 “Run to the store.”
 “Move to the left.”
 “Turn to the right.”
 “Swim to the shore.”
 “Drive to the country.”
 “Cycle to work.”

Of course we can use other prepositions of movement when we describe different

relationships between the verb and the object of the preposition. For example:

 “Walk across the road.”

 “Run along the river.”
 “Cycle round the park.”
 “Drive over the bridge.”
 “Swim up and down the pool.”
 “Went in the school.”

Static verbs — at vs. to

 “I arrived at the airport late.” (correct)

 “I arrived to the airport late.” (incorrect)

Remember, we use to with motion verbs when we describe the movement from one location
to another. Arrive, however, is considered a “static” verb, meaning it indicates no movement
from point A to point B. In this case, we need to use the preposition at, which is used to
indicate being in a location.
Other examples of static verb are be and stay; we also use at rather than to with these verbs,
as in:

 “I was at the theater last night.” (correct)

 “I was to the theater last night.” (incorrect)
 “I stayed at my brother’s house last night.” (correct)
 “I stayed to my brother’s house last night.” (incorrect)

Possession and access — to vs. of

The prepositions to and of can both be used to signify that something belongs to or is a
property of another thing. However, we use to to indicate that something grants
access or leads into another thing, which is a relationship that of does not describe. For
example:

 “This is the key to my room.” (correct)

 “This is the key of my room.” (incorrect)

There are also certain instances in which we could use either preposition and still have a
correct sentence, but the meaning would be subtly different:

 “This is the main door of the house.” (correct—meaning the primary door belonging to the
house)
 “This is the main door to the house.” (also correct—meaning the primary door to gain
access to the house)

Different media — in vs. on

Another pair of similar prepositions is in and on, which can both be used to describe
the medium by which something is seen. We use in when we are talking about something
appearing in printed media, while on is used to talk about something appearing on televised
or digital media. Let’s look at two sets of examples to better see this difference:

 “I read it in the newspaper.” (correct)

 “I saw it on the newspaper.” (incorrect)

 “I saw it on TV.” (correct)

 “I saw it in TV.” (incorrect)

Containment and nativity — in vs. of

 “The Nile is the longest river in the world.” (correct)

 “The Nile is the longest river of the world.” (incorrect)

Remember that of relates to belonging, while in refers to being inside or within someplace.
We speak about countries and things being in the world, not of the world. On the other hand,
when we describe someplace to which a person or thing is native, we use of and not in. For
example:

 “He is a citizen of Greece.” (correct)

 “He is a citizen in Greece.” (incorrect)
 “The gray wolf of North America is a beautiful creature.” (correct)
 “The gray wolf in North America is a beautiful creature.” (incorrect)

Performance — in vs. at

When we describe how well someone does something, we often use the verb phrase is
good followed by the preposition at. However, if we use the verb phrase does well, we usually
use the preposition in, which can lead to a confusion between the two. For example:

 “My brother is good at English.” (correct)

 “My brother is good in English.” (incorrect)

 “My sister does well in school.” (correct)

 “My sister does well at school.” (incorrect)

When we are talking about a particular subject, we use is good at, but if we’re talking about a
particular setting, we use does well in.

Over, on, and at the weekend

When we talk about our plans for an upcoming weekend, there are a number of prepositional
constructions we can use. In American English, the most common prepositions to use
are over and on. In British English, the most common preposition is at, though over is also
used. Note that the preposition during is not used in either American or British English.

 “I will do my homework on the weekend.” (American English)

 “I will do my homework over the weekend.” (American and British English)
 “I will do my homework at the weekend.” (British English)
 “I will do my homework during the weekend.” (incorrect)

Transitive and intransitive verbs

We must be careful with prepositions when it comes to transitive and intransitive verbs.
Remember, transitive verbs can take direct (and sometimes indirect) objects, while
intransitive verbs cannot.

Prepositions with intransitive verbs

If we want to express a direct relationship between an intransitive verb and something that
seems to be receiving its action, we often use a preposition. For example:

 “I listened to the radio last night.” (correct)

 “I listened the radio last night.” (incorrect)

 “I’ll wait for you.” (correct)

 “I’ll wait you.” (incorrect)
If we leave out the prepositions to and for, we make the radio and you the objects of the
intransitive verbs listen and wait, which is incorrect.

Prepositions with transitive verbs

Likewise, we must be careful not to use a preposition with the objects of transitive verbs:

 “I’ll answer the phone.” (correct)

 “I’ll answer to the phone.” (incorrect)

 “She is going to marry a lawyer.” (correct)

 “She is going to marry with a lawyer.” (incorrect)

 “I asked him to* buy some bread.” (correct)

 “I asked to him to* buy some bread.” (incorrect)

(*Note that to buy in the last two examples is an infinitive, not a prepositional phrase; it is
functioning as an adverb of purpose to modify the verb ask.)
The verb ask can also be an intransitive verb in some instances, in which case we can use the
preposition for:

 “I asked Jeff.” (transitive)

 “I asked for Jeff.” (intransitive)

Be careful, though, because this changes the verb’s meaning. When we use ask with just a
person’s name, as in the first example, it means to ask the person something, such as a
question. When we ask for someone, it means we are requesting to see or speak to that
person.

Prepositions and indirect objects

Some transitive verbs are able to take both direct objects and indirect objects (people or
things that receive the direct object of the verb). If a verb is capable of taking an indirect
object, that person or thing appears immediately after the verb and before the direct object.
We can also place it after the direct object with the preposition to, in which case it is no longer
a true indirect object but an adverbial prepositional phrase. For example:

 “John sent me a letter.” (correct—indirect object)

 “John sent a letter to me.” (correct—adverbial prepositional phrase)

However, not all transitive verbs can take indirect objects. If a verb is unable to have a true
indirect object, we have to put the person or thing receiving the direct object in a
prepositional phrase with to. For instance:

 “I’ll explain the problem to you.” (correct)

 “I’ll explain you the problem.” (incorrect)
Verbs that take both to and at

Many verbs are able to take multiple prepositions after them. However, this often results in a
change in the sentence’s meaning. The most common of these pairs is to and at—a large
number of verbs are able to take both. We’ll look at a number of such constructions below.

Shout to vs. shout at

When you shout to someone, you raise your voice to ensure that he or she can hear you. If, on
the other hand, you shout atsomeone, you raise your voice because you are angry with him or
her. For example:

 “I shouted to Mary, but she was too far away to hear me.”
 “He just kept shouting at me, even though I had apologized.”

Throw to vs. throw at

If you throw something to someone, such as a ball, you intend for that person to catch it. For
example:

 “She threw the ball to the dog. He caught it and ran away with it.”

If you throw something at someone, you want to hit them with it. This could be because you
are angry with them, as in:

 “She was so angry with her husband that she threw her wedding ring at him.”

Point to vs. point at

You can point to or at a person as well as an object.

If we point to someone or something, we are indicating a location or direction. For example:

 “She pointed to the sky.”

If we point at someone or something, we draw attention to that specific person or thing, as in:

 “‘You’re the one who stole my bag!’ she shouted, pointing at the thief.”

Sometimes the difference between the two is very subtle, and we can use either preposition
with little to no change in meaning.

 “He pointed at/to his watch and said, ‘I must go. It’s very late.’”

=================================================================
 Prepositions with Nouns 5
Definition
Certain prepositions can be used in conjunction with nouns to connect, emphasize, or provide
clarification for ideas expressed in sentences. In this combination, the preposition always
comes directly after the noun. Here are some of the most common prepositions used with
nouns:

 to
 for
 of
 in
 on
 at
 from
 with
 about
 between

Rules

There is no clear-cut rule that determines which prepositions connect to which nouns;
however, we can look at how synonymous nouns and associated verbs pair with prepositions
to observe patterns or make an educated guess.
Synonymous nouns
Synonymous nouns typically employ identical prepositions. For example, when the
noun respect is replaced with its synonyms (such as admiration or esteem), the
preposition for remains the same:

 “I could never lose respect for you.” (original)

 “I could never lose admiration for you.”
 “I could never lose esteem for you.”

In the above case, the preposition does not change, regardless of what synonym is being used.
This is not always the case, however, so do not take this as a concrete rule. The examples
below demonstrate cases in which the preposition changes with synonyms of the original
noun:

 “My addiction to coffee is unhealthy.” (original)

 “My obsession with coffee is unhealthy.”
 “My dependence on coffee is unhealthy.”

Verbs with prepositions

For many words, the prepositions used with nouns are the same prepositions used with those
nouns’ associated verb forms. For example:

 “He discussed his reaction to the results.” (noun)

 “He discussed how he reacted to the results.” (verb)

 “I have knowledge of that particular issue.” (noun)

 “I know of that particular issue.” (verb)

Be careful not to rely on this pattern, though, because in some cases changing a noun into its
verb form alters the preposition:

 “I have deep sympathy for him.”

 “I deeply sympathize with him.”

 “She has an obsession with that comic book.”

 “She obsesses over that comic book.”

Examples of common pairings

Although there are some tricks we can use, there is no specific way of determining which
prepositions pair with particular nouns—we just have to know them by heart. The only way to
do this is by seeing them used in everyday writing and speech.
Below we will look at examples of the most common prepositions that pair with nouns.
Noun + to
One of the most common prepositions used with nouns is to. The following table contains
examples of combinations you might see:
Noun + to Example Sentence
access to “I couldn’t enter the building without access to the door’s password.”
addiction to “Alison has an addiction to football.”
answer to “Her answer to the teacher’s question was incorrect.”
approach to “Professor Smith’s approach to the experiment was incredibly innovative.”
damage to “The damage to the car is worse than I thought it’d be.”
dedication to “Ned has intense dedication to his schoolwork.”
devotion to “Everyone admired the doctor’s devotion to her patients.”
reaction to “The child had an adorable reaction to the kitten.”
response to “She gave no response to the question I’d asked her.”
solution to “No one could come up with a solution to the math problem.”
threat to “Climate change is a potential threat to certain species.”

Noun + for
Another common preposition used with nouns is for. Examples can be seen in the table below:
 Noun + for Example Sentence
admiration
“Penny has so much admiration for her mother.”
for
“Health officials recently announced that a cure for the fatal disease had been
cure for
found.”
desire for “My desire for success is more important than my desire for romance.”
hope for “Youths often have high hopes for humanity.”
need for “The need for social interaction is a basic human trait.”
“Simply having a passion for writing doesn’t necessarily mean you will become
passion for
a best-selling author.”
reason for “There is always a reason for change.”
respect for “Certain cultures promote respect for elders.”
room for “There’s room for one more person at this table.”
sympathy for “You should always have sympathy for strangers.”
talent for “Greg has a talent for stand-up comedy.”

Noun + of
The preposition of can be used with many nouns. Here are some common combinations:
Noun + of Example Sentence
“Most people seem to underestimate the advantage of majoring in
advantage of
philosophy.”
disadvantage “The disadvantage of becoming an entrepreneur is the amount of debt you
of can accumulate.”
fear of “My niece has a fear of the dark.”
habit of “I used to have a habit of biting my fingernails.”
intention of “Do you have any intention of going out today?”
knowledge of “Timothy’s knowledge of beekeeping is impressive.”
lack of “The police cannot arrest him due to a lack of evidence.”
memory of “I have no memory of my first year in school.”
“The process of elimination is a popular technique when taking multiple-
process of
choice tests.”
smell of “I love the smell of freshly baked cookies.”
sound of “Can you hear the sound of birds chirping?”
taste of “The taste of cooked octopus is an acquired one.”

Noun + in
Several nouns take the preposition in, examples of which can be seen in the following table:
 Noun + in Example Sentence
belief in “It is not uncommon to have a belief in a higher power.”
change in “Scientists detected little change in the atmosphere.”
decrease in “A decrease in taxes would dramatically affect the economy.”
delay in “There appears to have been a delay in processing your payment.”
experience
“She has little experience in backpacking.”
in
increase in “I’m hoping for an increase in environmentally friendly products.”
interest in “Even as a child, the girl had an interest in archaeology.”
pleasure in “He took pleasure in playing the piano.”
reduction in “Meredith was forced to take a reduction in her pay.”
“After he won the jackpot, his hometown witnessed a sharp rise in sales of
rise in
lottery tickets.”

Noun + on
The preposition on is less commonly paired with nouns, but there are instances where it is
used. Here are some examples of on being used with nouns:
Noun + on Example Sentence
advice on “I read magazines for advice on relationships.”
attack on “Some view the new law as an attack on our rights.”
ban on “The early 20th century saw a short-lived ban on alcohol.”
emphasis
“She is studying East Asian cultures with an emphasis on Japanese society.”
on
focus on “His focus on success has hindered his social life.”
“The report on fast food made people more aware of the number of calories they
report on
consume.”

Noun + at
The preposition at is only paired with a few nouns. For example:

 “Though new to skiing, he made an attempt at the highest slope.”

 “I have no chance at winning this game.”

Often, we use the preposition in conjunction with which, as in:

 “This is the age at which you are eligible for military service.”
 “There’s always a point at which trying to reason with him becomes futile.”

Noun + from
From is only occasionally used with nouns. The preposition usually refers to two things at
opposition with each other, or specifies an origin or starting point when used in conjunction
with to:

 “The town sought protection from bandits.”

 “His transition from pauper to prince was something out of a fairy tale.”

Noun + with
Generally, nouns combined with the preposition with point to relationships and connections
between two or more things. For example:

 “What’s the matter with you?”

 “I noticed a small problem with the story you submitted.”
 “Her close relationship with her sister is enviable.”
 “If you’re having trouble with the assignments, consult your teacher.”

Noun + about
When paired with a noun, about means concerning or in regards to. For example:

 “His anxiety about public speaking is so bad that he sweats when he’s onstage.”
 “Do you have any information about the changes in the schedule?”
 “She wants to hear the story about her favorite superhero again.”

Noun + between
A noun that takes the preposition between forms a comparison between two things. Here are
some common combinations:

 “For her thesis, Stacy submitted a comparison between classical music and
contemporary rock.”
 “The connection between good and evil is fascinating.”
 “Is there a difference between green onions and scallions?”

Nouns with multiple prepositions

Some nouns are capable of combining with more than one preposition. In some of these
cases, the meaning does not change no matter which preposition is chosen:

 “My opinion of her is the same as yours.”

 “My opinion about her is the same as yours.”

 “Abby is an expert in changing tires.”

 “Abby is an expert at changing tires.”

 “I appreciate his newfound love for animals.”

 “I appreciate his newfound love of animals.”

In other cases, however, the meaning changes entirely when a different preposition is
substituted:
  “No one can deny the positive impact of France.” (France has a positive influence.)
 “No one can deny the positive impact on France.” (Something positively affects France.)

 “Her transition from vegetarian to vegan wasn’t difficult.” (She started as a vegetarian
and ended as a vegan.)
 “Her transition to vegetarian from vegan wasn’t difficult.” (She started as a vegan and
ended as a vegetarian.)

=================================================================

Prepositions with Verbs 6

Definition
Certain verbs require prepositions in order to connect to their sentences’ objects. These
combinations, known as prepositional verbs, allow the prepositions to act as necessary
links between verbs and nouns or gerunds. The prepositions used in these combinations are
sometimes called dependent prepositions.
Here are some of the prepositions most commonly used with verbs:

 for
 to
 about
 with
 of
 in
 at
 on
 from

Usage

Prepositional verbs always take a direct object (either a noun or gerund) after
the preposition and cannot be separated by it. For example:

 “He listens to classical music every night.” (Correct — the prepositional verb is not
separated, and the object comes directly after the preposition.)
 “He listens classical music every night.” (Incorrect — the verb listens requires a preposition
to connect to its object, classical music.)
 “He listens classical music to every night.” (Incorrect — listens and its
preposition to cannot be separated by the object, classical music.)

Prepositional verbs vs. phrasal verbs

Sometimes, a phrasal verb may be mistaken for a prepositional verb. Although both
combinations employ verbs and prepositions, you can differentiate the two grammar
structures by looking at the literal meaning of the verb and the word order.
Literal meaning of the verb
Prepositional verbs use the literal meanings of verbs, whereas phrasal verbs tend to be
idiomatic. For example, the meaning of the verb ask doesn’t change when combined with the
preposition for; however, it changes dramatically when combined with the preposition out:

 “Kelly asked for a raise.” (The literal meaning of to ask is to inquire. Kelly inquired about
a raise, making it a prepositional verb.)
 “Kelly asked out Chad.” (Ask out means to invite someone on a date, making it an
idiomatic phrasal verb.)

Word order
The order of a verb’s preposition and its object can also help determine whether a verb is
prepositional or phrasal. As previously stated, the object of prepositional verbs always comes
immediately after the preposition, which in turn comes immediately after the verb. Note that
an exception to this rule is when an adverb is used to modify the prepositional verb, in which
case it can appear between the verb and the preposition. However, the object must still follow
the preposition. For example:

 “Kelly asked for a raise.” (correct)

 “Kelly asked politely for a raise.” (correct)
 “Kelly asked a raise for.” (incorrect)

For phrasal verbs, however, prepositions and objects can often be rearranged without issue:

 “Kelly asked out Chad.” (correct)

 “Kelly asked Chad out.” (also correct)

Examples of common pairings

Because there are no established rules or methods to determine which prepositions

accompany which verbs, we have to settle on memorizing some of the most common verb +
preposition combinations.
The following sections contain numerous examples of commonly used prepositional verbs.
Verb + for
The preposition for can be used with a number of verbs, often to emphasize purpose or
reason. For example:
Verb + for Example Sentences
apologize for “Brittany never apologizes for her behavior.”
ask for “The student asked for a pencil.”
beg for “The man begged for a second chance.”
care for “I don’t care for salads.”
fight for “Many generations of people have fought for freedom."
hope for “The family is hoping for a miracle.”
long for “The man longed for the days of his youth.”
pay for “Who’s going to pay for these tickets?”
provide for “Parents are expected to provide for their children.”
search for “Did you search for the missing piece yet?”
wait for “I’m waiting for the bus.”
wish for “Some people wish for nothing but fame.”
work for “She works for the government.”

Verb + to
To is commonly used with verbs and usually refers to direction (literal or metaphorical) or
connections between people or things. For example:
Verb + to Example Sentences
adjust to “You’ll adjust to your new school in no time.”
admit to “He admitted to reading her diary.”
belong to “The wallet belongs to that woman over there.”
travel to “I am traveling to England tomorrow.”
listen to “Grace is listening to music in her room.”
go to “Anthony, please go to the back of the classroom.”
relate to “I can’t relate to this character at all.”
respond to “Josh responded to his friend’s email.”
talk to “He talked to the manager for more than an hour.”
turn to “Turn to page 46 for a diagram of the procedure.”

Verb + about
Many verbs take the preposition about when referring to things, events, or gerunds. For
example:
Verb + about Example Sentences
ask about “I asked about the company’s job opening.”
care about “She doesn’t seem to care about going to college.”
complain about “The boy complained about his early curfew.”
forget about “I forgot about the wedding reception.”
hear about “Did you hear about the renovation project?”
joke about “Kim often jokes about her high-pitched voice.”
know about “What do you know about physics?”
laugh about “The friends laughed about their terrible luck.”
learn about “Michelle is learning about film production.”
talk about “What are you talking about?”
think about “We’ll need to think about hiring some more staff.”
worry about “So many adults worry about getting older.”
write about “Dean wrote about his day in his journal.”

Verb + with
Verbs using the preposition with usually point to connections and relationships between
people or things. For example:
Verb + with Example Sentences
agree with “I don’t agree with his opinions.”
argue with “The two argued with each other for several minutes.”
“Let’s begin with a short quiz.”
begin with, start with
“I shouldn’t have started with a salad.”
collide with “It is possible, albeit unlikely, for an asteroid to collide with Earth.”
compare with “How does the restaurant’s soup compare with Vera’s?”
compete with “When I run races, I only compete with the clock.”
cope with “It’s not easy to cope with failure.”
disagree with “She disagrees with my suggestion.”
interfere with “Be careful not to interfere with the conference upstairs.”
meet with “When will you meet with her?”

Verb + of
The preposition of can be used with a variety of verbs. For example:
Verb + of Example Sentences
approve of “Ellen doesn’t approve of her sister’s friends.”
consist of “Pizza consists of bread, cheese, and tomato sauce.”
dream of “I dream of visiting Europe.”
hear of “Have you heard of this new TV show?”
take care of “Who will take care of your goldfish while you’re away?”
think of “If you only think of failure, you’ll never take any risks.”

Verb + in
The preposition in accompanies several verbs and tends to point to involvement or
connections between people or things. For example:
Verb + in Example Sentences
believe in “The majority of children believe in Santa Claus.”
engage in “Maurice likes to engage in political debates.”
invest in “Now is the time to invest in as many companies as possible.”
live in “Haley lives in Seattle.”
participate in “What sports did you participate in as a kid?”
result in “The hotel’s failure to exterminate the bed bugs resulted in fewer customers.”
specialize in “English majors can choose to specialize in creative writing or literature.”
succeed in “Steven succeeded in earning a scholarship.”

Verb + at
At is commonly used with verbs to indicate places, skills, and reactions. For example:
Verb + at Example Sentences

arrive at “We arrived at the hotel in the morning.”

balk at “Melissa balked at taking out the garbage.”
excel at “My five-year-old niece already excels at math and science.”
laugh at “The boy couldn’t stop laughing at Isabella’s joke.”
look at “Look at the whiteboard, please.”
nod at “She nodded at her coworkers.”
shout at “He could hear someone shouting at the TV.”
smile at “My son smiles at me every time I walk through the door.”
stare at “It’s uncomfortable when people stare at you.”

Verb + on
The preposition on is used with a number of different verbs. For example:
Verb + on Example Sentences
agree on “The committee finally agreed on a solution.”
bet on “I wouldn’t bet on that happening.”
comment on “The lawyer briefly commented on the lawsuit.”
concentrate on, focus “He’s trying to concentrate on his work.”
on “I'm too tired to focus on this assignment.”
decide on “He eventually decided on a career path.”
“You can’t depend on him forever.”
depend on, rely on
“Too many students rely on the Internet to conduct research.”
elaborate on “This paragraph elaborates on the previous one’s claims.”
“The company offered assurances that it does not experiment
experiment on
on animals.”
insist on “She insisted on joining us.”
operate on “Aspiring surgeons learn how to operate on people.”
plan on “Do you plan on attending the concert tomorrow?”

Verb + from
The preposition from is commonly used with verbs to identify a point of origin or a connection
or disconnection between people or things. For example:
Verb + from Example Sentences
benefit from “Aspiring musicians benefit from getting public exposure for their music.”
come from “Saya comes from Japan.”
differ from “How does milk chocolate differ from white chocolate?”
escape from “The prisoners escaped from their captors.”
recover from “The girl recovered from her illness.”
refrain from “Could you please refrain from shouting?”
resign from “The CEO resigned from her position after 25 years with the company.”
retire from “He retired from his job last year.”
suffer from “Many people suffer from social anxiety.”

Verb + other prepositions

Other prepositions can be used to create prepositional verbs. Some of these prepositions
are against, into, and like. For example:

 “We decided against visiting my aunt.”

 “The car nearly crashed into a tree.”
 “I feel like going on an adventure.”

Verbs with multiple prepositions

Certain verbs can take multiple prepositions without changing the overall meaning of the
sentence. For example, the verb talkcan use the prepositions to and with interchangeably:

 “I need to talk to the principal.”

 “I need to talk with the principal.”

On the other hand, some verbs’ meanings do change when a different preposition is
introduced. For example, the verb dreamcan mean to aspire when it is used with the
preposition of; however, when it is used with the prepositions about, it means to see images
during sleep. For example:

 “She dreams of becoming a pilot.” (aspiration)

=================================================================
 Prepositions with Adjectives 7
When do prepositions come after adjectives?

Prepositions can sometimes appear after adjectives to complete or elaborate on the ideas or
emotions the adjective describes. Prepositions used in this way are known as adjective
complements. The preposition always comes directly afterthe adjective and is typically
followed by a noun or gerund to form a prepositional phrase.
The most common prepositions used alongside adjectives include the following:

 of
 to
 about
 for
 with
 at
 by
 in
 from

Rules

There are no definite rules when it comes to combining adjectives with prepositions, but a few
patterns exist. One trick is to look at how synonymous adjectives and antonymous
adjectives pair with prepositions; another is to memorize the prepositions used with
adjectives’ associated noun forms.
Synonymous adjectives
Synonymous adjectives generally take the same prepositions. For example, when the
adjective afraid is replaced with its synonyms scared and terrified, the preposition of stays the
same:

 “Megan was afraid of the thunderstorm.” (original)

 “Megan was scared of the thunderstorm.”
 “Megan was terrified of the thunderstorm.”

Be careful, though, as some similar-sounding adjectives may require different prepositions:

 “Philip is upset about what was said.” (original)

 “Philip is displeased with what was said.”
 “Philip is hurt by what was said.”

Antonymous adjectives
Like synonymous adjectives, the majority of antonymous adjectives use
the same prepositions:

 “It was smart of him to go on vacation.”

  “It was stupid of him to go on vacation.”

 “She’s good at skateboarding.”

 “She’s bad at skateboarding.”

Noun forms with prepositions

We can also examine the prepositions used with associated nouns, as the same prepositions
are often used with the adjective forms as well. For example:

 “I am interested in astronomy.” (adjective)

 “I have an interest in astronomy.” (associated noun)

 “He is addicted to playing tennis.” (adjective)

 “He has an addiction to playing tennis.” (associated noun)

 “Julie is obsessed with that movie.” (adjective)

 “Julie has an obsession with that movie.” (associated noun)

On occasion, an adjective and its associated noun form may not share the same preposition,
as in the example below:

 “He is fond of animals.” (adjective)

 “He has a fondness for animals.” (associated noun)

Examples of common pairings

Because there are no distinct rules for determining how adjectives combine with prepositions,
the best way to learn correct adjective + preposition combinations is by memorizing some of
the most common pairings.
Below are various examples of combinations you may come across in everyday English.
Adjective + of
An adjective paired with the preposition of can identify causes of mental and physical states
(e.g., fear, exhaustion, anxiety, etc.) or offer descriptions for actions and people. For example:
Adjective + of Example Sentences
“Sam is afraid of dogs.”
afraid of, frightened of, scared of, terrified “Many kids are frightened of clowns.”
of “Are you scared of airplanes?”
“The poor baby was terrified of her crib.”
“How kind of you to come early.”
“That was nice of your sister to treat us to
kind of, nice of, sweet of, thoughtful of dessert.”
“It’s very sweet of John to send a gift.”
“It is thoughtful of passengers to thank their
 drivers.”
“How odd of that man to wear sunglasses inside.”
odd of, strange of
“It’s strange of you to change your mind like that.”
“Mom told me she is proud of my
proud of
accomplishments.”
rude of “I thought it rude of her to interrupt me.”
smart of “That’s very smart of you.”
“I am so sick of doing laundry every week.”
sick of, tired of
“Olivia confessed that she is tired of dating Mike.”
silly of “It was silly of me to assume I was right.”
“How stupid of that boy to drop out of high
stupid of
school.”

Adjective + to
When paired with an adjective, the preposition to can describe behaviors, states, or
connections between things and people. For example:
Adjective + to Example Sentences
accustomed to “He quickly became accustomed to city life.”
addicted to “I think I'm addicted to action movies.”
“She is committed to the art of dance.”
committed to, dedicated to, devoted to “How dedicated to your studies are you?”
“Lucy is devoted to her family.”
“Henry is friendly to everyone.”
“Was she good to you?”
friendly to, good to, kind to, nice to
“You should always be kind to others.”
“Mrs. Roberts was nice to the cashier.”
married to “Cassie is married to Nick.”
“Don’t be mean to your classmates.”
mean to, rude to, unfriendly to “The couple was rude to the waitress.”
“A lot of cats are unfriendly to humans.”
opposed to “I am opposed to these changes.”
similar to “His idea is similar to mine.”

Adjective + about
The preposition about typically accompanies emotive adjectives in regards to specific
situations or events. For example:
 Adjective + about Example Sentences
“My neighbor is angry about the loud music we
played last night.”
angry about, furious about, mad about “That woman is furious about having to wait in
line.”
“You’re always mad about something.”
“Joe is anxious about studying abroad next
semester.”
anxious about, nervous about, stressed “She seemed nervous about the test.”
about, worried about
“Rachel is stressed about finding a job.”
“Dad is worried about filing taxes.”
“I am excited about a new book that’s coming
excited about
out soon.”
“Aren’t you happy about the way things turned
happy about
out?”
“She might be sad about her grades.”
sad about, depressed about “Bobby was depressed about his parents’
divorce.”
sorry about “I’m sorry about yesterday.”
“He’s probably upset about losing the soccer
upset about
match.”

Adjective + for
For can be used with adjectives to demonstrate purpose or reason. For example:

 “Texas is famous for rodeos.”

 “Australia is known for its large kangaroo population.”
 “Coach Brown is responsible for the football team.”

For may also be used to emphasize someone’s feelings toward a specific event, thing, or
person. This combination follows the basic form feel/be + adjective + for +
someone/something. For example:

 “Marianne feels bad for her coworker.”

 “Kyle is happy for his brother.”
 “The company felt hopeful for the future.”

Adjective + with
When used with an adjective, the preposition with can indicate the cause of an emotional
state or a connection between things or people. For example:
Adjective + with Example Sentences
 “Nicole is angry with her mother.”
angry with, furious with
“I heard he’s furious with you!”
“I’m annoyed with this traffic.”
annoyed with, fed up with
“She’s fed up with having to clean toilets all day.”
bored with “It’s hard not to be bored with long lectures.”
“Taylor was content with moving to Chicago.”
content with, fine with, OK with “I’m fine with having to rewrite the introduction.”
“Are you sure you’re OK with this?”
disappointed with, displeased “Molly seems disappointed with her performance.”
with “The boy’s parents are displeased with his behavior.”
“We are very pleased with the number of donations we
pleased with
received.”
With may also be employed in passive sentences to describe the states of people or things:

 “Paris is especially crowded with tourists in the summertime.”

 “The cake is filled with fresh blueberries.”
 “The piñata is stuffed with hundreds of pieces of candy.”

Adjective + at/by
Most adjectives that take the preposition at can also take the preposition by. When combined
with adjectives, these prepositions illustrate causes for specific reactions or emotional
responses. By can be used in place of at only because these sentences require passive voice.
For example:

 “The man was amazed at/by the number of people offering to help him.”
 “She was astonished at/by the movie’s poor ratings.”
 “I’m shocked at/by his behavior.”
 “Flight attendants were surprised at/by the plane’s abrupt landing.”

At can also describe skills and abilities when paired with positive and negative adjectives, such
as good/bad and wonderful/terrible. In this case, by cannot be used in place of at, as the
sentences are not passive. For example:

 “James is good at playing the guitar.” (correct)

 “James is good by playing the guitar.” (incorrect)

 “I’m terrible at golf.” (correct)

 “I’m terrible by golf.” (incorrect)

Adjective + in
Some adjectives can be paired with the preposition in to show connections or relationships
between people and things. For example:
  “Bernard is interested in joining the school band.”
 “Is she involved in politics?”

Adjective + from
Adjectives taking the preposition from can emphasize a point of opposition or the result of an
action. For example:

 “Turquoise is different from blue.” (point of opposition)

 “We were protected from the storm.” (point of opposition)
 “I became tired from studying all night.” (result of an action)

Adjectives with multiple prepositions

Many adjectives can be paired with multiple prepositions. While some prepositions may
change the meaning of a sentence, others can behave interchangeably (such as at and by).
Here are some sentence pairs that use different prepositions but have identical meanings:

 “She’s very sorry about the mistake.”

 “She’s very sorry for the mistake.”

 “Mark is disappointed with the decision.”

 “Mark is disappointed in the decision.”

In some cases, however, the prepositions are not interchangeable and can only be used to
describe specific nouns or gerunds. For example, when paired with
adjectives, with and for generally refer to people, whereas about usually refers to things,
events, or gerunds:

 “I’m so happy for them.” (people)

 “I’m so happy about the wedding.” (thing/event)

 “Dad is angry with Elizabeth.” (person)

 “Dad is angry about Elizabeth’s sneaking out.” (gerund)

=================================================================

Prepositions in Idioms 8
How are prepositions used to create idioms?

Many prepositions can be used with certain words or phrases to form idioms (expressions
with unique meanings that cannot be inferred from their constituent parts alone).
These prepositional idioms typically begin or end with a preposition. Prepositional idioms can
function adverbially, adjectivally, or verbally and may come at the beginning, middle, or end of
a sentence. For example:

 “Turn down the volume, please.” (verbal idiom at the beginning of a sentence)
  “She plays tennis on average three times a month.” (adverbial idiom in the middle of a
sentence)
 “All the elevators are out of order.” (adjectival idiom at the end of a sentence)

Types of idioms

Prepositional idioms combine prepositions with verbs, nouns, or phrases to create idiomatic
expressions. These expressions can be divided into two categories: idioms that start with
prepositions and idioms that end with prepositions.

Idioms that start with prepositions

Idioms that start with prepositions form prepositional phrases, meaning they must be
followed by a noun or noun phrase. Idiomatic prepositional phrases are able to function
either adverbially or adjectivally. For example:

 “Chuck visits his grandparents from time to time.” (adverbial prepositional phrase)
 “The city is in danger.” (adjectival prepositional phrase)
 “Answer me at once.” (adverbial prepositional phrase)

Certain idiomatic prepositional phrases can behave both adverbially and adjectivally. For
example, look at how the prepositional idiom in depth is used below:

 “He researches rainforests in depth.” (In depth is an adverbial prepositional phrase that
modifies the verb researches.)
 “He conducts in-depth research of rainforests.” (In-depth* is an adjectival prepositional
phrase that modifies the noun research.)

(*We usually insert a hyphen when an adjective consists of two or more words and comes
directly before the noun it modifies.)

Adding modifiers
Various adverbs and adjectives may be used as modifiers and placed inside idiomatic
prepositional phrases for emphasis or clarification. For example:

 “Small electronics are in demand.”

 “Small electronics are in high demand.”

 “The user downloaded a virus by accident.”

 “The user downloaded a virus by complete accident.”

Idioms that end with prepositions

An idiom that contains a verb and ends with a preposition can be classified as a phrasal verb.
Like normal verbs, phrasal verbs describe an action in the sentence; they are written as verb +
preposition or verb + particle + preposition. For example:

 “I turned down the job offer.” (verb + preposition)

  “He is beginning to get along with his stepfather.” (verb + particle + preposition)

=================================================================

Dangling Prepositions 9
What is a dangling preposition?

A dangling preposition (also called a hanging preposition or stranded preposition) refers to

a preposition whose object occurs earlier in the sentence, or else does not have an object in
the sentence at all. It is left “dangling,” “hanging,” or “stranded” because it does not form a
complete prepositional phrase.

Despite what you may have been taught, it’s a myth that ending a sentence or clause with a
preposition is an error. We’ll discuss that myth—and its origin—later in the article.

Encountering dangling prepositions

Remember that a preposition expresses a relationship (as of time, space, distance, causation,
etc.) between a noun or pronoun (the object of the preposition) and another element in the
sentence.

Dangling prepositions generally occur with prepositional verbs or phrasal verbs. These are
verb constructions that require prepositions to complete their meaning. For example, you
don’t talk someone, you talk to someone. Similarly, hearing something (with one’s ears) is
different to hearing about something (on the news, for instance). In both cases, the
prepositions complete or alter the unique meaning of the verbs.

Dangling prepositions occur when verb constructions like these are used at the end of a
sentence or clause but the objects of the prepositions appear earlier in the sentence.
Generally speaking, there are four types of syntactic constructions in which this happens:

 1) Questions beginning with wh- question words (who, what, where, when, why, as well
as how);
 2) Infinitive phrases;
 3) Sentences using the passive voice;
 4) Relative clauses.

We will look at examples of dangling prepositions occurring in each type of construction. It’s
important to note that all of the examples we’ll examine are grammatically correct.

Questions beginning with wh- words

We often encounter dangling prepositions when a wh- word (such as who or what) is used to
begin a question. This is because the question word itself is functioning as the object of the
preposition but is placed at the very beginning of the sentence (due to the common
construction of interrogative sentences). For example:

 “Whose house are you staying in?” (In is the dangling preposition of the object whose.)
 “What are you talking about?” (About is the dangling preposition of the object what.)
 “Who/whom* will we go with?” (With is the dangling preposition of the
object who/whom.*)
 “Where did they come from?” (From is the dangling preposition of the object where.)

(*Whom is considered the correct form to use whenever it functions as an object of a verb or
preposition. However, because whom is falling into disuse in modern English, it is very often
replaced by who, especially when it is the object of a dangling preposition.)

Infinitive phrases
Infinitives (the base form of the verb preceded by the particle to) and the phrases they form
can function as nouns, adjectives, and adverbs in a sentence.

When they function as adjectives, infinitives come immediately after the noun they modify.
For the infinitives of prepositional or phrasal verbs, the preposition is left without an object
and becomes stranded. For example:

 “Don’t worry, sweetie, there is nothing to be scared of!”

 “Each student will be asked to give a brief presentation tomorrow, so make sure you
have something to talk about.”
 “I just bought some new music to listen to.”
 “He wished he had a friend to travel with.”

Passive voice constructions

The passive voice is a type of grammatical voice in which the subject is acted upon by
the verb. In passive-voice sentences, the subject is the receiver of the action (i.e., what would
be the direct object in an active-voice sentence). Because the direct object of a phrasal or
prepositional verb is shifted to the position of the subject in such passive-voice constructions,
the preposition will be left dangling at the end of the clause.

For example:

 “I wonder who/whom this book was written by.” (By is the dangling preposition of the
object who/whom.)
 “The problem is being dealt with.” (With is the dangling preposition of the object the
problem.)
 “These expenses still haven’t been accounted for.” (For is the dangling preposition of
the object expenses.)
 “Many social taboos have been broken down by activists over the years.” (Down is the
dangling preposition of the object social taboos.)
Relative clauses
Relative clauses, which are introduced by relative pronouns, function adjectivally to describe
or modify a noun or noun phrase within a sentence. In certain cases, relative pronouns can be
used as objects of prepositions, meaning the relative pronoun works in conjunction with a
preposition to modify the subject or verb of the relative clause.

Conventionally, only whose, which, and whom can function as objects of prepositions when
the preposition precedes the pronoun, as in:

 “I learned everything I know from my brother, to whom I owe a great deal.”

 “The family in whose house we’re staying has been very kind to us.”
 “There are many things in my life for which I am very grateful.”

However, these are formal constructions; in modern, informal English, it’s much more
common to strand the preposition at the end of the relative clause. When this
happens, whom is usually changed to who or omitted altogether (but only if the relative clause
is restrictive, meaning it is essential to the meaning of the sentence). Likewise, in restrictive
relative clauses, which is often changed to that or omitted. Whose, which denotes possession,
cannot be changed or omitted.
Let’s look at the same examples again, this time using dangling prepositions to create more
natural-sounding sentences:

 “I learned everything I know from my brother, who/whom I owe a great deal to.” (To is
the dangling preposition of the object who or, less commonly, whom.)
 “The family whose house we’re staying in has been very kind to us.” (In is the dangling
preposition of the object whose)
 “There are many things in my life that/which I am very grateful for.” (For is the dangling
preposition of the object that/which.)

As we noted earlier, we can also omit the relative pronoun in the last example because the
relative clause is restrictive. This is the most casual way to write the sentence:

 “There are many things in my life I am very grateful for.”

Let’s look at a few other examples of relative clauses that use dangling prepositions:

 “The professor *who/whom] I studied under retired this year.” (Under is the dangling
preposition of who or, less commonly, whom; because the relative clause is restrictive,
the relative pronoun can also be omitted.)
 “Janet aced her last test, which she’d studied extensively for.” (For is the dangling
preposition of which; because the relative clause is non-restrictive, we cannot
substitute that or omit the pronoun.)
 “I had a great discussion with Mr. Johnson, whose daughter I’m studying math with.”
(With is the dangling preposition of whose, which cannot be changed or omitted no
matter which type of relative clause it is used in.)
Ending a sentence with a preposition

There has been a prevailing myth among English grammar teachers that prepositions should
never be split from their objects, and that it is always incorrect to end a sentence with a
preposition.

This “rule” is based on the fact that in Latin (from which English derives some of its structure),
prepositions can’t be stranded from their objects. However, this is decidedly not the case in
English, and nearly every grammar guide (including this one) agrees that it is acceptable and
often more correct to end a sentence with a dangling preposition, rather than rewriting a
sentence specifically to avoid it.

Rewriting sentences with dangling prepositions

In order to rewrite sentences to avoid dangling prepositions, we have to move the preposition
to an earlier part of the sentence before its object. If the dangling preposition doesn’t have an
object, we also have to add a pronoun (usually which) to fulfil this role.

The problem with rewriting sentences in this way is that it often yields very awkward, overly
formal sentences that would rarely (if ever) be found in natural speech or writing. There is a
famous example of such a construction that is commonly (though incorrectly) attributed to
Winston Churchill:

 “This is the sort of nonsense up with which I will not put!”

Regardless of the authenticity of this quotation, it nevertheless highlights how arduous and
awkward (and unnecessary) it can be to rewrite a sentence to avoid a dangling preposition.
Let’s take a few of the examples we looked at earlier and see how rewriting them to avoid
dangling prepositions results in undesirable sentences:

 “Where did they come from?”

 “From where did they come?”

 “I had a great discussion with Mr. Johnson, whose daughter I’m studying math with.”
 “I had a great discussion with Mr. Johnson, with whose daughter I’m studying math.”

 “Don’t worry, sweetie, there is nothing to be scared of!”

 “Don’t worry sweetie, there is nothing of which to be scared!” (In this case, we have to
add the relative pronoun which to function as the object of the preposition of.)

While technically correct, each of these rewritten sentences is stilted and overly formal.
Longer, more complex sentences canmake use of these types of constructions more naturally,
but for simpler sentences in everyday speech and writing, reorganizing prepositions is simply
not necessary.
Changing passive voice to active voice
Passive constructions that use dangling prepositions can sometimes be rewritten in the active
voice to avoid dangling prepositions. Unlike the changes we looked at above, changing
sentences from the passive to the active voice is much less likely to sound awkward or overly
formal. For example:

 “I wonder who this book was written by.” (passive construction with dangling
preposition)
 “I wonder who wrote this book.” (rewritten in the active voice)

 “The problem is being dealt with.” (passive construction with dangling preposition)
 “We are dealing with with the problem.” (rewritten in the active voice)

These rewritten sentences all sound perfectly natural in modern English. However, by shifting
to the active voice, we lose the emphasis on the fact that the agent of the action is unknown
or unspecified. Sometimes this is for the best—many guides recommend avoiding the passive
voice wherever possible, preferring for the action of the sentence to be direct and the subject
of the action to be clear—but it is not necessary to rewrite such sentences simply to avoid the
use of dangling prepositions.

Avoiding unnecessary prepositions

While it is perfectly correct to end a sentence with a preposition, we must be careful that we
do not include extraneous prepositions that do not serve a grammatical function. For
example, the following sentence features a very common error:

 “Where are you at?”

This is incorrect—not because the preposition ends the sentence, but because the preposition
does not need to be in the sentence at all. It should read:

 “Where are you?”

As we can see, the preposition at added no additional or necessary information to the

sentence, so it should be removed altogether.
Let’s look at another example with an unnecessary preposition:

 “I’m looking for somewhere to store my luggage in.”

Again, the preposition in actually serves no purpose here, so it can be omitted:

 “I’m looking for somewhere to store my luggage.”

Such prepositional errors are not confined to sentences ending with prepositions; we should
avoid using extraneous prepositions no matter where they occur in a sentence.
A final note
Despite the fact that ending a sentence with a preposition is grammatically correct in English,
the myth that it is wrong is still very prevalent among native speakers and learners alike. Just
be aware that some people might judge your writing as incorrect if you use prepositions at the
end of sentences (or do so too often).

Therefore, in more formal or professional writing in which one’s grammar needs to be seen as
very correct (such as a business proposal or academic application), try to avoid ending
sentences in dangling prepositions if they can be reworded or rewritten. In addition to
avoiding criticism or judgment from your reader, it can add elegance and sophistication to
your writing to use sentences that avoid dangling prepositions, so long as they still sound
natural and coherent.

=================================================================

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/
 Adjective + Preposition Combinations 1
Fill in the blanks with an appropriate preposition.

1. Shailesh has been married .................................. her for more than two decades.

with

to

for

2. The Irish are very proud ..................................... their sense of humor.

about

of

in

3. Alka is interested ..................................... the supernatural.

at

in

with

4. I am pleased ............................................. your promotion.

for

about

with

5. Tina was angry ........................................ me for revealing her secret.

on
with

to

6. I am getting anxious ............................................. his health.

for

to

about

7. We are all anxious ............................................. an amicable solution to this

problem.

about

to

for

8. She is anxious ....................................... reunite with her family.

about

for

to

9. You can't be independent ...................................... your parents until you find a

job.

for

of

from
10. Why can't you be polite ....................................... him?

with

to

at

11. Both parents are responsible ....................................... raising a child.

to

for

about

12. I feel really sorry ........................................... his wife.

for

about

at

Answers

1. Shailesh has been married to her for more than two decades.

2. The Irish are very proud of their sense of humour.

3. Alka is interested in the supernatural.

4. I am pleased about your promotion.

5. Tina was angry with me for revealing her secret.

6. I am getting anxious about his health.

7. We are all anxious for an amicable solution to this problem.

8. She is anxious to reunite with her family.

9. You can’t be independent of your parents until you find a job.

10. Why can’t you be polite to him?

11. Both parents are responsible for raising a child.

12. I feel really sorry for his wife.

===================================================================

Prepositions Exercise 2
Test your understanding of prepositions with this grammar exercise. Fill in the
blanks with an appropriate preposition.

1. We walked ……………………… the edge of the desert.

Please select 2 correct answers

as far as

up to

until

2. It is another three weeks ............................... the holidays.

Please select 2 correct answers

to

until

for

up to

3. I don’t know how Vidisha manages to support such a large family. She has
nothing ................................... her pension.

besides

except

apart from
All of the above

4. Are you wearing anything ………………………. your sweater?

below

under

underneath

Either under or underneath

5. Do you mind? I was ……………………………. you!

Please select 2 correct answers

in front of

in front off

before

6. We should arrive ……………………… their place ……………………. time ……………………

lunch.

at, in, for

in, to, at

at, for, in

at, by, for

7. They live ………………………. a small one bedroom flat ………………….. the third floor.

in, in

on, on

in, on

on, in

8. Alka is arriving ………………………. the 3.30 train.

in

with

on

9. Last year, there were a large number of mangoes ……………………. the tree.

in

at

on

with

10. His house is ……………………….. the way from Mumbai to Thane.

in

at

by

on

11. Shailesh met and fell in love with a French girl when he was ……………………….
the London School of Economics.

in

at

on

12. A few days after the accident she died ……………………….. the injuries.

of

with

from

Either of or from
Answers

1. We walked up to / as far as the edge of the desert.

2. It is another three weeks to / until the holidays.

3. I don’t know how Vidisha manages to support such a large family. She has
nothing besides / except / apart from her pension.

4. Are you wearing anything under / underneath your sweater?

5. Do you mind? I was before / in front of you!

6. We should arrive at their place in time for lunch.

7. They live in a small one bedroom flat on the third floor.

8. Alka is arriving on the 3.30 train.

9. Last year, there were a large number of mangoes on the tree.

10. His house is on the way from Mumbai to Thane.

11. Shailesh met and fell in love with a French girl when he was at the London
School of Economics.

12. A few days after the accident she died of / from the injuries.

===================================================================

Commonly Confused Prepositions 3

Fill in the blanks with an appropriate preposition.

1. There were ……………. ten students in the class.

under

below

Either could be used here

2. Parts of the country are ……………. sea level.

below
under

Either could be used here

3. The climbers stopped a few hundred meters ……………. the top of the mountain.

below

under

Either could be used here

4. Who is that child sitting ……………. your mother?

beside

besides

Either could be used here

5. shailesh can play all the musical instruments ……………. the violin.

except

beside

besides

6. Jignesh has a number of criminals ……………. his friends.

between

among

in

7. The office was closed ……………. the whole of May.

during

in

since

8. Tina met him ……………. her stay in Germany.

during
in

Either could be used here

9. Alka stayed in bed all day ……………. going to work.

instead

instead of

Either could be used here

10. We arrived ……………. to get good seats.

in time

on time

at time

11. The trains are never …………….

in time

on time

at time

12. The movie is quite exciting …………….

at the end

in the end

on the end

Answers

1. There were under ten students in the class.

2. Parts of the country are below sea level.

3. The climbers stopped a few hundred meters below the top of the mountain.

4. Who is that child sitting beside your mother?

5. Shailesh can play all the musical instruments except the violin.
6. Jignesh has a number of criminals among his friends.

7. The office was closed during the whole of May.

8. Tina met him during her stay in Germany.

9. Alka stayed in bed all day instead of going to work.

10. We arrived in time to get good seats.

11. The trains are never on time.

12. The movie is quite exciting at the end.

===================================================================

Prepositions Exercise 4
Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions.

1. Who is this present ………….?

to

for

of

2. I am really angry ……………. you.

at

to

with

3. …………… all this work to do, Shailesh won’t have time to take a holiday.

With

For

Despite

4. He was talking ……………. such a low voice that I could not hear anything.

with
in

at

5. If we go …………… car, we will reach there before sunset.

on

with

by

6. The actress has always been very nice ……………. her fans.

at

with

to

7. …………….friends like you, who needs enemies?

With

Without

For

Despite

8. What kind of movies are you interested …………..?

at

in

on

for

9. The cottage is pleasant to live …………….

at

in

on
10. Which flight is Alka travelling ……………?

with

in

on

11. You are the only woman I have ever been in love…………………

for

in

with

12. That is what I am afraid ……………..

to

for

of

Answers

1. Who is this present for?

2. I am really angry with you.

3. With all this work to do, Shailesh won’t have time to take a holiday.

4. He was talking in such a low voice that I could not hear anything.

5. If we go by car, we will reach there before sunset.

6. The actress has always been very nice to her fans.

7. With friends like you, who needs enemies?

8. What kind of movies are you interested in?

9. The cottage is pleasant to live in.

10. Which flight is Alka travelling on?

11. You are the only woman I have ever been in love with.
12. That is what I am afraid of.

===================================================================

Prepositions Exercise 5
Fill in the blanks with an appropriate preposition.

1. There are many villages ................... the border.

Please select 2 correct answers

across

over

on

through

2. ......................... thousand people participated in the program.

Over

Above

Either could be used here

3. The boy jumped ...................... the stream.

Please select 2 correct answers

across

over

along

through

4. Tina was silent all ........................ the journey.

over

through

across
5. Could you pass these leaflets .....................?

about

round

across

over

6. 'Where is Shailesh?' 'He must be somewhere .........................'

Please select 2 correct answers

around

about

on

7. He spends much of his time doing odd jobs ....................... the house.

Please select 2 correct answers

around

about

in

at

8. There were ......................... twenty people at the lecture.

below

under

Either could be used here

9. There is something ........................ the bed.

under

underneath

Either could be used here

10. The house is too small. ........................... it requires a lot of repairs.

Beside

Besides

Either could be used here

11. Alka likes all musical instruments ...................... the piano.

except

besides

expect

12. He shared the food ........................ his wife, son and daughter.

between

among

Either could be used here

Answers

1. There are many villages across / over the border.

2. Over thousand people participated in the program.

3. The boy jumped across / over the stream.

4. Tina was silent all through the journey.

5. Could you pass these leaflets round?

6. ‘Where is Shailesh?’ ‘He must be somewhere around / about.’

7. He spends much of his time doing odd jobs around / about the house.

8. There were under twenty people at the lecture.

9. There is something under / underneath the bed.

10. The house is too small. Besides it requires a lot of repairs.

11. Alka likes all musical instruments except the piano.

12. He shared the food between his wife, son and daughter.

===================================================================

Verb And Prepositions Exercise 6

Some verbs take a preposition before the object. These
prepositions are called dependent prepositions and are usually followed by a
noun or ing form. There are several such verb + preposition combinations. Some
verbs take a preposition before the object.

These prepositions are called dependent prepositions and are usually followed
by a noun or ing form. There are several such verb + preposition combinations.
This grammar exercise tests your understanding of common verb + preposition
combinations.

1. Do you believe ..................... ghosts?

in

on

about

2. Alka spent years caring ..................... her sick husband.

about

for

of

3. This spray will protect you ......................... most insects.

of

from

with

4. Shailesh has yet to recover .......................... his illness.

of
from

with

off

5. He won the national bravery award for saving his friend ..................... drowning.

from

of

at

6. Tina worked hard to succeed ........................ life.

at

in

on

7. I don't approve .......................... your conduct, young man.

with

of

off

about

8. Ramanuj suffers ..................... asthma.

of

from

with

9. That shampoo smells ....................... jasmine.

about

of

off
10. Please don't make a noise. I want to concentrate ................... my studies.

of

on

from

11. My husband and I can't agree ....................... anything but we love each other.

on

with

about

12. Please refer ......................... the glossary for more information.

at

with

to

Answers

1. Do you believe in ghosts?

2. Alka spent years caring for her sick husband.

3. This spray will protect you from most insects.

4. Shailesh has yet to recover from his illness.

5. He won the national bravery award for saving his friend from drowning.

6. Tina worked hard to succeed in life.

7. I don’t approve of your conduct, young man.

8. Ramanuj suffers from asthma.

9. That shampoo smells of jasmine.

10. Please don’t make a noise. I want to concentrate on my studies.

11. My husband and I can’t agree on anything but we love each other.
12. Please refer to the glossary for more information.

===================================================================

Because And Because Of Grammar Exercise 7

Fill in the blanks with because or because of.

1. We got into trouble ............................... you.

because

because of

2. We cancelled the trip ............................. bad weather.

because

because of

3. We hurried indoors ....................... it was raining.

because

because of

4. Vidisha passed the test .................................. her teacher.

because of

because

5. Tina passed the test .......................... she had a good teacher.

because

because of

6. I couldn't arrive on time .............................. I had missed the train.

because

because of

7. Ramanuj can't walk .................................. arthritis.

because
because of

8. Alka didn't pass the test .......................... she hadn't studied well.

because

because of

9. Thousands of people lost their jobs ............................ the recession.

because

because of

10. I couldn't understand him .......................... his strange accent.

because

because of

11. The government banned that movie ........................ the public opinion was
against it.

because

because of

12. Shailesh met with an accident ......................... he was driving too fast.

because

because of

Answers

1. We got into trouble because of you.

2. We cancelled the trip because of bad weather.

3. We hurried indoors because it was raining.

4. Vidisha passed the test because of her teacher.

5. Tina passed the test because she had a good teacher.

6. I couldn’t arrive on time because I missed the train.

7. Ramanuj can’t walk because of arthritis.

8. Alka didn’t pass the test because she hadn’t studied well.

9. Thousands of people lost their jobs because of the recession.

10. I couldn’t understand him because of his strange accent.

11. The government banned that movie because the public opinion was against it.

12. Shailesh met with an accident because he was driving too fast.

===================================================================

Prepositions Exercise 8
This grammar exercise tests your ability to use prepositions
correctly. Complete the following sentences.

1. Could you translate this document .............. German for me?

in

into

to

2. You remind me ................... my cousin.

of

with

about

3. He wasn't very nice ....................... me when we met last week.

at

with

to

4. This perfume is typical ...................... the region.

to
of

for

5. Her marriage ..................... Shailesh didn't last very long.

with

to

for

6. Ramanuj married .................. childhood sweetheart.

his

to his

with his

7. Tina will ............................. the drinks.

pay

pay for

Either could be used here

8. Everybody was surprised ..................... the weather.

at

by

Either could be used here

9. Alka tripped ......................... the bags and fell on the platform.

on

over

at

10. The customs are searching .................... drugs at the airport.

on
for

No preposition is required

11. We had a ........................ philosophy.

discussion

discussion of

discussion about

12. We have just entered .................... an agreement with them.

to

into

in

Answers

1. Could you translate this document into German for me?

2. You remind me of my cousin.

3. He wasn’t very nice to me when we met last week.

4. This perfume is typical of the region.

5. Her marriage to Shailesh didn’t last very long.

6. Ramanuj married his childhood sweetheart.

7. Tina will pay for the drinks.

8. Everybody was surprised by / at the weather.

9. Alka tripped over the bags and fell on the platform.

10. The customs are searching for drugs at the airport.

11. We had a discussion about philosophy.

12. We have just entered into an agreement with them.

===================================================================
 Prepositions Exercise 9
Prepositions often cause problems. Can you use them correctly?
Fill in the blanks with an appropriate preposition.

1. I was waiting ......................... the bus stop when I met Alka.

at

on

in

from

2. Is there any milk .............................. the bottle?

on

in

at

under

3. Shailesh was .......................... his way to work when he met with an accident.

in

at

on

4. Please don't stand in the door - you are .......................... my way.

in

on

at

5. There is no way ............................ proving that he was lying.

to

of
for

by

6. Tina has acted ............................ several movies.

at

in

on

with

7. Have you put the meat ........................ the fridge?

in

at

on

over

8. I haven't seen her after she moved ......................... Canada.

to

on

at

in

9. Can you put the child .......................... bed?

to

into

on

in

10. The President will appear ........................ television tonight.

in
on

to

with

11. We want the meeting to start exactly ......................... time.

in

on

at

12. Vidisha decided to quit her job ........................ several reasons.

of

for

with

Answers

1. I was waiting at the bus stop when I met Alka.

2. Is there any milk in the bottle?

3. Shailesh was on his way to work when he met with an accident.

4. Please don’t stand in the door – you are in my way.

5. There is no way of proving that he was lying.

6. Tina has acted in several movies.

7. Have you put the meat in the fridge?

8. I haven’t seen her after she moved to Canada.

9. Can you put the child to bed?

10. The President will appear on television tonight.

11. We want the meeting to start exactly on time.

12. Vidisha decided to quit her job for several reasons.

===================================================================

For, In, From, and Since - Grammar Exercise 10

The prepositions for, in, from, and since can all refer to time.
Can you use them correctly?

Fill in the blanks.

1. Alka once studied the violin .......................... six months.

since

for

from

2. I have known him ........................... our school days.

for

since

from

3. That house has been empty ......................... several years.

since

from

for

4. How long have you been here ...........................?

since

for

from

5. Shailesh has not been keeping good health ........................... he moved to the
city.

since
for

from

6. I am going to my native place ........................... the summer.

for

since

from

7. They are getting married ............................. July.

from

since

in

8. ................................ now on, I am going to go jogging every day.

From

Since

For

9. The shop was open .......................... six in the morning.

from

since

for

10. Trees shed their leaves ................................. autumn.

from

for

in

11. I have been working .................................. 10 o'clock and I am getting tired.

from
since

for

12. I have known her ......................... Monday.

from

since

for

Answers

1. Alka once studied the violin for six months.

2. I have known him since our school days.

3. That house has been empty for several years.

4. How long have you been here for?

5. Shailesh has not been keeping good health since he moved to the city.

6. I am going to my native place for the summer.

7. They are getting married in July.

8. From now on, I am going to go jogging every day.

9. The shop was open from six in the morning.

10. Trees shed their leaves in autumn.

11. I have been working since 10 o’clock and I am getting tired.

12. I have known her since Monday.

===================================================================
 Mistakes with prepositions 11
Prepositions are small words but they are important ones.
Some common mistakes in the use of prepositions are given here.

Incorrect: Who is the girl you were speaking with?

Correct: Who is the girl you were speaking to?

Incorrect: This is the house I was born on.

Correct: This is the house I was born in.

Incorrect: What are you looking in?

Correct: What are you looking at?

To look at something is to gaze in a specified direction.

Incorrect: The manager has promised to look at the matter.

Correct: To manager has promised to look into the matter.

To look into something is to investigate it.

Incorrect: It has been raining from Monday.

Correct: It has been raining since Monday.

Use from to show the starting point only when the end point is also mentioned. In
other cases, use since.

Incorrect: I have been waiting from two hours.

Correct: I have been waiting for two hours.

Use for to indicate duration.

Incorrect: I will be attending the classes regularly since Monday.

Correct: I will be attending the classes regularly from Monday.

Incorrect: Divide the food between the children.

Correct: Divide the food among the children.

Between is used when only two parties are involved. Among is used when more
than two parties are involved.

Incorrect: We went to school by foot.

Correct: We went to school on foot.

Use ‘on’ with foot.

Incorrect: He doesn’t know how to ride on a bicycle.

Correct: He doesn’t know how to ride a bicycle.

===================================================================

Prepositions worksheet 12
Fill in the blanks with an appropriate preposition. Each question
is followed by four suggested answers. Choose the most appropriate one.

1. I was amazed ………………….. his brilliance.

a) with b) at c) by d) to

2. Shailesh is afflicted ………………… a serious illness.

a) to b) by c) of d) with

3. Alcohol does not agree ……………… me.

a) upon b) to c) with d) none of these

4. You must apologize ………………. him for your rude behaviour.

a) with b) to c) at d) for

5. Is it possible to achieve just about everything one aims ……………….?

a) at b) to c) with d) of

6. Alka often boasts ………………. her aristocratic upbringing.

a) about b) of c) at d) with

7. Don’t brood …………………. your mistakes and failures.

a) with b) at c) by d) over

8. We decided to call ……………… the principal.

a) at b) on c) for d) with

9. He has been charged ………………… the murder of his neighbour.

a) out b) with c) by d) from

10. During the cold war era, the US and the USSR were competing ………………….
each other for world domination.

a) at b) with c) of d) to

Answers

1. I was amazed at his brilliance.

2. Shailesh is afflicted with a serious illness.

3. Alcohol does not agree with me.

4. You must apologize to him for your rude behaviour.

5. Is it possible to achieve just about anything one aims for?

6. Alka often boasts of her aristocratic upbringing.

7. Don’t brood over your mistakes and failures.

8. We decided to call on the principal.

9. He has been charged with the murder of his neighbour.

10. During the cold war era, the US and the USSR were competing with each other
for world domination.

===================================================================

Prepositions worksheet 13
Complete the following sentences using appropriate prepositions.

1. We started …………………. six ……………….. the morning.

2. Shailesh was born ………………. a small village.

3. They killed the snake ………………….. hitting it.

4. That portrait was painted ……………… my grandfather.

5. You have eaten six mangoes ………………… morning.

6. The boy has been missing ………………… two days.

7. They don’t let anybody in ……………… five o’clock.

8. An old feud existed …………………. the families.

9. I heard this ……………… a friend ………………. mine.

10. His illness has taken a turn ……………….. the worse.

11. I saw him felling the tree ……………… an axe.

12. ………….. Shailesh and Jignesh, there were three other boys in the team.

Answers

1. We started at six in the morning.

2. Shailesh was born in a small village.

3. They killed the snake by hitting it.

4. That portrait was painted by my grandfather.

5. You have eaten six mangoes since morning.

6. The boy has been missing for two days.

7. They don’t let anybody in after five o’clock.

8. An old feud existed between the families.

9. I heard this from a friend of mine.

10. His illness has taken a turn for the worse.

11. I saw him felling the tree with an axe.

12. Besides Shailesh and Jignesh, there were three other boys in the team.

===================================================================

Prepositions worksheet 14
Complete the following sentences using appropriate prepositions.

1. Is your brother …………………. home?

a) in

b) at

c) on

2. There is no unity ………………… the leaders.

a) among

b) between

c) within
3. Shailesh is a man ………………….. humble origin.

a) of

b) with

c) from

4. The village is 5 miles ………………… the highway.

a) off

b) across

c) of

5. Alka is …………………. to Mumbai.

a) off

b) out

c) over

6. The boy was beaten ………………… a stick.

a) by

b) with

c) Either could be used here

7. Ramanuj discussed the problem …………………. his parents.

a) with

b) to
c) for

8. Jignesh was punished ……………….. his father.

a) with

b) for

c) by

9. Can you finish the work ………………….. tomorrow?

a) by

b) in

c) within

10. Tina has been absent ………………….. last week.

a) since

b) for

Answers

1. Is your brother at home?

2. There is no unity among the leaders.

3. Shailesh is a man of humble origin.

4. The village is 5 miles off the highway.

5. Alka is off to Mumbai.

6. The boy was beaten with a stick.

7. Ramanuj discussed the problem with his parents.

8. Jignesh was punished by his father.

9. Can you finish the work by tomorrow?

10. Tina has been absent since last week.

===================================================================

Prepositions exercise 15
Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions.

1. I think we should apologize …………………….. him.

a) To

b) At

c) For

2. Do you believe …………………….. life after death?

a) In

b) At

c) On

3. When did you arrive …………………….. France?

a) In

b) On

c) To

4. Those books belong …………………….. the top shelf.

a) In

b) On

c) Both answers are correct

5. When did your interest …………………….. philosophy begin?

a) In

b) At

c) On

6. We had a long discussion …………………….. politics.

a) About

b) At

c) For

7. We might go camping – it depends …………………….. the weather.

a) On

b) With

c) From

8. My father never showed if he was disappointed …………………….. me.

a) At

b) With

c) About
9. People have always been very kind …………………….. me.

a) To

b) With

c) For

10. Could you explain this rule …………………….. me?

a) To

b) With

c) At

Answers

1. I think we should apologize to him.

2. Do you believe in life after death?

3. When did you arrive in France?

4. Those books belong in/on the top shelf.

5. When did your interest in philosophy begin?

6. We had a long discussion about politics.

7. We might go camping – it depends on the weather.

8. My father never showed if he was disappointed with me.

9. People have always been very kind to me.

10. Could you explain this rule to me?

===================================================================
 Against as a preposition 16
Against is a preposition. When you do something against somebody or something,
you oppose them or it.

Human rights organizations have been campaigning against the death penalty.

Are you against internet censorship?

When you play against somebody, you try to defeat them.

Argentina lost the World Cup final match against Germany.

We must fight against the anti-social elements that lead our kids astray.

Count against

If something counts against you, it causes you to have a disadvantage.

She is 45, so her age may count against her.

If someone turns against you, they become unfriendly towards you.

No one thought that he would turn against his own brother.

When you lean against a wall, you touch it.

If there is a law against something it is illegal.

The country does have some legislation against child labour.

If you swim against the current, you move in the opposite direction.

They were sailing against a strong wind.

As against

Why is there a preference for boys as against girls in many Asian countries?

Here is a list of idiomatic expressions using the word against.

Against the law

If something is against the law, it is not allowed by the law.

It is against the law to smoke in public places.

Against your will

If you do something against your will, you do it, although you do not want to do it.

Martha married her father’s friend against her will.

No one should be forced to leave their home against their will.

Against someone’s wishes/advice

If someone does something against your wishes, they do it although you do not
want them to do it.

She married her boyfriend against her father’s wishes.

===================================================================

Along 17
The word along can be used as a preposition or an adverb.

When it is used as a preposition, it is followed by a noun.

We walked along the road.

When along is used as an adverb, it is not followed by a noun.

Alka brought her children along.

Along is used to talk about movement on or beside a line.

Tina hurried along the road towards us.

Along is used with nouns like road, river, line etc: words that refer to things with a
long thin shape.

They were sailing along the western coast of India.

There are several shops along the street.

Along can also be used to refer to a place on or beside a river or road.

Gunshots were heard from somewhere along the road.

Along can also mean ‘come to the place where somebody is’ or ‘go to the place
where something is happening’.
Finally a truck came along, and we all jumped in.

Can I bring my daughter along?

Don’t forget to take your books along with you.

Along can also mean ‘arrive’ in a few structures.

The manager will be along in a few minutes. (= The manager will arrive in a few
minutes.)

Come along can mean ‘come with me.’

Along and through

To talk about periods or activities, we use through.

The children were sleeping all through the journey. (NOT The children were
sleeping all along the journey.)

===================================================================

Prepositional phrases 18
A prepositional phrase is made up of a preposition and a noun phrase. Examples
are: in the corner, on the roof, under the bed and within seconds.

A prepositional phrase has several uses. For example, it can be used as an

adverbial of time and place.

The work was completed in a few days.

Vidisha wrote the essay in twenty minutes.

Shailesh went to the market.

There is something under the bed.

The old man sat in a corner.

A prepositional phrase can be a post-modifier in a noun clause.

Her son is that boy in the red shirt.

We are looking for a house with a large garden.

Alka has bought a new laptop with a 17 inch display.

The prepositional phrase can be used to say who did something.

The farmer was bit by the snake.

The spider was killed by the boy.

Tina owns a wonderful painting by Picasso.

Prepositional phrases are used with verbs that take two objects. Examples are:
give and get.

Ramanuj gave some money to the beggar on the corner.

I have ordered a dress for my sister.

Shailesh distributed chocolates among the children.

Prepositional phrases are also used after certain verbs, nouns and adjectives.

The house that we live in belongs to my grandfather.

I had a word with my boss.

I felt sorry for her.

I had an argument with my friend.

===================================================================

Except, accept, past, passed 19

Except, expect and accept

These words are often confused.

Except is a preposition. It should be followed by a noun which acts as its object.

Everybody came except Shailesh.

Here the noun Shailesh acts as the object of the preposition except. Except shows
the relationship between ‘everybody’ and ‘Shailesh’.

Expect is a verb
I expected him to call but he didn’t.

We expect her to win the first prize.

Accept is also a verb.

Alka accepted the invitation.

Past and passed

Past can be used as a preposition, but passed cannot be used like this.

I walked past the school.

It is past your bedtime.

Past can also be used as an adverb. In this case, it is not followed by a noun.

A policeman walked past.

Passed is a verb. It refers to the action of passing.

Tina has passed the test.

Note that the word past usually refers to time or distance.

Into and Onto

The word into is a preposition. It is usually written as one word.

King Midas turned everything he touched into gold.

When she kissed the frog it turned into a handsome prince.

Sometimes the words in and to appear next to each other in a sentence. In this
case, they should be written as two words.

The minister himself stepped in to avert a PR crisis. (NOT The minister himself
stepped into ….)

Onto

Onto is a preposition.

Ramanuj threw the hat onto the roof.

The difference between into and onto is similar to the difference between in and
on.

===================================================================

Prepositions exercise 20
Complete the following sentences using appropriate prepositions.

1. A young child cannot distinguish good ………………. bad.

a) from

b) between

c) for

d) by

2. Death does not distinguish ………………… the rich and the poor.

a) from

b) between

c) by

3. Jignesh is distinguished ……………….. his crooked nose and bald head.

a) from

b) by

c) between

4. Shailesh has been disqualified ……………….. competing.

a) of
b) from

c) for

5. He was acquitted ………………… the charges.

a) of

b) off

c) from

6. Ramanuj was acquitted as there was no proof ………………….. him.

a) against

b) for

c) of

7. The team consisted entirely ……………….. college students.

a) of

b) in

c) with

8. Chetan was too busy to concern himself ……………… my affairs.

a) with

b) about

c) for

9. Parents were concerned …………………. the safety of their children.

a) about

b) of

c) in

10. The news is of concern ………………. all of us.

a) to

b) for

c) of

Answers

1. A young child cannot distinguish good from bad.

2. Death does not distinguish between the rich and the poor.

3. Jignesh is distinguished by his crooked nose and bald head.

4. Shailesh has been disqualified from competing.

5. He was acquitted of the charges.

6. Ramanuj was acquitted as there was no proof against him.

7. The team consisted entirely of college students.

8. Chetan was too busy to concern himself with my affairs.

9. Parents were concerned about the safety of their children.

10. The news is of concern to all of us.

===================================================================
 Using along 21
Along can be used as a preposition and an adverb. When used as a preposition, it
is followed by a noun. When used as an adverb, it is not followed by a noun.

The boys walked along the corridor. (Here the noun the corridor acts as the
object of the preposition along.)

You can bring your kids along.

Along is used to talk about movement on or beside a line.

Alka walked along the footpath.

Shailesh saw a dark figure moving along the road.

Along can also show position on a line.

There are quite a few shops along the street.

There was a thick line of trees along the river bank.

Along can be used to talk about coming or going to a place where someone is
waiting or something is happening.

Although we waited for hours, no cabs came along so we decided to walk all the
way home.

We are going to the theatre. Would you like to come along?

To take someone or something along is to take them with you when you go
somewhere.

Don’t forget to take these papers along when you go to the bank.

Note that the preposition along is not used to talk about periods or activities.
Instead we use through.

Tina was silent all through the journey. (NOT Tina was silent all along the
journey.)

Ramanuj kept talking right through the meal.

===================================================================
Prepositions indicating position close to a point 22
To talk about position close to a point, we use the following prepositions: near, by,
next to, between, among and opposite.

Near

Near means close to someone or something

There is a temple near my house.

Some students were standing near the gate.

Most shops near the station remained closed throughout the day.

‘Is the railway station far from here?’ ‘No, it is quite near.’

Who is that girl sitting near the door?

By

By means beside or close to someone or something

Alka was sitting by the window.

There is a coffee house by the store.

Come and sit by me.

Next to

Next to means besides or very near to someone or something.

Who is that girl sitting next to your brother?

She has bought an apartment next to the lake. (There is nothing between her
apartment and the lake.)

The baby was sleeping next to his parents.

A large mango tree grows next to my house.

Between and among

They both show position between / among objects.

Vidisha sat between her two kids. (There was a child on each side of her.)

Shailesh found the keys lying among the books.

Opposite

Opposite means ‘on the other side of a room, road, river etc.’

The bedroom is opposite the living room.

There is a library opposite the school. (= The library is on the other side of the road
from the school.)

===================================================================

Prepositions used to introduce objects 23

Prepositions are sometimes used to introduce objects. A few English
verbs are normally followed by a direct object without a preposition. Common
examples are: discuss, enter, reach, marry, resemble etc. However, many English
verbs take a preposition before the object.

Common verbs that are followed by at + object are: glance, look, laugh, smile,
stare, rejoice etc.

She smiled at me. (NOT She smiled me.)

Don’t laugh at the beggars. (NOT Don’t laugh the beggars.)

The pretty girl glanced at her reflection.

Why are you staring at me?

Look at that.

Notes

When look is not followed by a direct object, it does not take the preposition at.

Look. (NOT Look at.)

Look at that car. (NOT Look that car.)

With mirror, we use the preposition in, not at.

Alka looked in the mirror.

Verbs that take the preposition of

The verbs approve, consist, die and smell are usually followed by the preposition
of.

Shailesh didn’t approve of the plan.

His dad became really angry when he came home smelling of alcohol.

Lunch consisted of chicken soup and salad.

Several people died of flu.

The verb remind is followed by indirect object + of + direct object.

Tina reminds me of her mother.

The verbs dream and think can be followed by of or about.

I am thinking of my holidays in the Swiss Alps.

I am thinking of inviting her to my party.

Note that when we put a verb form after think or dream, it should be in the –ing
form.

I often dreamed of being rich when I was younger.

Verb + for + object

The following verbs take the preposition for: call, hope, look, wait, watch, wish
etc.

I hope for a raise this year.

I am looking for the keys.

I waited for her for several hours.

To watch for something is to pay attention so that you will see it when it arrives or
becomes visible.

Watch for the birds. They will eat the grains.

If you wish for a promotion, you have to impress the manager.

===================================================================

Below, under and beneath 24

These words have very similar meanings and are often
confused. Both below and under can be used to mean ‘in a lower position than
something’. Although they are both possible in some cases, sometimes we use
them in different circumstances.

To talk about something being covered by something else, we use under.

The cat was sleeping under the blanket. (NOT The cat was sleeping below the
jacket.)

Alka felt that he was hiding something under his jacket. (NOT He was hiding
something below his jacket.)

The whole village was under water.

Below is mainly used in cases where an object is not directly under another.

We could find something below the surface of the water.

Millions of people still live below the poverty line. (Somewhere below that
hypothetical line separating the poor from the rich)

Below is also used in measurements where we think of a vertical scale.

This part of the country is below sea level.

Under can also mean ‘younger than’ or ‘less than’.

Children under the age of twelve are not supposed to watch this film.

There are quite a few fixed expressions using the word under. Common examples
are: under construction, under fire, under attack, under arrest, under pressure,
under these conditions etc. Below cannot be used in these expressions.

You are under arrest.

The bridge is still under construction.

Her actions have always been under constant media scrutiny.

Beneath is mainly used in a literal or formal style.

Coral reefs that lie beneath the waters were a beautiful sight.

They sat beneath a huge mango tree.

As you can see below and under are also possible in these cases.

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Using for 25
The word for can be used as a preposition and a conjunction. As a preposition, it is
followed by a noun.

Let’s buy some flowers for mummy.

Shailesh waited for hours, but Alka didn’t come.

As a conjunction, for is used to connect two clauses. A for-clause usually shows

cause/reason.

I asked him to turn the music down, for I wanted to sleep.

Notes

A for-clause is not very common in this context and it sounds too formal. In an
informal style, we are more likely to express the same idea with because.

I asked him to turn the music down because I wanted to sleep.

A for-clause may also express an inference.

Tina must have gone to bed for there is no light in her room.

As a preposition for is used to express several ideas. For example, it can be used to
indicate purpose, destination, duration etc. It may also be used to express your
liking, suitability or skill for something.

I have bought a gift for you.

What can I do for you?

The college provides vocational training for young boys and girls.

Thousands of people have sacrificed their lives for the country.

For can indicate duration.

It has been raining for hours.

I have been waiting for 20 minutes.

For cannot be used with a verb to indicate purpose. The infinitive alone is used to
express a person’s purpose.

I went to the college to see Professor Ramanuj. (NOT I went to the college for
seeing Professor Ramanuj.)

However, for can be used with an –ing form to indicate the purpose of a thing.

A thermometer is used for measuring temperature.

When the clause has a person as subject, we are more likely to use an infinitive.

We use a thermometer to measure temperature.

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Prepositions: some common mistakes 26

Prepositions are words used to describe a relationship
between other words in a sentence. They are small words; still, they cause a great
deal of confusion. In this lesson we will take a look at some of the most common
mistakes in the use of prepositions.
Since and for

These prepositions are often confused. Since is used to reckon from a particular
date. For is used for a period.

Incorrect: I am ill since three months.

Correct: I have been ill for three months.

Correct: I have been ill since May.

When since / for indicates time, the verb in the main clause should be in the
present perfect or past perfect tense.

Incorrect: This is my first time to play tennis since a long time.

Correct: I have not played tennis for a long time. / This is my first game of tennis
for a long time.

The adjectives inferior, superior, prior etc

The adjectives inferior, superior, senior, junior, prior etc. take the preposition to,
not than.

Incorrect: Alka always felt inferior than her younger sister.

Correct: Alka always felt inferior to her younger sister.

Incorrect: This material is superior than that.

Correct: This material is superior to that.

The verbs resemble, enter, discuss, marry etc.

The verbs resemble, enter, discuss, lack, approach and marry are followed by
direct objects without prepositions.

Incorrect: This resembles to that.

Correct: This resembles that.

Incorrect: Your mother lacks of tact.

Correct: Your mother lacks tact.

Incorrect: We are now approaching to Victoria Terminus.

Correct: We are now approaching Victoria Terminus.

Incorrect: He reached to Singapore.

Correct: He reached Singapore.

Incorrect: She married to/with her boss.

Correct: She married her boss.

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Prepositions before question words 27

Prepositions are dropped before common question words. This
usually happens after common verbs like tell, ask, depend, sure, idea and look.
This is especially common in indirect questions.

Tell me about your plans. (Here we use the preposition about before the noun
‘your plans’.)

Tell me what you intend to do. (More natural than ‘Tell me about what you
intend to do’.) (Here the preposition is dropped before the question word what.)

I asked her about her relationship status.

I asked her whether she was in a relationship. (NOT I asked her about whether
she was in a relationship.)

Tina may win the prize – it depends on her performance.

Tina may win the prize – it depends (on) how well she performs.

Look at this.

Look (at) what I have brought for you.

The prepositions cannot normally be left out after other verbs.

I am worried about her health.

I am worried about how she is going to cope. (NOT I am worried how she is going
to cope.)

Compare:
The teacher asked me what I had done. (More natural than ‘The teacher asked me
about what I had done’.)

The police questioned me about what I had seen. (NOT The police questioned me
what I had seen.)

Your chances of getting a good job can vary according to whether you live in a city
or in a village.

Note that we cannot put if after a preposition. We use whether instead.

I am worried about whether she is happy. (NOT I am worried about if she is

happy.)

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Prepositions before that-clauses 28

Prepositions cannot normally be followed by conjunctions. Of
course, this is possible in a few cases, but prepositions are normally dropped
before that-clauses. This usually happens after words referring to saying, writing,
thinking etc.

Compare:

I knew about his illness. (Here the preposition about is followed by a noun.)

I knew that he was ill. (NOT I knew about that he was ill.)

I heard about his problems.

I heard that he was facing some problems.

I had no idea of his state of mind.

I had no idea that he was depressed.

I was not aware of his presence in the room. (Here the preposition of is followed
by the noun his presence.)

I was not aware that he was present in the room. (NOT I was not aware of that
he …)
In cases where the preposition cannot be dropped before that, we add the phrase
‘the fact’.

I managed to arrive in time for the meeting in spite of the fact that the train was
late.

(NOT I managed to arrive in time for the meeting in spite of that …) (NOT I
managed to arrive in time in spite that …)

Alka paid no attention to the fact that I had the necessary qualifications. (NOT Alka
paid no attention that I had the necessary qualifications.)

They went out despite the fact that it was raining. (NOT They went out despite
that it was raining.)

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Difference between as and like 29

These two words are often confused. Use ‘like’ to state that
someone is very similar to another. Like is a preposition and should be followed by
a noun or pronoun.

Tina is like her mother. (= They are very similar.)

She plays the piano like her sister.

As is used to describe the function of a person or object.

He works as a bartender.

Examples are given below.

My sister is just like my mother, but I am more like my father.

Don’t use your nail as a screwdriver.

Shailesh is just like his brother. They are both crazy about soccer.

As can also be used as a conjunction. In this case, it is followed by a clause or a

prepositional phrase. As a conjunction as shows similarity.
Nobody loves her as I do.

The same idea can be expressed using like.

Nobody loves her like me. (Note that here the preposition like is followed by the
object pronoun me.)

In August, as in July, the weather is very hot.

Here the conjunction as is followed by the prepositional phrase ‘in July’.

In a very informal style, like is often used as a conjunction. This is very common in
American English. However, this is not considered correct.

Nobody loves her like I do.

Exercise

Complete the following sentences using as or like.

1. On Friday, …………………. on Thursday, we had two meetings.

2. My brother works …………………. a motor mechanic.

3. He was a non-smoker, ………………….. were most of his friends.

4. I don’t smoke or drink, …………………. Ramanuj.

5. Please don’t use that plate ……………… an ashtray.

Answers

1. as; 2. as; 3. as; 4. like; 5. as

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Prepositions: some problems areas 30

A preposition is word used to describe the relationship between other
words in a sentence.

Prepositions are almost always combined with other words. In grammars, these
structures are called prepositional phrases.
A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition followed by an article or another
determiner and an adjective or two, followed by a pronoun or noun. Here the
adjective modifies the noun or pronoun which acts as the object of the
preposition.

A prepositional phrase acts as an adjective or an adverb.

Ending a sentence with a preposition

You may have heard that ending a sentence with a preposition is a serious breach
of grammatical rules. Well, not really. Of course, you are not supposed to end
every one of your sentences with a preposition, but sometimes ending a sentence
with a preposition is better than moving it to another location in the sentence.

Consider the two examples given below.

1) The professor asked the students to indicate the reference book they are quoting
from. (This sentence ends in a preposition.)

2) The professor asked the students to indicate from which reference book they are
quoting.

As you can see, sentence 2 isn’t much better than sentence 1 although it doesn’t
end in a preposition.

The prepositions in, at and on can all indicate position. Here is a list of common
word combinations with these prepositions.

In the bed / in the bedroom / in the car / in the class / in the library / in school

At class / at home / at the library / at the office / at school / work

On the bed / on the ceiling / on the floor / on the horse/ on the plane / on the train

As you can see, with some of these locations, different prepositions are possible.

No prepositions are used with the following expressions: downtown, downstairs,

outside, inside, upstairs, uptown etc.

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 Compare to and compare with 31
To show likeness, compare is usually used with to.

Life is often compared to a dream.

Tina likes to compare herself to her mother.

My mother always compared me to my brother.

To show differences, compare is usually used with ‘with’.

We can’t compare dogs with cats. (There are far more differences between them
than there are similarities.)

My mother was never satisfied with my academic performance. She always

compared me with my brother who used to get better grades.

As a general rule, use compare with when differences are more important than
similarities. Use compare to when similarities are more important. Of course,
these differences are not very important.

There are several other idiomatic expressions that are often confused.

Correspond to / correspond with

To correspond to something is to match up with something.

This pin does not correspond to the receptacle it is supposed to fit into.

To correspond with somebody is to write letters back and forth.

I think you should correspond with the manager about this.

Differ from / differ with

You can differ with a person. Things can differ from totally different things.

Her mother differed with her over her decision to split with her boyfriend.

I beg to differ with you.

Our products differ from theirs because they are more intuitive.
Tablets differ from laptops in many ways. First, they do not have a physical
keyword. Second,…

Exchange with / exchange for

We exchange something for something.

I would like to exchange my car for a faster one.

He exchanged dollars for Euros.

I exchanged pleasantries with her.

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Idiomatic expressions with prepositions 32

Verbs often combine with prepositions. These combinations are
called phrasal verbs. There are numerous phrasal verbs in English and they cause a
great deal of difficulty for ESL students. It is nearly impossible for a non-native
speaker to learn all of these idiomatic expressions. Still, you must be familiar with
the most important ones.

Interestingly, sometimes the same verb takes different prepositions with different
objects. The meanings of all of these expressions are usually the same.

Examples are given below.

Agree on / agree about / agree with

Agree with a person, policy or opinion

I entirely agree with your opinion.

I don’t agree with you.

Agree about a subject of discussion

We never agree about anything.

Agree on a price, a matter of discussion etc.

We couldn’t agree on a price.

Agree to a suggestion or proposal.

Alka didn’t agree to my proposal.

Angry about / angry with

We are angry with people and angry about things. The preposition at is
sometimes used with both people and things.

She was angry with me for reading her letters.

OR She was angry at me for reading her letters.

My parents were angry about my dismal performance. OR My parents were

angry at my dismal performance.

Argue about / argue with

We argue about a matter.

After his death, his children argued about his property.

They argued about his affair. (NOT They argued with his affair.)

We can argue with a person.

I don’t want to argue with you.

He argued with his wife. (NOT He argued about his wife.)

We can also argue for or against a preposition.

They argued against increasing the legal drinking age.

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Despite and in spite of 33

Despite and in spite of mean exactly the same, but despite is more common than
in spite of.

Despite and in spite of are prepositions. Both expressions can be followed by a

noun or noun-equivalent.

I enjoyed the movie despite having a headache.

OR I enjoyed the movie in spite of having a headache.

Both expressions are used for saying that something happens although something
else might have prevented it.

The government went ahead with its decision to build the nuclear power station
despite / in spite of widespread opposition.

Despite the fact that / in spite of the fact that

Despite and in spite of cannot be directly followed by a that-clause. Before a that-

clause, we use the expression the fact.

He still loves her despite the fact that she cheated on him.

OR He still loves her in spite of the fact that she cheated on him.

Many people are successful despite the fact that they do not have a university
degree. (NOT Many people are successful despite that they do not have a
university degree.)

Despite yourself

To do something despite yourself is to do it even though you didn’t intend to.

The boy found the money on the table and took it despite himself. (The boy had
no intention to take the money; he took it, nonetheless.)

Notes

Never use of after despite. Always use of after in spite.

We enjoyed the evening despite the bad weather.

OR We enjoyed the evening in spite of the bad weather.

Vidisha always looks cheerful in spite of / despite her problems.

The same ideas can be expressed using though and although.

We enjoyed the evening though / although the weather was bad.

Vidisha always looks cheerful though / although she has many problems.
Note that though and although are conjunctions. They should be followed by a
clause.

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Unnecessary prepositions 34
Sometimes we use prepositions where they are not
necessary. While expressions like ‘check up on’ and ‘as from’ are not exactly
considered incorrect, they should be avoided in academic and formal writing.

Study the examples given below.

Incorrect: If we don’t hurry, we will miss out on the show.

Correct: If we don’t hurry, we will miss the show.

To miss out on is to fail to participate in something. This expression is not exactly

wrong; however, you can express the same idea using miss.

Incorrect: Are you able to meet with me in the morning?

Incorrect: Are you able to meet up with me in the morning?

Correct: Are you able to meet me in the morning?

To meet with something is to experience trouble, danger or difficulty

unexpectedly.

She met with an accident yesterday. (NOT She met an accident yesterday.)

In other cases, meet should be used without a preposition.

Incorrect: There will be no more chemistry lessons this term, as from Monday.

Correct: There will be no more chemistry lessons this term, from Monday.

Incorrect: Will you please separate out the good mangoes from the bad ones?

Correct: Will you please separate the good mangoes from the bad ones?

Incorrect: Do not throw things out of the window?

Correct: Do not throw things out the window?

Of is totally unnecessary here.

Incorrect: Where are you going to?

Correct: Where are you going?

The preposition to is almost always dropped in questions after where. But note
that to cannot be dropped in the short question Where to?

‘Could you send these parcels off for me?’ ‘Where to?’

===================================================================

Before, across and in front of 35

We do not normally use before to talk about position/place.
Instead, we use in front of.

A tall guy was standing in front of me.

There were hundreds of people in front of me in the queue.

The professor stood in front of the desk.

The opposite of in front of is behind.

When the professor stands in front of the desk, the desk is behind him.

Who is that fat guy standing behind Alka?

As a preposition, before normally indicates time. It is the opposite of after.

I need to be there before 8 pm. (NOT I need to be there in front of 8 pm.)

The teacher told us that we should be in our seats at or before 9 am.

Before can refer to place in a few cases. For example, you can bring somebody
before the magistrate. Students who misbehave in the class are often brought
before the head master / mistress.

Before can also indicate position in a list.

The letter C comes before D and after B.

Before (conjunction or adverb)

Before can also be used as a conjunction or an adverb clause of time.

I should get to work before my boss arrives.

I will give you a ring before I leave.

Before she married Satish, she dated another guy for a couple of years.

Across

Across is a preposition. In British English, across means ‘from one side to the
other’.

He walked across the road.

Across can also mean on the opposite side of a road, line etc.

My sister lives across the road.

===================================================================

Words that take the prepositions to and for 36

Several verbs, adjectives and nouns are followed by
prepositions. Most of these expressions are idiomatic. Here is a brief list of words
taking the prepositions to and for.

The following words take the preposition to.

According to

He acted according to my advice.

Affectionate to

The old woman is affectionate to all.

Note that we say: affection for, not affection to.

He has great affection for his grandchildren.

Alternative to

The alternative to death was submission but that simply wasn’t acceptable to the
brave soldiers.
Derogatory to

He will never do anything derogatory to his high position.

Take exception to

He took exception to my remarks.

Hindrance to

Illiteracy is a hindrance to progress.

Partial to

Alka is partial to her family.

Respectful to

You must be respectful to your seniors but you are not supposed to be servile.

Insensible to

Shailesh is insensible to pain and pleasure.

The following words take the preposition for.

Ambition for

His ambition for name and fame knows no bounds.

Desire for

Tina has no desire for fame.

Except for

Except for Ramanuj, everyone else attended the function.

Fondness for

Tina has great fondness for children.

Infatuation for

His infatuation for his master’s daughter led him astray.

Prepared for
We are prepared for everything.

Qualified for

He is qualified for the job.

Respect for

I have great respect for him.

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Combine using in spite of 37

In spite of is a preposition. It can be followed by a noun or an –ing
form. An example is given below.

I had a headache. Still, I enjoyed the film.

In spite of having a headache, I enjoyed the film.

Combine the following pairs of sentences using in spite of.

1. I gave him good advice. Yet he failed.

2. His vision is poor. Still Shailesh reads books.

3. Alka was ill. Still she went to work.

4. The weather was bad. Still we went out.

5. His health is poor. Still he attends office regularly.

6. He is in great pain. Yet he laughs.

7. We are very poor. Yet we are happy.

8. He made repeated requests. Still she refused to help him.

9. She worked hard. Yet she failed.

10. The leader was very popular. But he failed to win the election.

Answers

1. In spite of my good advice, he failed.

2. In spite of his poor vision, Shailesh reads books.

3. In spite of her illness, Alka went to work. OR In spite of being ill, Alka went to
work.

4. In spite of the bad weather, we went out.

5. In spite of his poor health, he attends office regularly.

6. In spite of being in great pain, he laughs.

7. In spite of being poor, we are happy.

8. In spite of his repeated requests, she refused to help him.

9. In spite of her hard work, she failed.

10. In spite of being popular, the leader failed to win the election.

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Preposition collocations with nouns and verbs 38

Prepositions cause a great deal of confusion. Most ESL students
find it difficult to use them correctly.

One way of learning the correct use of prepositions is to look at

several examples illustrating usage. In English, there are a large number of
collocations. These are words which are often used together with other words.

Examples of collocation are given below.

Comment

The word comment takes the preposition ‘on’.

He commented on her lovely hair. (NOT He commented about her lovely hair.)

Reason

What is the reason for her unhappiness? (NOT What is the reason of her
unhappiness?)

The word reason collocates with the preposition for.

Discuss

The verb discuss does not take a preposition.

Let us discuss your problem. (NOT Let us discuss about your problem.)

Consider

The verb consider does not take any preposition.

You should consider every aspect of the situation. (NOT You should consider about
every aspect of the situation.)

Participate

Incorrect: They were asked to participate the group discussion.

Correct: They were asked to participate in the group discussion.

The word participate collocates with the preposition ‘in’.

Adapt

Incorrect: One must be able to adapt changing circumstances.

Correct: One must be able to adapt to changing circumstances.

The verb adapt takes the preposition ‘to’.

Dissatisfaction

Incorrect: These protests show their dissatisfaction of the new rules.

Correct: These protests show their dissatisfaction with the new rules.

Dissatisfaction takes the preposition ‘over’.

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 Prepositions in collocations 39
Invest with / invest in

To invest someone with something is to give them a particular quality.

These animals have been invested with an ability to survive in extreme climates.

To invest someone with something is to give them power, authority or influence.

The Black Cats are invested with the authority to protect the minister.

Invest in

To invest in something is to buy it or to spend money on something that will be

profitable or useful in the long time.

He plans to invest in real estate.

I think I should invest in a new laptop.

The government should invest in education.

Authority on

If you are considered an authority on something, you are an expert in that subject.

He is an authority on classical music.

This book is acknowledged to be the authority on idiomatic expressions.

Authority over

Parents have legal authority over their children. (= Parents have a legal right to
make decisions that affect their children.)

Proceed with / to

To proceed with something is to continue something.

The local council plans to proceed with its decision to demolish the old fort.

To proceed to is to move in a particular direction.

Passengers for flight 303 should proceed to Gate 32.

To proceed to is to move to the next stage in a series of events.

The Indian team will proceed to the semi-finals.

Impressed with / by

Impress can be used with by and with. There is little or no difference of meaning.

I was impressed with / by her knowledge.

Genius for

If you have a genius for something, you have a natural talent for doing it.

Ramanuj has a genius for choosing the right words.

Napoleon had a genius for military tactics.

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Prepositions exercise 40
Complete the following sentences using appropriate prepositions.

1. A dog suddenly ran ………………… the road. It was caught ………………… the wheels
of a speeding truck.

2. I stood ………………. the bridge and watched the sky …………………..

3. When she heard the news, she burst ……………… tears.

4. Would you like to come ……………….. me ……………… a swim ………………… the river?

5. The boy was born ………………. six o’clock ……………… 12th February.

6. I am staying ………………… my friend ………………… a lodge not far ………………….

here.

7. My father goes ……………….. bed ……………… 11 o’clock ………………… the night.

8. I would like to stay ……………….. you ……………… two or three days.

9. His wife went ……………….. the town where her husband was ……………….. jail,
taking all their children ………………. her.
10. I will be coming ………………… your house ……………. four o’clock ………………….. my
sister.

Answers

1. A dog suddenly ran across the road. It was caught under the wheels of a
speeding truck.

2. I stood on the bridge and watched the sky above.

3. When she heard the news, she burst into tears.

4. Would you like to come with me for a swim in the river?

5. The boy was born at six o’clock on 12th February.

6. I am staying with my friend at a lodge not far from here.

7. My father goes to bed at 11 o’clock in the night.

8. I would like to stay with you for two or three days.

9. His wife went to the town where her husband was in jail, taking all their children
with her.

10. I will be coming to your house at four o’clock with my sister.

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Prepositions 41
Read the following sentences:

There is some water in the bottle.

He is fond of his daughter.

He fell off the ladder.

In sentence 1, the word in shows the relation between two things – water and
bottle.

In sentence 2, the word of shows the relation between the adjective fond and the
noun daughter.
In sentence 3, the word off shows the relation between the verb fell and the noun
ladder.

These words which are used before a noun or a pronoun to show its relationship
with another word in the sentence are called prepositions. The noun or pronoun
which follows a preposition is called its object. Note that pronouns used after a
preposition should be in the objective case.

He is fond of her. (NOT He is fond of she.)

A preposition may have two or more objects.

Between you and me there are few secrets. (Here the pronouns you and me are
the objects of the preposition between.)

Kinds of prepositions

There are different kinds of prepositions.

Simple prepositions

These are words like at, in, for, to, with, on, off, out, etc.

Shailesh is in the office.

Tina sat on the bench.

Vidisha is angry with him.

Compound prepositions

These are words like above, before, behind, below, across, among, around, beside
and between. Compound prepositions are generally formed by adding the prefix
‘a-‘ or ‘by-‘ to a noun, an adjective or an adverb.

Phrase prepositions

These are groups of words that serve as prepositions. Examples are: according to,
along with, because of, in front of, by means of, on behalf of, in accordance with,
in addition to, with reference to and in spite of.

Owing to his ill health, he retired from business.

He succeeded by dint of perseverance and hard work.

She stood in front of the mirror.

I can’t get along with him.

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Relations shown by prepositions 42

Prepositions show various kinds of relations. The most important
among them are the following:

Place

Tina ran across the street.

The boy fell among the thorns.

We were at the foot of the hill.

The thief was hiding behind the cupboard.

Time

I have a meeting in the afternoon.

You must return before sunset.

Wait till tomorrow.

We waited for hours.

Method and manner

The letter came by post.

Alka cut the cake with a knife.

They fought with courage.

They succeeded by hard work.

Reason and Purpose

She died of malaria.

Ramanuj trembled with anger.

Smoking is injurious to health.

Possession

Shailesh is a man of principles.

Mumbai is the financial capital of India.

I saw a boy with red hair.

Direction and Motion

He fell into the well.

He climbed up the tree.

Vidisha walked towards the market.

The moon moves around the earth.

Objects of prepositions

The object of a preposition may be a noun, a pronoun, a gerund, an infinitive or a

noun clause.

The house was built near a river. (Noun)

She was talking to him. (Pronoun)

We were prevented from entering the house. (Gerund)

What would you like to do besides watch a movie? (Infinitive)

I am content with what I have. (Noun clause)

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Correct use of some prepositions 43

Prepositions may be small words, but they are very important ones
and their correct use shows your mastery of the language. Here are some hints
about the correct use of some prepositions.

Beside and besides

Beside means ‘by the side of’. Besides means ‘in addition to’.
They have a house beside the sea. (by the side of the sea)

He stood beside me. (by my side)

He plays the violin besides the piano and the guitar. (He plays three instruments.)

Besides being a good actor, he is also a good singer. (= In addition to being a good
actor, he is also a good singer.)

Since and for

Since should be used with a point of time in the past. It is used with a present
perfect tense. For is used only when you refer to a period of time.

He has been absent since Tuesday. (NOT He has been absent for Tuesday.)

I have been ill since last week.

He has been absent for three days. (NOT He has been absent since three days.)

I have been ill for two weeks.

Between and among

Between is used to refer to two or three separate people or things. Among is used
when the reference is to a group of people or things which we do not see
separately.

She sat among the children.

Tina sat between Shailesh and Alka.

This is a custom which exists among the Hindus.

He has a house between the river and the woods.

By and with

By is used to refer to the doer of the action. With is used to refer to the
instrument with which the action is performed.

The spider was killed by the boy.

The boy killed the spider with a stone.

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 Correct use of prepositions 44
In and At

In is usually used with large places – countries, districts, large cities etc.
At is generally used for small and unimportant places like villages, small towns etc.

We shall meet him at the club this evening.

His brother lives in Rajkot.

Notes: This rule is not very rigidly followed. In is often used with small places. At,
however, is seldom used for big places.

On, in, at and by

At shows an exact point of time; on shows a more general point of

time and in shows a period of time.

I have a meeting at 5 pm.

The train leaves at 3 o’clock.

I was born on a Wednesday.

I was born on February 12th.

I was born in February.

We will visit them in the summer.

It is very hot in the day but quite cold at night.

By shows the latest time at which an action will be finished. So it is usually used
with a future tense.

I will be leaving by 7 o’clock.

I hope to finish the work by next week.

On and upon

On is generally used to talk about things at rest. Upon is used about things in
motion.
Alka sat on a chair.

Shailesh jumped upon his horse.

In, within

With reference to time, in means at the end of a certain period; within means
before the end of a certain period.

I will finish writing this book in three days. (at the end of three days)

I will finish writing this book within three days. (before the end of three days)

===================================================================

Special uses of some prepositions 45

In and at

Both at and in can be used with the names of cities, towns and villages. We use in
when we are talking about the place as an area; we use at when we see it as a
point.

Compare:

My sister lives in Paris.

Our plane stopped at Tokyo on the way to Iran. (Tokyo = Tokyo airport)

We use at to talk about group activities and shops/workplaces.

I first met him at a party. (NOT …in a party.)

There weren’t many people at the meeting.

I saw him at the baker’s. (= baker’s shop)

We use in with the names of streets and at when we give the house number.

He lives in MG Street.

He lives at 128 MG Street.

We use on when we think of a place as a surface.

The cat is lying on the floor.

Hang this picture on the wall.

Till and until

Both till and until are used of time.

We waited till / until 12 o’ clock.

Shailesh slept till / until 11 am.

Since

Since is used before a noun or phrase denoting some point of time. It is preceded
by a verb in the perfect tenses.

He hasn’t eaten anything since yesterday.

He has been ill since last Monday.

It has been raining since yesterday.

In

In is used before a noun denoting a period of time. It means ‘at the end of’. Within
means ‘before the end of’.

I shall return in an hour. (= at the end of one hour)

I shall return within an hour. (= before the end of one hour)

===================================================================

Prepositions: Some special points to be noted 46

Cases where prepositions are omitted

Prepositions of time are generally omitted before words like ‘last’, ‘first’, ‘next’ or
‘this’.

I met him last Friday. (NOT I met him on last Friday.)

We will discuss the matter next time.

I will visit my parents this week.

The use of preposition in the following types of sentences is optional.

I was here (in) the July before last.

They visited us (on) the day before yesterday.

He left the city (on) the next day.

We lived there (for) three months.

Prepositions are after certain verbs

Some intransitive verbs become transitive when a preposition is placed after

them.

Examples are: listen to, apply to, partake of, aware of, beware of, depend upon,
dispense with, dispose of and prevail upon

Different prepositions

Some words which differ slightly in form and meaning from each other take
different prepositions after them.

Examples are:

Desire for; desirous of

Confidence in; confident of

According to; in accordance with

Sensible of; insensible to

Affection for; affectionate to

Ambition for; ambitious of

Fond of; fondness for

Neglectful of; negligent in

Dislike to; liking for

Gerund after preposition

The infinitive cannot be used with certain words which require a preposition
followed by a gerund.

I am thinking of visiting my parents.

Shailesh is bent of attending the meeting.

You have no excuse for being late.

===================================================================

Commonly confused prepositions 47

About and On

Both about and on can mean ‘regarding’. There is a slight difference of meaning.

Compare:

We had a discussion about money.

Ramanuj gave a lecture on finance.

About used in the first sentence suggests that the discussion was ordinary. On
used in the second sentence suggests that the lecture was serious or academic,
suitable for specialists.

Above and over

Above and over can both mean ‘higher than’.

The water came up above / over our waist.

Above is preferred when one thing is not directly over another.

There is a temple above the lake. (The temple is not directly over the lake.)

Over is preferred when one thing covers or touches another.

He put on a sweater over his shirt. (NOT He put on a sweater above his shirt.)

In measurements of temperature and height we use above. In measurements of

ages and speeds we use over.
The temperature never rose above 5 degrees Celsius.

You have to be over 18 to see that film.

Across and through

The difference between across and through is similar to the difference meaningon
and in. Through is used for movement in a three dimensional space, with things on
all sides. Across cannot be used with that meaning.

Compare:

We went through the wood. (We were in the wood.)

The road goes through the forest.

We walked across the desert. (We were on the desert.)

===================================================================

Commonly confused prepositions 48

Across and over can both be used to mean ‘on the other side of a line / road /
bridge etc’.

There is a hospital across / over the border. (= There is a hospital on the other side
of the border.)

His shop is across / over the road. (= His shop is on the other side of the road.)

Across and over can also be used to talk about movement to the other side of a
line / road etc.

Alka jumped across / over the stream.

We prefer over when we say ‘on/to the other side of something high’.

Tina climbed over the wall. (NOT Tina climbed across the wall.)

We prefer across when we say ‘on / to the other side of something flat’.

We swam across the river. (NOT We swam over the river.)

Along
The preposition along is used with nouns that refer to things with a long thin
shape. Examples are: road, river, corridor, line

Shailesh ran along the road.

There are trees along the riverside.

Along and through

To talk about periods or activities, we prefer through.

Vidisha was silent all through the journey. (NOT Vidisha was silent all along the
journey.)

Note that along can also be used as an adverb particle.

Come along. (= Come with me.)

Run along now. (= Go away.)

===================================================================

Words with appropriate prepositions 49

Some verbs, adjectives and nouns are followed by particular
prepositions. Here are some of the most common combinations. Note that
alternatives are sometimes possible, and that British and American usage
sometimes differ.

Absorbed in

Ramanuj is completely absorbed in his research work.

Abstain from

You must abstain from smoking and drinking.

Acceptable to

That suggestion is not acceptable to us.

Acquainted with

I am only slightly acquainted with him.

Acquitted of

Shailesh was acquitted of the charge of theft.

Adapt to

One must learn to adapt oneself to changing circumstances.

Addicted to

Jignesh is addicted to gambling.

Admit to

Tina was admitted to the Medical College.

Admit of

This is an urgent matter which admits of no delay.

Allotted to

I have performed the task allotted to me.

Amazed at

I was amazed at her performance.

Anxious to

Alka is anxious to hear from her daughter.

Avail … of

Avail yourself of this opportunity.

Aware of

I am not aware of their plans.

Backward in

Krishna is rather backward in her studies.

Believe in

Do you believe in ghosts?

Boast of

Vidisha boasts of her aristocratic upbringing.

Brood over

Don’t brood over past failures.

Call at (=visit)

On the way we called at a friend’s house.

Call for (= demand)

The principal has called for an explanation from the suspended students.

Care for

I don’t care for your objections. I have decided to do it.

===================================================================

Different uses of about 50

The preposition about has several uses. It can refer to movement or
position in various directions or places.

The children were running about. (= The children were running in various
directions.)

Clothes were lying about the room. (= Clothes were lying in various places in the
room.)

About can also mean near or nearby.

Is anybody about? (= Is anybody nearby?)

There was no one about to save the boy from drowning.

In connection with

About can mean in connection with.

We talked about his plans.

They told the police about it.

I don’t know anything about it.

Roughly

About can be used to make a rough estimate of something.

There were about twenty boys in the class. (It is a rough estimate of the number of
students in the class. The actual figure could be slightly higher or lower.)

It is about 3 o’clock. (Not exactly 3 o’clock)

Alka is about forty years old. (Not exactly forty)

Expressions with about

How about and what about

These expressions are usually used to ask for a person’s opinion regarding
something.

How about it? (= What is your opinion?)

What about going for a long drive? (= What is your opinion about going for a long
drive?)

Tina is a pretty girl. But what about her character?

While you are about it = while you are doing it

About and on

About and on can have similar meanings. About can be used to talk about
ordinary, general kinds of communication. On is used to talk about something
more serious or academic.

Compare:

It is a picture book for children about the castles of Europe.

It is a text book on African history.

===================================================================
 Some prepositional phrases 51
A prepositional phrase is a group of words introduced by a preposition.
There are quite a few prepositional phrases in English and these set phrases are
often used with specific verbs.

Prepositional phrases usually go at the end of sentences. Some of them also go at

the beginning of sentences. In this lesson we will learn the usage of some common
prepositional phrases.

By heart

To learn something by heart is to memorize it.

The teacher asked us to learn the poem by heart.

At a loss

They sold the car at a loss.

When you are at a loss for words, you are unable to speak.

I was so confused that I was at a loss for words.

From my perspective / from my point of view / from where I stand

All of these phrases mean ‘in my opinion’.

A: What do you think about their decision to withdraw support?

B: From my point of view, it is disastrous.

‘From where I stand, it appears that we are going to lose.’

By the way and by the by

These phrases are used when you want to add information.

Tina : What do you think of this cell phone? Is it any good?

Alka : This is the most popular and, by the way, the cheapest model we have in
stock.

This phrase is also used when the speaker wants to open a new subject in a casual
manner.
Shailesh : Oh, by the way, Jignesh, do you still have that leather jacket you
borrowed from me?

Jignesh : Let me check. I thought I gave it back.

For better or (for) worse / for better, for worse

If something happens for better or worse, it happens whether its results are good
or bad. Note that this phrase is mainly used in a marriage ceremony.

===================================================================

Correct use of some prepositions 52

Study the following sentences. They contain some common mistakes in
the use of prepositions.

Resemble

Incorrect: This resembles to that.

Correct: This resembles that.

Incorrect: The baby resembles with her mother.

Correct: The baby resembles her mother.

The verb resemble does not take a preposition before its object.

Write

Incorrect: He wrote me.

Correct: He wrote to me.

Incorrect: Write to me a letter.

Correct: Write me a letter.

When write has no direct object, we put to before the indirect object.

Explain

Incorrect: I shall explain them this.

Correct: I shall explain this to them.

The verb explain is followed by direct object + preposition + indirect object.

Invite

Incorrect: He invited me in dinner.

Correct: He invited me to dinner.

Invite takes the preposition to after it.

Reach

Incorrect: Shailesh reached to the station.

Correct: Shailesh reached the station.

The verb reach does not take a preposition before its object.

Incorrect: Jignesh is favourite with his friends.

Correct: Jignesh is a favourite with his friends.

Ask

Incorrect: Alka did ask any question to him.

Correct: Alka did not ask him any question.

Ask is usually followed by indirect object + direct object.

Waste, spend

Incorrect: We should not waste much time in trifles.

Correct: We should not waste much time on trifles.

Incorrect: Ramanuj spent a lot of money in daughter’s wedding.

Correct: Ramanuj spent a lot of money on his daughter’s wedding.

===================================================================
 Prepositions after particular words and
expressions 53
Here is a list of the most common combinations.

Insist on

She insisted on paying for the drinks.

Interested in

Shailesh was always interested in politics.

Kind to

People have always been kind to me.

Lacking in

Alka is lacking in tact.

Laugh at

The little girl laughed at the poor beggar.

Laugh about

We will all laugh about this one day.

Listen to

Why don’t you listen to me?

Look at

What are you looking at?

Look for (= try to find)

I am looking for my keys.

Marriage to

Her marriage to Jignesh didn’t last very long.

Nice to
She is nice to everybody.

Operate on (a patient)

They operated on her yesterday evening.

Pay for (something that is bought)

Will you pay for the drinks?

Polite to

You weren’t polite to me last night.

Prevent somebody from doing something

Tina prevented me from entering her room.

Reason for

Nobody knows the reason for the accident.

Rude to

She was pretty rude to me last night.

Run into (= meet)

I ran into James at the library this morning.

Shocked at / by

I was shocked at / by the news of her death.

Sorry about something that has happened

I am sorry about your accident.

Sorry for / about something that one has done

I am sorry for / about interrupting you.

Sorry for a person

I really feel sorry for her.

===================================================================
 Time prepositions 54
Time prepositions

On

Use on with days.

I met him on Friday.

Alka's birthday is on August 24th.

We are having a small party on Christmas day.

Use at with clock times and other expressions of time such as noon, night and
midnight.

The train departs at 6.30.

We usually have dinner at 9 o’clock.

I will meet you at noon.

Phone me at lunch time.

Use in with other parts of the day and with months, years and seasons.

We usually go out in the evening.

I saw him in the morning.

Tina was born in November .

Trees shed their leaves in autumn.

Days are short and dark in winter.

I take a nap in the afternoon.

We got married in 2002.

This house was built in 1975.

In English, we use several prepositions to show time. The most common among
them are: since, for, by, during and within. The sequences from-to and from-until
are also used to talk about time.

We have lived in this city since 2002. (We arrived in this city in 2002 and have lived
here ever since.)

She has been gone since Tuesday. (She went on Tuesday and has not returned
yet.)

I am going to London for two weeks. (I will spend two weeks there.)

I work from nine to six.

I will be here from three o’clock onwards.

The program lasted from 3 to 6. (Beginning at 3 and ending at 6)

It rained during the night. (For a certain period of time in the night)

We must finish the work within a year. (= No longer than a year)

===================================================================

Prepositions exercise 55
A passage is given below with some blank spaces. You have to fill in
the blanks using an appropriate preposition.

There are of course no friends like living, breathing, corporeal men and
women; my devotion………………1…………… reading has never made me a recluse.
How could it? Books are ………………2………………….. the people, by the people.
Literature is the immortal part …………………..3……………….. history; it is the best and
most enduring part of personality. But book-friends have this advantage
…………………4………………… . living friends; you can enjoy the most truly aristocratic
society …………………5………………… the world whenever you want it. The great dead
are beyond our physical reach, and the great living are usually almost as
inaccessible; as for our personal friends and acquaintance, we cannot always see
them.
Perchance they are asleep, or a way …………………..6………………… a journey. But in a
private library, you can at any moment converse ………………….7…………………..
Socrates or Shakespeare or Carlyle or Dumas or Dickens or Shaw or Barrie or
Galsworthy. And there is no doubt that in these books you see these men
………………..8………………. their best. They wrote for you. They ‘laid themselves out’,
they did their ultimate best ………………..9………………. entertain you, to make a
favourable impression. You are necessary to them as an audience is to an actor;
only instead of seeing them masked, you look …………………..10………………….. their
inmost heart of heart.

Answers

1. my devotion to reading

2. for the people

3. immortal part of history

4. advantage over living friends

5. aristocratic society in the world

6. a way on a journey

7. converse with

8. men at their best

9. best to entertain you

10. look into their inner most heart

===================================================================
 Using through 56
Through can be used as a preposition or an adverb. When through
is used as a preposition, it is followed by a noun. When it is used as an adverb, it is
not followed by a noun.

Through means from end to end or side to side of.

The River Thames goes through London.

We drove through the desert.

Through can also be used to talk about entering at one side and coming out at the
other.

The road goes through the forest.

The train went through the tunnel.

Alka wouldn’t let me through.

To go through something is to examine it.

We must go through the accounts. (= We must examine the accounts.)

Through can also be used to talk about time. It means from beginning to end of.

Shailesh will not live through the night. (= Shailesh will die before morning.)

Through as an adverb

As an adverb through means from end to end, side to side or beginning to end.

I have read the letter through twice and cannot understand it.

Through can mean ‘all the way’.

Does this train go through to Bangkok? (= Does this train go all the way to
Bangkok?)

All through

I was awake all through the night.

Through can also indicate the cause, etc.

The accident happened through no fault of yours.

===================================================================

Mistakes in the use of prepositions 57

In this lesson we will take a look at some of the most common mistakes in the use
of prepositions.

Incorrect: The ball rolled slowly in the goal.

Correct: The ball rolled slowly into the goal.

Incorrect: Tina ran in the room crying.

Correct: Tina ran into the room crying.

The prepositions in and on are used to show position. To say where things are
going, we use into and onto.

Incorrect: The train will arrive within five minutes.

Correct: The train will arrive in five minutes.

We use in to say how soon something will happen. Within means ‘inside’ or ‘not
beyond’.

Incorrect: If you don’t live by your income, you will incur huge debts.

Correct: If you don’t live within your income, you will incur huge debts.

Incorrect: The ball went to the window ad fell on the ground.

Correct: The ball went through the window and fell on the ground.

Through is used for movement in a three dimensional space.

Incorrect: Shailesh wrote the book in a month’s time.

Correct: Shailesh wrote the book in a month.

The expressions in a week’s / month’s time is used to say how something will
happen. It is not used to say how long something takes.

Incorrect: We usually go and see Granny on Sunday.

Correct: We usually go and see Granny on Sundays.

Incorrect: I don’t care for your opinion.

Correct: I don’t care about your opinion.

Care for means ‘like’ or ‘be fond of’. If you care about something, you feel that it is
important or interesting.

===================================================================

Prepositions exercise 58
Complete the following sentences using appropriate prepositions.

1. Alka was happy when she got the job. But six months …………………….. she was
fired.

2. I prefer the seaside …………………. the mountains.

3. Vidisha stopped talking about her illnesses and went ………………… . to tell us
about all her other problems.

4. Shailesh is inclined ………………………. lose his temper.

5. Children raised by single parents may have difficulty …………………… . forming

stable relationships themselves.

6. A crocodile starts life ………………… .. an egg.

7. Tina was surprised …………………… .. his mistake.

8. The Managing Director began his address …………………… .. the shareholders by

summarizing the results for the year.
9. There tends ………………….. be jealousy when a new little brother or sister comes
along.

10. I am going …………………… . a business trip next week.

Answers

1. Alka was happy when she got a job. But six months later she was fired.

2. I prefer the seaside to the mountains.

3. Vidisha stopped talking about her illnesses and went on to tell us about all her
other problems.

4. Shailesh is inclined to lose temper.

5. Children raised by single parents may have difficulty in forming stable

relationships themselves.

6. A crocodile starts life as an egg.

7. Tina was surprised at his mistake.

8. The Managing Director began his address to the shareholders by summarizing

the results for the year.

9. There tends to be jealousy when a new brother or sister comes along.

10. I am going on a business trip next week.

===================================================================

Prepositions exercise 59
Complete the following sentences using appropriate prepositions. Note that this
exercise is not aimed at native speakers of the language. It is for ESL students.

1. I’m experimenting ………………… .. a new hairstyle. (with / for / in)

2. We did an experiment ……………………… the chemistry lesson today. (in / for / on)
3. My parents expected too much …………………… me when I was at school. (of /
with / from)

4. Staff are expected to start work punctually ……………………… 9 am. (in / at / on)

5. I expect to get a diamond necklace …………………… .. my birthday. (for / to / at)

6. I can’t wait …………………… . The holidays. (on / to / for)

7. The man accused …………………… .. killing his land lady has been arrested. (of / for
/ about)

8. They each listened carefully …………………… . What the other said. (to / for / with)

9. Alka has got a pain …………………… . The shoulder. (in / on / with)

10. Shailesh walked ………………… . The front door without looking back. (of / out of
/ out on)

Answers

1. I’m experimenting with a new hairstyle.

2. We did an experiment in the chemistry lesson today.

3. My parents expected too much of me when I was at school.

4. Staff are expected to start work punctually at 9 am.

5. I expect to get a diamond necklace for my birthday.

6. I can’t wait for the holidays.

7. The man accused of killing his land lady has been arrested.

8. They each listened carefully to what the other said.

9. Alka has got a pain in the shoulder.

10. Shailesh walked out of the front door without looking back.

===================================================================
 Across as a preposition and an adverb 60
Across can be used as a preposition or an adverb. When used as a preposition, it is
followed by a noun.

We walked across the desert. (Here the noun the desert acts as the object of the
preposition across.)

Across means from one side to the other.

Tina walked across the road. (= Tina walked from one side of the road to the
other side.)

Across can be used to talk about movement from one place, space or line to the
other.

The airplane flying across the Atlantic when it developed engine trouble.

They are building a bridge across the river. (= The bridge will extend from one side
of the river to the other side.)

Across can also be used to show the width of something.

The river is only a few meters across in some places.

Across can show position. It means on the opposite side of a road, river, line etc.

There is a petrol pump just across the road. (= The petrol pump is on the opposite
side of the road.)

The people across the border are moving. (= The people on the opposite side of
the border are moving.)

Across can also be used to show position in many parts of an area or country.

They have several offices across Europe. (= They have several offices in many parts
of Europe.)

Across can also be used for saying that something affects a large part of your
body.

Suddenly Shailesh felt a sharp pain across his chest.

Across is also used for saying that something spreads until it covers the whole of a
particular area.

A warm smile spread across her face.

When used as an adverb, across is not followed by a noun.

Alka hurried across to greet us. (Here the adverb across modifies the verb
hurried.)

===================================================================

Across and through grammar exercise 61

Complete the following sentences using across or through.

1. Who was the first woman pilot to fly …………………. the Atlantic.

a) across

b) through

2. Alka walked ………………… the road and disappeared in the crowd.

a) across

b) through

3. There is a bridge ………………….. the river.

a) across

b) through

4. The train was passing ………………… .. a tunnel.

a) across
b) through

5. Shailesh is staying in a small lodge just ………………… .. the Modern Café.

a) across

b) through

6. He is broad …………………. the shoulders.

a) across

b) through

7. The light rays peep ………………….. the hole in the roof.

a) across

b) through

8. The man at the gate wouldn’t let me …………………

a) across

b) through

9. The workmen were drilling …………………. the concrete wall.

a) across

b) through

10. The baby was crying all …………………… the night.

a) across
b) through

11. Most pubs remain open ………………… the night.

a) across

b) through

12. The summer classes will continue ………………… .. to mid-September.

a) through

b) across

Answers

1. Who was the first woman pilot to fly across the Atlantic?

2. Alka walked across the road and disappeared in the crowd.

3. There is a bridge across the river.

4. The train was passing through a tunnel.

5. Shailesh is staying in a small lodge just across the Modern Café.

6. He is broad across the shoulders.

7. The light rays peep through the hole in the roof.

8. The man at the gate wouldn’t let me through.

9. The workmen were drilling through the concrete wall.

10. The baby was crying all through the night.

11. Most pubs remain open through the night.

12. The summer classes will continue through to mid-September.

===================================================================

https://www.englishgrammar.org/
 Preposition 1
What is a preposition?

A preposition is a word used to link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words

within a sentence. They act to connect the people, objects, time and locations of a
sentence. Prepositions are usually short words, and they are normally placed
directly in front of nouns. In some cases, you’ll find prepositions in front of gerund
verbs.

A nice way to think about prepositions is as the words that help glue a sentence
together. They do this by expressing position and movement, possession, time and
how an action is completed.

Indeed, several of the most frequently used words in all of English, such as of, to,
for, with, on and at, are prepositions. Explaining prepositions can seem
complicated, but they are a common part of language and most of us use them
naturally without even thinking about it.

In fact, it’s interesting to note that prepositions are regarded as a ‘closed class’ of
words in the English language. This means, unlike verbs and nouns, no new words
are added to this group over time. In a way, it reflects their role as the functional
workhorse of the sentence. They are unassuming and subtle, yet vitally important
to the meaning of language.

There are two very important rules to remember when using prepositions.
Because they are somewhat vague, learning about prepositions and using them
correctly in sentences takes practice. Because 1:1 translation is often impossible
when dealing with propositions, even the most advanced English students have
some difficulty at first.

The first rule is that to make sentences clear, specific prepositions are needed. For
example, the preposition in means one thing and the preposition on cannot
substitute for it in all cases. Some prepositions are interchangeable but not
always. The correct preposition means one particular thing and using a different
proposition will give the sentence a very different meaning. I want to see you in
the house now, Bill! means something very different from I want to see you on the
house now, Bill! In the house means Bill should go through the door, walk inside,
and stand in the hall or living room. On the house means Bill would need to get a
ladder and climb to the roof where he would be on top of the house.

The second rule for using prepositions is that prepositions are generally followed
by nouns or pronouns. There was a time in the past when teachers held strictly to
this rule, but it made for some clunky sentences. I am seeking someone I can
depend on ends with the preposition on, so people who insisted that sentences
shouldn’t end with a preposition would be forced to use convoluted and unnatural
phrasing. To avoid ending that sentence above with a preposition, you’d have to
say, someone I can depend on is whom I am seeking.

There are more than 100 prepositions in the English language. In addition, there
are endless possibilities for creating prepositional phrases, phrases that begin
with a preposition and end with a noun or pronoun. In the following sections, you
will find examples of prepositions, types of prepositions, a comprehensive list of
prepositions, and some helpful preposition exercises. As you read the examples
and study the list, remember that prepositions usually convey concepts such as
comparison, direction, place, purpose, source possession, and time.

Examples of Prepositions

In the following sentences, examples of prepositions have been italicized. As you

read, consider how using different prepositions or even different types of
prepositions in place of the examples might change the relationship between the
rest of the words in the sentence.

Shailesh prefers to read in the library.

He climbed up the ladder to get onto the roof.

Please sign your name on the dotted line after you read the contract.

Go down the stairs and through the door.

He swam across the pool.

Take your brother with you.

Types of Prepositions
There are three types of prepositions, including time prepositions, place
prepositions, and direction prepositions.

Time prepositions are those such as before, after, during, and until; place
prepositions are those indicating position, such as around, between, and against;
and direction prepositions are those indicative of direction, such as across, up, and
down. Each type of preposition is important.

Type of Prepositions

Prepositions of Time

Basic examples of time prepositions include: at, on, in, before and after. They are
used to help indicate when something happened, happens or will happen. It can
get a little confusing though, as many different prepositions can be used.

Prepositions of time examples in the following sentences are in bold for easy
identification.

For example:

I was born on February 12th, 1975.

I was born in 1975.

I was born at exactly 6 am.

I was born two minutes before my twin brothers.

I was born after the Great War ended.

The above makes it seem quite difficult, with five different prepositions used to
indicate when something happened. However, there is a set of guidelines that can
help decide which preposition to use:

For years, months, seasons, centuries and times of day, use the preposition in:

I first met Alka in 2002.

It’s always cold in January

Easter falls in spring each year.

The Second World War occurred in the 20th century.

We eat breakfast in the morning.

For days, dates and specific holiday days, use the preposition on.

We go to school on Mondays, but not on Sunday

Christmas is on December 25th.

Buy me a present on my birthday.

For times, indicators of exception and festivals, use the preposition at:

Families often argue at Christmas time.

I work faster at night.

Her shift finished at 7pm.

Before and after should be much easier to understand than the other examples of
prepositions of time. Both are used to explain when something happened,
happens or will happen, but specifically in relation to another thing.

Before I discovered this bar, I used to go straight home after work.

We will not leave before 3pm.

Shailesh comes before Alka in the line, but after Tina.

Other prepositions of time could include: During, about, around, until and
throughout.

The concert will be staged throughout the month of May.

I learned how to ski during the holidays.

He usually arrives around 3pm.

It was about six in the morning when we made it to bed.

The store is open until midnight.

Prepositions of Place

To confuse matters a bit, the most common prepositions to indicate time – on, at,
in – are also the most common prepositions to indicate position. However, the
rules are a little clearer as place prepositions are a more rigid concept than time
prepositions.

Prepositions of place examples in the following sentences are in bold for easy
identification.

The cat is on the table.

The dogs are in the kennel.

We can meet at the crossroads.

The guidelines can be broken down as follows:

On is used when referring to something with a surface:

The sculpture hangs on the wall.

The images are on the page.

The specials are on the menu, which is on the table.

In is used when referring to something that is inside or within confined

boundaries. This could be anything, even a country:

Ramanuj is in Canada , visiting his aunt in the hospital.

The whiskey is in the jar in the fridge.

The girls play in the garden.

At is used when referring to something at a specific point:

The boys are at the entrance at the movie theatre.

He stood at the bus stop at the corner of Water and High streets.

We will meet at the airport.

Lots of other prepositions of place, such as under, over, inside, outside, above and
below are used in English. There is, however, a lot less confusion as they refer to
rigid positions rather than abstract ones.

The cat is under the table.

Put the sandwich over there.

The key is locked inside the car.

They stepped outside the house.

Major is ranked above corporal.

He is waving at you from below the stairs.

Prepositions of Movement

Prepositions of movement are quite easy to understand as they are less abstract
than prepositions of place and time. Essentially, they describe how something or
someone moves from one place to another. The most commonly used preposition
of movement is to, which usually serves to highlight that there is movement
towards a specific destination.

Prepositions of movement examples in the following sentences are in bold for

easy identification.

He has gone on vacation to France.

She went to the bowling alley every Friday last summer.

I will go to bed when I am tired.

They will go to the zoo if they finish their errands.

Other more specific prepositions of movement include: through, across, off, down
and into. These prepositions can sometimes get mixed up with others. While they
are similar, they have individual meanings that add context to the movement.

Across refers to moving from one side to another.

Jignesh travelled across India on his motorcycle.

Alka and Trupti are swimming across the lake.

Through refers to moving directly inside something and out the other end.

The bullet David shot went through the window.

The train passes through the tunnel.

Into refers to entering or looking inside something.

John went into the room.

They stare into the darkness.

Up, over, down, past and around indicate directions of movement:

Jack went up the hill.

Jill came tumbling down after.

We will travel over rough terrain on our way to Grandma’s house.

The horse runs around the track all morning.

A car zoomed past a truck on the highway

How to Recognize a Preposition?

Recognizing prepositions can be challenging as they do not always follow a

consistent pattern in terms of their position in a sentence, nor do they have a
discernible structure or spelling. We do know, however, that prepositions are
almost always short words, with the majority having less than six letters. One
technique people use to identify a preposition is to think of a preposition as
anywhere a mouse can go. Above, below, next to, between, beyond, through, by,
with…It won’t cover them all, but it can be a useful question to ask when trying to
identify and recognize a preposition. While there are over 100 prepositions, there
are around 500,00-700,000 nouns in English! It is unlikely anyone will learn so
many nouns, but recognizing and then mastering prepositions might be a
worthwhile and attainable goal.

Prepositions with Nouns

There are lots of different nouns that carry specific prepositions to consolidate
their meaning. These are called dependent prepositions. Again, there isn’t a set
rule that says a particular type of noun will take a dependent preposition,
although they normally follow the noun. Moreover, there are many possible
combinations. Essentially, it’s case of familiarizing yourself with the different
possibilities of nouns and dependent prepositions. Examples:

He displayed cruelty towards his dog.

She had knowledge of physics.

It is always the trouble with Jack.

21 is the age at which you are allowed to drink.

Mike made another attempt at the world record.

The police held an inquiry into the murder.

Prepositions with Verbs

Prepositional verbs – the phrasal combinations of verbs and prepositions – are

important parts of speech. The prepositions again act as links between the verb
and noun or gerund, giving extra meaning to the sentence. The prepositions most
commonly used with verbs are: to, for, about, of, in, at and from. The good news is
that these will always come after the verb in the sentence. However, it should also
be noted that the prepositional verbs can have slightly different meaning
compared to the original verb. For example, to relate a story simply means to tell a
story, to relate to a story means you identify with it, find some personally meaning
in that story.

Verb + to:

He admitted to the charge.

I go to London on vacation twice a year.

William can relate to the character in the play.

Verb + for:

He must apologize for his actions.

We searched for ages before we found the perfect apartment.

I provide for my family by working two jobs.

Verb + with:

I don’t agree with your claim.

The lawyer said he will meet with your representatives.

They began with a quick warm-up.

Verb + of:
I dream of a better life.

Have you heard of Shakespeare?

The bread consists of dough, raisins and a little honey.

Verb + in:

Does Ramanuj believe in miracles?

Foram lives in New York.

The bus accident resulted in my being late to work.

Verb + at

We arrived at our destination.

Ilene excels at singing.

Will the baby smile at her mother?

Verb + on:

We should really concentrate on our studies now.

Helen insisted on Brenda’s company.

Miral experimented on some canvas.

Verb + from:

Since turning 80, she suffers from lapses in concentration.

Dad retired from the navy in the 1970s.

Miral Virani, please refrain from doing that.

Prepositions with Adjectives

Prepositions can form phrases with adjectives to give further context to the action,
emotion or thing the adjective is describing. Like verbs and nouns, adjectives can
be followed by: to, about, In, for, with, at and by.

I am happily married to David.

Krishna is crazy about this movie.

Amit Shah is interested in politics.

We are sorry for your loss.

Snehal will be delighted with her results.

Is he still angry at the world?

The entire room was astonished by the election results.

There can sometimes be a pattern in deciding which prepositions go with

adjectives, for example, when adjectives have the same or very similar meaning to
each other, they might take the same preposition:

Frightened of, afraid of, scared of, terrified of

Indeed, when adjectives have opposite meaning they might also take the same
preposition:

Good at, great at, superb at, wonderful at

Bad at, terrible at, woeful at, inept at

There are always many exceptions to the above, but it can help that there seems
to be some

consistency when adjectives have the same meaning or opposite meaning.

Nevertheless, perhaps a more general rule is that English speakers simply need to
learn which prepositions go with which adjectives, as meaning can change
significantly by using a different preposition.

I am good at sports means I have some athletic talent.

The nurse was good to my mother means she took care of her and was nice, kind,
and helpful.

I am good with animals means I get along with them and handle them well.

Swimming is good for your health.

That was good of you to come means you were begin nice and good to visit.

My little brother is good inside (his body) means even though you can’t see how
he thinks and feels, he is good. Even if his behaviour is bad.
The blueberry jam will be good on toast.

Prepositions Exercises

The following exercises will help you gain greater understanding about how
prepositions work. Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.

1. The bone was _______ the dog.

a. About

b. For

c. After

d. Considering

Answer: b. The bone was for the dog.

2. We are going on vacation _______ August.

a. On

b. At

c. In

d. Since

Answer: c. We are going on vacation in August.

3. Please put the vase ________ the table.

a. In

b. On

c. For

d. Over

Answer: b. Please put the vase on the table.

4. I received a present ________ Jignesh.

a. From

b. Of

c. By

d. About

Answer: a. I received a present from Jignesh.

5. School begins ________ Monday.

a. In

b. On

c. From

d. Since

Answer: b. School begins on Monday.

List of Prepositions

While there are only about 150 prepositions in the English language, these words
are among the most important. Without them, the sentences we speak, read, and
write would be difficult to understand. The following list of prepositions is not a
complete one, however it is among the most comprehensive lists of prepositions
available anywhere.

Aboard, About, Above, Absent, Across, After, Against, Along, Alongside, Amid,
Among, Amongst, Anti, Around, As, At, Before, Behind, Below, Beneath, Beside,
Besides, Between, Beyond, But, By,
Circa,Concerning,Considering,Despite,Down,During,Except,Excepting,Excluding,

Failing,Following,For,From,Given,In,Inside,Into,Like,Minus,Near,Of,Off,On,Onto,

Opposite,Outside,Over,Past,Per,Plus,Regarding,Round,Save,Since,Than,Through,

To,Toward,Towards,Under,Underneath,Unlike,Until,Up,Upon,Versus,Via,With,

Within, Without, Worth

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 Prepositional Phrases 2
What is a Prepositional Phrase?

Prepositional phrases are groups of words containing prepositions. Remember

that prepositions are words that indicate the relationships between various
elements within a sentence, and you’ll never have difficulty identifying
prepositional phrases.

A prepositional phrase is a group of words that lacks either a verb or a subject, and
that functions as a unified part of speech. It normally consists of a preposition and
a noun or a preposition and a pronoun.

Remember the following rules for prepositional phrases and you will find that
using them becomes much easier.

Prepositional phrases always consist of two basic parts at minimum: the object
and the preposition.

In formal English, prepositions are almost always followed by objects.

Adjectives can be placed between the prepositions and objects in prepositional

phrases.

Prepositional phrases can act as adverbs or adjectives. When they are used as
adjectives, they modify nouns and pronouns in the same way single-word
adjectives do.

When prepositional phrases are used as adverbs, they at the same way single-
word adverbs and adverb clauses do, modifying adjectives, verbs, and other
adverbs.

Just like bread and cheese are the minimum ingredients for making a cheese
sandwich, a preposition and the object of a preposition are the minimum
requirements for forming a prepositional phrase. The object of a preposition is the
name for the noun or pronoun following the preposition.

Prepositional phrases don’t have to be plain. Just as adding more ingredients to a

sandwich dresses it up, adding more words such as adverbs or adjectives is a good
method for spicing up prepositional phrases. As you read the following examples
of prepositional phrases, you’ll notice that the first sentence in each set contains a
basic prepositional phrase, while the second one contains a more interesting one.

Examples of Prepositional Phrases

The following sentences contain examples of prepositional phrases; the

prepositional phrase in each sentence is italicized for easy identification.

The cupcake with sprinkles is yours.

The cupcake with colourful sprinkles is yours.

We climbed up the hill.

We climbed up the very steep hill.

The rabbits hopped through the garden.

The rabbits hopped through the perfectly manicured garden.

Prepositional Phrase Exercises

The following exercises will help you gain greater understanding about how
prepositional phrases work. Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.

1. There are lots of birds nesting _____________________.

A. Under the eaves

B. There

C. Now

Answer: A. There are lots of birds nesting under the eaves.

2. After school, the children played tag ________________.

A. At the park

B. Roughly

C. And baseball

Answer: A. After school, the children played tag at the park.

3. Come ___________________ with me.

A. Home

B. Over

C. Into the store

Answer: C. Come into the store with me.

4. __________________ the chair sat mouldering in the attic.

A. Sad to say,

B. For one hundred years

C. Incredibly

Answer: B. For one hundred years the chair sat mouldering in the attic.

5. I gave the children pizza ______________ pancakes for breakfast today.

A. Instead of

B. Because of

C. Any more

Answer: A. I gave the children pizza instead of pancakes for breakfast today.

List of Prepositional Phrases

The following is by no means a complete list of prepositional phrases. While there

are only about 150 prepositions in the English language, there are thousands of
other words that can make their way into prepositional phrases. Learn to create a
colourful prepositional phrase, and your writing will be wonderfully appealing.

Down the tree, Up the hill, Around the mulberry bush, Into the woods,

With chopped nuts, Near a fast-flowing river, Within the book’s pages,

Through the tunnel, In spite of, Instead of, Any more, On account of, To the fact
that, Because of,

===================================================================
 Preposition of Time 3
What is a preposition of time?

A preposition of time is a preposition that allows you to discuss a specific time

period such as a date on the calendar, one of the days of the week, or the actual
time something takes place. Prepositions of time are the same words as
prepositions of place, however they are used in a different way. You can easily
distinguish these prepositions, as they always discuss times rather than places.

At – This preposition of time is used to discuss clock times, holidays and festivals,
and other very specific time frames including exceptions, such as “at night.”

In – This preposition of time is used to discuss months, seasons, years, centuries,

general times of day, and longer periods of time such as “in the past.”

On – This preposition of time is used to discuss certain days of the week or

portions of days of the week, specific dates, and special days such as “on New
Year’s Day.”

Prepositions of time allow you to tell your readers when things are taking place.
They are vital parts of speech to use in stories, as well as when writing simple
communications, reports, and other items.

Examples of Prepositions of Time

There may only be three prepositions of time, but the ways in which you can use
them are almost endless. In the following examples, the prepositions of time have
been italicized for ease of identification.

1. My birthday falls in February.

2. Birds often migrate in spring and autumn.

3. My great-grandmother was born in 1906.

4. Breakfast is a meal which is generally eaten in the morning.

5. My parents grew up in the 1960s.

6. My vacation ends on Monday.

7. We’re going bowling on Friday night.

8. My sister Neeta was born on July 23rd.

9. We always have a huge celebration on New Year’s Eve.

10. Meet me at 7:30.

11. The town is always well-decorated at Diwali.

12. Now that my grandfather is older, he no longer drives at night.

===================================================================

Preposition of Place 4
What is a preposition of place?

A preposition of place is a preposition which is used to refer to a place where

something or someone is located. There are only three prepositions of place,
however they can be used to discuss an almost endless number of places.

At – A preposition of place which is used to discuss a certain point

In – A preposition of place which is used to discuss an enclosed space

On – A preposition of time which is used to discuss a surface

Prepositions of place allow you to be very specific when talking about where
action takes place in stories or when discussing important details for
communication purposes.

Examples of Prepositions of Place

Prepositions of place give you the ability to tell others where something is located.
In the following examples, the prepositions of place have been italicized for ease
of identification.

1. Shailesh waited for Alka at the corner.

2. The mall is located at the intersection of Main Street and Third Avenue.

3. We spent a quiet evening at home.

4. I’m growing tomatoes in my garden.

5. Maria was born in Paris, France.

6. I was so tired that I took a nap in the car.

7. Please place the bouquet on the table.

8. I really wish you would stop throwing your dirty clothes on the floor.

9. What’s on the menu this evening?

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 Preposition 1
Definition
A preposition is usually a short word placed before a substantive (or a
pronoun) and indicating the relation of that substantive to other parts of the
sentence (mostly verbs).

Example
"I was reading a book in the living-room."
The preposition “in” specifies, where exactly “I was reading a book”. It is
placed directly before the noun “living-room” (not counting a sometimes
optional article like “the”).

Categories
Prepositions, as a class of words, can be divided in five categories.
1. Preposition of time (temporal) e.g. in, on, at, etc.
2. Preposition of place (spatial) e.g. in, on, at, etc.
3. Preposition for direction e.g. to, towards, into, through etc.
4. Preposition for device, instrument or machines e.g. on, by, with, etc. and
various semantic roles e.g. of, for, etc.
This classification is not disjunction: a lot of preposition fall in more than one
group, e.g. “in” can be used for “in the car” (spatial) or for “in five years”
(temporal).
There is some overlap with transitions words, conjunctions and linking
words in general. Keep in mind, that the main purpose of a preposition is
the determination of the relationship in time or place. Thus, contrary to
other “small words”, they are not an element of style, but absolutely
mandatory.
To find the correct preposition is difficult, even for advanced ESL speakers,
since a 1:1 translation from your mother tongue is usually wrong. To make
matters worse, no real rules exist, when to use which preposition. So the
only way is, to memorize them. As always, reading books or watching movies
helps a lot.
The following lists contain some of the most frequently used prepositions in
English.
 Prepositions – Time 2
English Explanation / Meaning Examples

on days (of the week) & dates on Sunday; on May

1st; on Christmas Eve;
on my mark; on the
weekend (AmE.)

in
months / seasons / year in summer / in July /
in 2017
part of the day
in the evening

after a period of time in an hour; in the

future

at at 11:15 p.m.; at
a specific point of time half past six

at noon; at
exceptions (question: night; learned
"When ...?") English at 42; at
the weekend
(BrE.); at first
glance

since from a specific point in time until since 1980; since

now (past till now) yesterday

until (till) up to a certain point in time until Monday; I’ll wait

to call my manager
until I hear from the
client

for over a certain period of time for the first time in

forever; for 3 years
English Explanation / Meaning Examples

ago from now to a specific point in the a second ago; a

past (now till past) decade ago; a while
ago

during throughout the course or duration of during summer;

s.th. during the vacation;
during the discussion

before previous to in time; earlier than before winter; before

dawn; I have to talk to
the client before I call
my manager

after Subsequent in time; at a later time after midnight; after

than tomorrow

to / past telling the time ten to two (1:50) / ten

past two (2:10)

from / to a starting point / an end point from the beginning;

from now to eternity

by not later than by 12 o'clock; by next

week

Prepositions – Place 3
English Explanation / Meaning Examples

in position or state inside in London; in the book, in the

something. mirror; in love

at in the area of ...; at home; at the table; at

specific position my side

an event (or a place at the party; at the cinema;

related to it) at school
 English Explanation / Meaning Examples

on position above on the desk; on my shoulder

in contact with on the wall; on the water

a certain side (left, right) on the left side; on the bright

side
the state or process of
on leave; on fire; on the way
on the phone; on TV; on the
means of conveyance menu

on trains; on the bus; on a plane

off from a place or position off the table; off the wall; went
off to Canada; got off the bus;
turned off the TV

by, beside at the side of; close to, by the door; beside the car;
next to stand by me

under in a lower position; under the table; under water

beneath the surface

over in or at a position above put something . over a shirt;

walk over something ; over my
dead body
more than
over 100 years; over ten miles

below in or to a lower place; below the surface; below 20°;

beneath below the clouds

above higher than something. above the door; the clouds

else; overhead above; the problems cited above

up from a lower towards a up the hill; up there is a …

higher point

down a descending direction walking down the street

 Prepositions – Direction / Movement 4
English Explanation / Meaning Examples

across on, at, to or from the other across the street; lines across the
side paper

through from one end or side to through the tunnel; a tour through
another France

to in a direction toward a go to bed;

person or thing move on to;
face to face; to
the entrance
toward a (given) state
back to health;
all the way to;
to die for

into movement to the inside or went into the

interior of kitchen;
crashed into a
to the condition, state, or tree
form of
breaking into
pieces; go into
banking

out of movement from the drag myself out

inside to the outside of bed; out of
nowhere
no longer in the
condition, state, or form
of out of town;
out of order;
out of fashion

onto movement to the top jumped onto the table

English Explanation / Meaning Examples

towards movement in the direction towards the house; toward the

of; or closer to future; toward peace

from a starting point; walked home from the station;

movement away from travelled from NY to LA

a note from the teacher; know

a source, a cause; a right from wrong
distinction

Other important Prepositions 5

English Explanation / Meaning Examples

of originating from, composed men of the north; a cup of coffee;

of, associated with, the hand of God; that friend of
belonging to yours

by in the name of; through the a book by Mark Twain; by myself;

agency or action of played by the rules; killed by a
bullet; one by one they left; by car,
by bus

about estimation of quantity about ten people; about five

minutes; about two miles

on the subject of a book about English

ready to do sth. the chorus is about to sing

for indicates the object, aim or happy for you; for sale; eager for
purpose fame; for one thing, …; for heaven's
sake
 English Explanation / Meaning Examples

with in the presence or use of with a friend; with cheese; with

confidence; with a lot of …; will be
with you shortly; from Russia with
love

Grammar 6
A preposition is a word that creates a relationship between words to indicate
relative positions in space or time.
The doctrine that a preposition may not be used to end a sentence was
promulgated by 18th-century Latin-obsessed grammarians introverts. The
rule has since become one of the most venerated maxims of schoolroom
grammatical lore. Alas, unjustified so.
Examples
In fact, English syntax allows and sometimes requires final placement of the
preposition.
1. That depends on what you believe in.
2. What did you step on?
3. Elias had no-one to play with.
4. Five excited puppies are almost too many to put up with.
5. A good medium raw steak should not be so hard to come by.
6. Ending a sentence with a preposition is nothing to be afraid of.

Abbreviations 7
Although there are no commonly accepted abbreviations for some of the
basic terms used on this page, most grammarians (and dictionaries) employ
some of these abbreviations.
 BrE, BE - British English
 AmE, AE - American English
 sth. - Something
 sb. - Somebody
 etc. - et cetera (other unspecified things or persons)
 e.g. - Exempli gratia (For example)
 pron. - pronunciation
 sp. - spelling
 gram. - grammar
 etym. - etymology


 n. - noun
 v. - verb
 obj. - object
 adj. - adjective
 adv. - adverb
 pr. - pronoun
 prep. - preposition
 conj. - conjunction
 art. - article
 interj. - interjection


 abbr. - abbreviation
 aux. - auxiliary
 pref. - prefix
 suff. - suffix
 tr. - transitive
 intr. - intransitive
 sing. - singular
 pl. - plural
 def. - definite
 indef. - indefinite
 Examples of Prepositions 8
Some special examples on how to use prepositions :
 Has not been heard from since
 At your disposal
 It's not true I had nothing on. I had the radio on. [Quote from Marilyn Monroe]
 By all means
 Once and for all
 Drinks on the house
 On and off
 Sth. is important to me
 above such foolishness
 Mary has much to be angry about.
 Very young children are incapable of abstract reasoning.
 Go with the tried and trusted basics.
 It is strictly between you & me.
 Of, by, for - short for "... government of the people, for the people and by the
people" - The Gettysburg Address (November 19, 1863); a speech by U.S.
President Abraham Lincoln (1809 – 1865) during the American Civil War (1861 to
1865).
 Child to parent:
What did you bring that book that I don't like to be read to out of up for?
 An even longer version, via David Richer by (and yes, we know, "Down Under" is a
proper noun ...):
What did you bring that book that I don't like to be read to out of about Down
Under up for?
 We will reach our judgments not on intentions or on promises but on deeds and
on results. [Margaret Thatcher]

Phrasal verbs
Many prepositions are also used as phrasal verbs (or idiomatically). There are
no specific rules these expressions must be memorized. Here are some
examples:
 look up
 add up to sth.
 call sth. off
 applied to
 depend on
 identical to
 opposed to
 preoccupied with
 prohibited from
 recover from
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 Prepositions
Prepositions indicate relationships between other words in a sentence.

Many prepositions tell you where something is or when something happened.

Most prepositions have several definitions, so the meaning changes quite a bit in
different contexts.

Ending a sentence with a preposition is not a grammatical error.

Your writing, at its best.

Be the best writer in the office.

What Is a Preposition?

“Vampires! Zombies! Werewolves!” “Where?!” “Behind you!”

Thank goodness for prepositions. Imagine not knowing where the danger lay….

Prepositions tell us where or when something is in relation to something else.

When monsters are approaching, it’s good to have these special words to tell us
where those monsters are. Are they behind us or in front of us? Will they be
arriving in three seconds or at midnight?

Prepositions often tell us where one noun is in relation to another (e.g., The coffee
is on the table beside you). But they can also indicate more abstract ideas, such as
purpose or contrast (e.g., We went for a walk despite the rain).

Types of Prepositions

Prepositions indicate direction, time, location, and spatial relationships, as well as

other abstract types of relationships.

Direction: Look to the left and you’ll see our destination.

Time: We’ve been working since this morning.

Location: We saw a movie at the theatre.

Space: The dog hid under the table.

Preposition Examples
Unfortunately, there’s no reliable formula for determining which preposition to
use with a particular combination of words. The best way to learn which
prepositions go with which words is to read as much high-quality writing as you
can and pay attention to which combinations sound right. Here are a few
examples of the most common prepositions used in sentences.

1. I should rewrite the introduction of my essay.

2. Shailesh left his jacket in the car.

3. Did you send that letter to your mother?

4. We’re cooking for ten guests tonight.

5. Alka ate lunch with her friend.

You can also use tools like Google to see which prepositions most commonly occur
with particular words—but remember, this tool can’t explain the difference in
meaning between different prepositional phrases like “pay for” (to purchase) and
“pay off” (to bribe). For that, you may want to refer to a list of prepositions that
includes the meanings of common combinations.

Ending a Sentence With a Preposition

The old claim that it’s wrong to end a sentence with a preposition has been utterly
debunked. It’s not true and it never was true. Writers who always insist that a
preposition can’t end a sentence often end up with stilted and unnatural
sentences:

There’s no one else to hide behind . (Grammatically correct and natural)

There’s no one else behind whom to hide. (Grammatically correct, but unnatural)

Where did you come from ? (Grammatically correct and natural)

From where did you come? (Grammatically correct, but unnatural)

That said, it is sometimes more elegant to move a preposition to an earlier spot in

a sentence, especially in very serious and formal writing. But if you do move the
preposition, remember to delete it from the end.
This is something we must meditate on .

This is something on which we must meditate.

This is something on which we must meditate on .

Unnecessary Prepositions

One of the most common preposition mistakes is adding an unnecessary at to the

end of a question.

Where is your brother at ?

Although this is common in some English dialects, it’s considered an error in

writing. You can fix the problem by simply deleting the at.

Where is your brother?

On the bright side, if you’re not sure which preposition to use, sometimes you can
just get rid of it altogether. In fact, you should always get rid of unnecessary
prepositional phrases. Too many prepositions can be a sign of flabby writing. Look
at how many prepositions appear in the sentence below:

For many people, the reality of an entry into a new area of employment is cause
for a host of anxieties.

Getting rid of the prepositions forces you to tighten up the sentence. The result is
shorter, more direct, and easier to understand:

Changing careers makes many people anxious.

Here’s another example:

Ramanuj hit the baseball up over the fence.

Get rid of the up. You don’t need it:

Ramanuj hit the baseball over the fence.

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 Prepositions
Definition

A preposition is a word or set of words that indicates location (in, near, beside, on
top of) or some other relationship between a noun or pronoun and other parts of
the sentence (about, after, besides, instead of, in accordance with). A preposition
isn't a preposition unless it goes with a related noun or pronoun, called the object
of the preposition.

Examples:

1. Let's meet before noon.

Before is a preposition; noon is its object.

2. We've never met before.

There is no object; before is an adverb modifying met.

Rule 1. A preposition generally, but not always, goes before its noun or pronoun.
One of the undying myths of English grammar is that you may not end a sentence
with a preposition. But look at the first example that follows. No one should feel
compelled to say, or even write, That is something with which I cannot agree. Just
do not use extra prepositions when the meaning is clear without them.

Correct: That is something I cannot agree with.

Correct: Where did you get this?

Incorrect: Where did you get this at?

Correct: How many of you can I depend on?

Correct: Where did he go?

Incorrect: Where did he go to?

Rule 2a. The preposition like means "similar to" or "similarly to." It should be
followed by an object of the preposition (noun, pronoun, noun phrase), not by a
subject and verb. Rule of thumb: Avoid like when a verb is involved.
Correct:

You look like your mother.

That is, you look similar to her. (Mother is the object of the preposition like.)

Incorrect:

You look like your mother does.

(Avoid like with noun + verb.)

Rule 2b. Instead of like, use as, as if, as though, or the way when following a
comparison with a subject and verb.

Correct: You look the way your mother does.

Incorrect: Do like I ask. (No one would say Do similarly to I ask.)

Correct: Do as I ask.

Incorrect: You look like you're angry.

Correct: You look as if you're angry. (OR as though)

Some speakers and writers, to avoid embarrassment, use as when they mean like.
The following incorrect sentence came from a grammar guide:

Incorrect: They are considered as any other English words.

Correct: They are considered as any other English words would be.

Correct: They are considered to be like any other English words.

Remember: like means "similar to" or "similarly to"; as means "in the same
manner that." Rule of thumb: Do not use as unless there is a verb involved.

Incorrect: I, as most people, try to use good grammar.

Correct: I, like most people, try to use good grammar.

Correct: I, as most people do, try to use good grammar.

NOTE

The rule distinguishing like from as, as if, as though, and the way is increasingly
ignored, but English purists still insist upon it.

Rule 3. The preposition of should never be used in place of the helping verb have.

Correct: I should have done it.

Incorrect: I should of done it.

See also COUPLE OF; OFF OF; OUT OF; OUTSIDE OF.

Rule 4. It is a good practice to follow different with the preposition from. Most
traditionalists avoid different than. Although it is an overstatement to call
different than incorrect, it remains polarizing: A is different than B comes across as
sloppy to a lot of literate readers. If you can replace different than with different
from without having to rewrite the rest of the sentence, why not do so?

Polarizing: You're different than I am.

Unchallengeable: You're different from me.

See also DIFFERENT FROM, DIFFERENT THAN.

Rule 5. Use into rather than in to express motion toward something. Use in to tell
the location.

Correct: I swam in the pool.

Correct: I walked into the house.

Correct: I looked into the matter.

Incorrect: I dived in the water.

Correct: I dived into the water.

Incorrect: Throw it in the trash.

Correct: Throw it into the trash.

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 Prepositions 1
Prepositions: uses 1
We commonly use prepositions to show a relationship in space or time or a logical
relationship between two or more people, places or things. Prepositions are most
commonly followed by a noun phrase or pronoun (underlined):
1. The last time I saw him he was walking down the road.
2. I’ll meet you in the cafe opposite the cinema.
3. It was difficult to sleep during the flight.
4. It was the worst storm since the 1980s.
5. Give that to me.
There are over 100 prepositions in English. The most common single-word
prepositions are:

about beside near to

above between of towards

across beyond off under

after by on underneath

against despite onto unlike

along down opposite until

among during out up

around except outside upon

as for over via

at from past with

before in round within

behind inside since without

below into than

beneath like through

Although most prepositions are single words, some pairs and groups of words
operate like single prepositions:
1. They were unable to attend because of the bad weather in Ireland.
2. Ramanuj will be playing in the team in place of him.
3. In addition to getting a large fine, both brothers were put in prison for three
months.
4. I always get nervous when I have to speak in front of an audience.
5. We estimate that there’ll be up to 10,000 people at the concert.
The most common prepositions that consist of groups of words are:

ahead of except for instead of owing to

apart from in addition to near to such as

as for in front of on account of thanks to

as well as in place of on top of up to

because of in spite of out of

due to inside of outside of

Prepositions or conjunctions? 2
Some words which are prepositions also function as conjunctions. When we use
a preposition that is followed by a clause, it is functioning as a conjunction; when
we use a preposition that is followed by a noun phrase, it stays as a preposition.
Among the most common are after, as, before, since, until:
1. After I’d met him last night, I texted his sister at once. (conjunction)
2. After the meeting last night, I texted his sister at once. (preposition)
3. We’ll just have to wait until they decide what to do. (conjunction)
4. Okay, we’ll wait here until six o’clock. (preposition)
Prepositions or adverbs? 3
Several words which are prepositions also belong to the word class of adverbs.
These include: about, across, around, before, beyond, in, inside, near, opposite,
outside, past, round, through, under, up, within:
There were lots of people waiting for a taxi outside the club. (preposition)
A:

Where’s your cat?

B:

She’s outside. (adverb)

The gallery is opposite the Natural History Museum. (preposition)
A:

Can you tell me where the bus station is?

B:

It’s over there, just opposite. (adverb)

Prepositions and abstract meanings 4
Common prepositions that show relationships of space often have abstract as well
as concrete meanings.
Compare

That map you need is behind the

Everyone is behind the
filing cabinet. (basic spatial sense or
government.(behind = gives support)
position)

Beyond the hotel were beautiful Learning Chinese in a year

mountains. (basic spatial sense or was beyond them all. (beyond = too
position) difficult for)
Some common prepositions such as at, in and on can have abstract meanings:
1. I think you will both need to discuss the problem in private.
2. All three singers were dressed in black.
3. You now have the next day at leisure and can do whatever you wish.
4. Our dog stays on guard all night, even when he’s sleeping!
Prepositions and adjectives 5
We commonly use prepositions after adjectives. Here are the most common
adjective + preposition patterns.

adjectives prepositions examples

aware, full of They weren’t aware of the time.

different,
from Is French very different from Spanish?
separate

This picture is similar to the one in our living

due, similar to
room.

familiar, wrong with What’s wrong with Isabelle?

We were really surprised at the price of food

good, surprised* at
in restaurants on our holiday.

Lots of people are interested in Grand Prix

interested in
racing but I’m not.

responsible,
for Exercise is good for everyone.
good

We’re really excited about our trip to

worried, excited about
Argentina.
*We can also say surprised by
Prepositions and nouns 6
Many nouns have particular prepositions which normally follow them:
1. There’s been a large increase in the price of petrol.
2. Does anyone know the cause of the fire?
Prepositions and verbs 7
Many verbs go together with prepositions to make prepositional verbs. These
always have an object:
1. I just couldn’t do without my phone.
2. Ramanuj accused her of stealing his idea.
Phrasal-prepositional verbs contain a verb, an adverb particle and a preposition
(underlined). We cannot separate the particle and the preposition:
3. The taxi is due any minute. Can you listen out for it?
4. I can’t put up with this noise any longer.
Prepositions: position and stranding 8
Traditional grammatical rules say that we should not have a preposition at the end
of a clause or sentence. However, we sometimes do separate a preposition from
the words which follow it (its complement). This is called preposition stranding,
and it is common in informal styles:
1. She was someone to whom he could talk. (formal)
2. She was someone who he could talk to. (informal)
3. Which room are they having breakfast in? (informal)
4. In which room are they having breakfast? (formal)
If we leave out words that are clear from the context (ellipsis), we can use wh-
questions with a wh-word + stranded preposition:
A:

The office is moving next year.

B:

Really, where to?

A:

I’m going to buy some flowers online.

B:

Who for?
A:

My mother.
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Verbs: multi-word verbs 2

Multi-word verbs are verbs which consist of a verb and one or two
particles or prepositions (e.g. up, over, in, down). There are three types of multi-
word verbs: phrasal verbs, prepositional verbs and phrasal-prepositional verbs.
Sometimes, the name ‘phrasal verb’ is used to refer to all three types.
Phrasal verbs 1
Phrasal verbs have two parts: a main verb and an adverb particle.
The most common adverb particles used to form phrasal verbs are around, at,
away, down, in, off, on, out, over, round, up:
bring in, go around, look up, put away, take off,
Meaning : Phrasal verbs often have meanings which we cannot easily guess from
their individual parts. (The meanings are in brackets.)

1. The book first came out in 1997. (was published)

2. The plane took off an hour late. (flew into the air)
3. The lecture went on till 6.30. (continued)
4. It’s difficult to make out what she’s saying. (hear/understand)
For a complete list of the most common phrasal verbs, see the Cambridge
International Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
Formality

Phrasal verbs are often, but not always, less formal than a single word with the
same meaning.
Compare

phrasal verb more formal single word

We need to sort the problem out. We need to solve/resolve the problem.

The team only had an hour The team only had an hour
to put the stage up before the to erect/construct the stage before the
concert. concert.
Phrasal verbs and objects 2

Many phrasal verbs take an object. In most cases, the particle may come before or
after the object if the object is not a personal pronoun (me, you, him, us, etc.).
Compare

(p = particle; o = object [underlined])

particle before the object particle after the object

She brought [P]up [O]three kids all I brought [O]my children [P]up to be
alone. polite.

Do you want me to take [P]off [O]my

Come in. Take [O]your coat [P]off.
shoes?
If the object is a personal pronoun (me, you, him, us, etc.), we always put the
pronoun before the particle:
1. I’ve made some copies. Would you like me to hand them out?
Not: Would you like me to hand out them?
2. Oh, I can’t lift you up any more. You’re too big now!
Not: I can’t lift up you any more.
We usually put longer objects (underlined) after the particle:
3. Many couples do not want to take on the responsibility of bringing up a large
family of three or four children.
We can use some phrasal verbs without an object:

break down get back move in/out

carry on go off run away

drop off hang on set off

eat out join in wake up

1. The taxi broke down on the way to the airport and I thought I nearly missed my
flight.
2. We’d better set off before the rush-hour traffic starts.
3. What time did you wake up this morning?
A good learner’s dictionary will tell you if the phrasal verb needs an object or can
be used without one.

Prepositional verbs 3

Prepositional verbs have two parts: a verb and a preposition which cannot be
separated from each other:

break into (a house) get over (an illness) listen to

cope with (a difficult situation) get on look after (a child)

deal with (a problem) get off look at

depend on go into look for

do without lead to look forward to

Prepositional verbs and objects

Prepositional verbs always have an object, which comes immediately after the
preposition. The object (underlined) can be a noun phrase, a pronoun or the -
ing form of a verb:
1. Somebody broke into his car and stole his radio.
2. I don’t like this CD. I don’t want to listen to it any more.
3. Getting to the final depends on winning the semi-final!
Some prepositional verbs take a direct object after the verb followed by the
prepositional phrase.

associate … with remind … of

protect … from rob … of

provide … with thank … for

(do = direct object; po = object of preposition [both underlined])
1. Alka reminds [DO]me of [PO]a girlfriend of mine.
2. How can we protect [DO]children from [PO]dangerous material on the Internet?
3. I’d like to thank [DO]everyone for [PO]their kindness.

Prepositional verbs or phrasal verbs? 4

Not all phrasal verbs need an object. Prepositional verbs (e.g. listen to, depend on)
always have an object after the preposition:
I’ve got a great new CD. Shall we listen to it?
Not: Shall we listen to?
With phrasal verbs the object can come before or after the particle if the object is
not a pronoun. With prepositional verbs, the object is always immediately after
the preposition.(Objects are underlined.)
Compare

1. Do you always look up every new word in

a dictionary? Phrasal verb: the object can come
2. Do you always look every new word up in before or after the particle up.
a dictionary?
 Prepositional verb: the object is
3. Could you look after my bag while I go and after the preposition.
buy the tickets? Not: Could you look my bag
after …

Phrasal-prepositional verbs 5

Phrasal-prepositional verbs have three parts: a verb, a particle and a preposition.

The particle and the preposition cannot be separated. Many of these verbs are
often used in informal contexts, and their meaning is difficult to guess from
their individual parts.
Verb + particle + preposition

catch up with get on with look out for

come up against listen out for look up to

do away with look down on put up with

face up to look forward to watch out for

get away with look in on

1. Ken’s just chatting to a friend. He’ll catch up with us in a minute. (reach, join)
2. Do you get on with your neighbours? (have a good relationship with)
3. We look forward to meeting you on the 22nd. (anticipate with pleasure)

See also:
 Look forward to
Phrasal-prepositional verbs and objects

The object (underlined below) always comes immediately after the preposition,
and not in any other position:
1. She was a wonderful teacher. We all looked up to her. (respected)
Not: We all looked her up to. or We all looked up her to.
Some phrasal-prepositional verbs also take a direct object after the verb as well as
an object of the preposition:

fix … up with put … down to put … up to

let … in on take … out on

(do = direct object; po = object of preposition [both underlined])
1. She fixed [DO]us up with [PO]a violin teacher. We’re really grateful to her. (fixed
us up with = arranged for us)
2. We just put [DO]the accident down to [PO]bad luck; there’s no other
reason. (put down to = think the cause or reason is)

Prepositional phrases 3
Prepositions and their complements 1

Prepositional phrases consist of a preposition and the words which follow it (a

complement). The complement (underlined below) is most commonly a noun
phrase or pronoun, but it can also be, an adverb phrase (usually one of place or
time), a verb in the -ing form or, less commonly, a prepositional phrase or a wh-
clause:
1. They first met at a party. (preposition + noun phrase)
2. She was taken ill during the film. (preposition + noun phrase)
3. Would you like to come with me please? (preposition + pronoun)
4. From there, it’ll take you about half an hour to our house. (preposition + adverb)
5. Until quite recently, no one knew about his paintings. (preposition + adverb
phrase)
6. She’s decided on doing a Chinese language course. (preposition + -ing clause)
Not: … decided on to do …
7. It’s a machine for making ice-cream. (preposition + -ing clause)
8. If you can wait until after my meeting with Alka, we can talk then. (preposition +
prepositional phrase)
9. We were really surprised at what they wrote. (preposition + wh-clause)
We can put an adverb before a preposition to modify it. This applies mainly to
prepositions of time or place which are gradable (above, before, far, deep, down,
opposite):
10. They’ve moved far into the country.
11. They left the party just before us.
12. You can’t miss it. His office is almost opposite the coffee machine.

Prepositional phrases after verbs 2

Prepositional phrases can be complements of verbs. If we need a special

preposition to introduce the complement of the verb, we call such verbs
‘prepositional verbs’:
13. Do these keys belong to you?
14. We’re not happy but we do approve of their decision.
We sometimes use an adverb particle before the preposition. The verb + adverb
particle + preposition structure forms a verb which has a single meaning. We call
such verbs ‘phrasal prepositional verbs’. Their meaning is often not related to the
meaning of the original verb:
15. She really looks up to her grandfather. (admires)
16. We’re all looking forward to having a few days’ holiday together. (anticipate
with pleasure)
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200 Books
 Preposition Examples 1
A preposition is an important part of the English language. It is used to show a
relationship between the noun and pronoun in a sentence. A preposition must
always be followed by a noun or pronoun in a sentence. It can never be followed
by a verb.
There are many preposition examples that will make it easy to understand how
the parts of a sentence fit together and how the rules apply when it comes to
using a preposition in a sentence.
Examples of Prepositions
There are five different types of prepositions:
1. Simple prepositions
2. Double prepositions
3. Compound prepositions
4. Participle prepositions
5. Phrase prepositions
1. Simple Prepositions
Simple prepositions are words like at, for, in, off, on, over, and under. These
common prepositions can be used to describe a location, time or place.
Some examples of common prepositions used in sentences are:
 He sat on the chair.
 There is some milk in the fridge.
 She was hiding under the table.
 The cat jumped off the counter.
 He drove over the bridge.
 She lost her ring at the beach.
 The book belongs to Alka.
 They were sitting by the tree.
 We are running in the gym today.
 The sun is above the clouds.
 She lives near her workplace.
 She drew the picture with a crayon.
 He swam at the lake.
 I walked down the street.
 We located the key for the lock.
 The car went through the tunnel.
 I got a package from a friend.
 I have liked that song since 1999.
 She put the flowers by the window.
 The food was placed on the table.

2. Double Prepositions
Double prepositions are two simple prepositions used together, often indicating
direction. Some examples are into, upon, onto, out of, from within.
 Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess.
 The baby climbed onto the table.
 It is up to us to find the answer.
 The loud noise came from within the stadium.
 She never leaves without her phone.
 The bird sat atop the oak tree.
 The caterpillar turned into a butterfly.
 I was unable to get out of the appointment.

3. Compound Prepositions
Compound prepositions (or complex prepositions) consist of two or more words,
usually a simple preposition and another word, to convey location. Some
examples are in addition to, on behalf of, and in the middle of.
 She sat across from Tina.
 I attended the meeting on behalf of my company.
 We were in the middle of the storm.
 He has gym class in addition to his regular classes today.
 He picked up the penny from beneath the couch.
 Aside from singing, she also plays the piano at the bar.
 My car is parked in front of the mailbox.
 The weather will be good this weekend according to Ramanuj.

4. Participle Prepositions
Participle prepositions have endings such as -ed and -ing. Examples are words such
as considering, during, concerning, provided.
 She is interested in anything concerning horses.
 He works one job during the day and another at night.
 The dog kept following him home.
 All the neighbours were there including the new one.
 The principal was asking questions regarding her behaviour.
 Considering his age, he did a great job.
 He was frustrated at the situation.
 The teacher said no talking during class.

5. Phrase Prepositions
Phrase prepositions (or prepositional phrases) include a preposition, an object,
and the object's modifier. Examples include phrases like on time, at home, before
class, and on the floor.
 I will get to the conference on time.
 The baseball game was cancelled after the heavy rain.
 Shailesh found his homework under the bed.
 The children loved the gifts from their grandparents.
 He succeeded with a little help.
 We met to discuss the project before class.
 She left muddy footprints on the clean floor.
 According to his wishes, his funeral will be private.

Using Prepositions
Prepositions are words that show relationships. A sentence would not make sense
without the use of a preposition. There are different types of prepositions used in
the English language that not only add detail but make a sentence complete.
Prepositions are used to show location, time, direction, cause and possession.
===================================================================

Preposition Worksheets 2
Understanding prepositions is one of the aspects of understanding and
speaking the English language ... and preposition worksheets are great tools to
help. A preposition is a part of speech that shows relationship between a noun or
a pronoun to another word in a sentence. Prepositions will usually come before a
noun and refer to information related to time, location, or direction.

Examples of prepositions include:

above, after, against, as, at, beneath, between, behind, by, during, except, for
from, in, into, like, near, on, over, past, since, under, upon, and with.

To sharpen your grammar skills on preposition usage, or to give you ideas on how
to teach prepositions to others, here are links to sources of preposition
worksheets.

Importance of a Preposition
 A preposition is a word or phrase that connects a noun or
pronoun to a verb or adjective in a sentence. They are very important because
they help you understand sentences. Without prepositions, it would be impossible
to know the relationship between nouns, verbs, phrases and other such parts of a
sentence.
Perfect your knowledge of prepositions with these preposition worksheets listed
below.
Preposition Worksheets
Boggles World ESL contains preposition worksheets for young ESL learners. The
site also offers preposition flashcards.

ESL Printable contains English teaching worksheets and activities for teaching
prepositions to ESL students.

ESL Flow offers activities for teaching prepositions to ESL students as well as
worksheets for prepositions.

Teaching Ideas includes worksheets such as the Spot the Preposition - This activity
has a total of 20 pages. Each page has sentences on it that must be completed.
Children have to read each sentence and click on the word which they think is a
preposition. If they answer correctly, they see a happy face. If they are wrong,
they see a sad face. They can then go back to the previous page to answer again.
Their answers can be written in books, on paper or on the accompanying
worksheet available on the website. The site also features two more preposition
worksheets that students and teachers can use. The worksheet require children to
read a sentence containing a missing preposition. They must then select the
correct preposition from the list available on the page. This worksheet is available
in several printable formats.

EZ School has 4 preposition worksheets available for use.

Tools for Educators offers free prepositions worksheets, a prepositions of

movement worksheet maker, prepositions of place board games, prepositions
printable and teaching materials. You can also create worksheets with
corresponding images, as plain text, or with mixed text and images. All
worksheets are 100% customizable so you can make worksheets and activities
that will suit your students' needs.
ED Helper contains printable preposition worksheets on topics such as fill in the
missing preposition, write the preposition in each sentence, write the missing
preposition in the sentence and complete fill-in puzzle, and write the preposition
and the object of each preposition.

Technology's group of worksheets and exercises provide students ways to

practice using prepositions. Worksheet topics includes preposition identification,
sentence re-writing, picture matching, and the correct usage of prepositions.
Handouts Online contains printable preposition worksheets to aid ESL/TEFL
teachers in teaching prepositions to students.

Download-ESL has grammar exercises or worksheets related to teaching

prepositions. Browse the worksheets available, read their descriptions, and then
decide which one you would like to print out. Click on the thumbnail preview to
select your worksheet.

Using English offers free English grammar and vocabulary worksheets and
printable handouts, for ESL teachers to use in the classroom.

Magic Vocabulary.net contains printable worksheets and games for teaching

prepositions.
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Rules for Prepositions 3

Prepositions are relationship words. They provide clues and link
the remainder of the sentence together. Given their important role, there are
several important rules for prepositions to remember.
These rules relate to how they can be used, which prepositions can be used when,
and where they belong in the sentence. Let's dive right in.
Preposition Rules
Did you know there are hundreds of prepositions in the English language? A fun
way to remember prepositions is that they are words that tell you everywhere a
bunny can run; for example, a bunny can run:
 up
 down
 near
 far
 by
 at
 around
 close
 always
With some of these popular prepositions in mind, let's look at six important rules
for prepositions.

1. Pair Them Properly

Determining which preposition to use can be a tricky proposition. It's especially
difficult when dealing with idioms - expressions in the English language that don't
necessarily make sense when taken literally.
Idiomatic expressions are expressions you just have to memorize, and when errors
are made, they're almost always prepositional errors. Here are some examples of
idioms, along with the correct prepositions:
1. Alka would love to attend the party.
2. You're capable of anything you set your mind to.
3. Shailesh has been preoccupied with work lately.
4. The teacher is concerned by Tina's consistent tardiness.
5. Employees are prohibited from smoking on company property.

Each of the prepositions in bold are the only acceptable prepositions to follow the
verbs that precede them. For example, it wouldn't be grammatically correct to say
"love with" or "capable to."
For more, enjoy Idioms That Begin with Prepositions.

2. Watch What Follows Them

Prepositions must always be followed by a noun or pronoun. That noun is called
the object of the preposition. Note that a verb can't be the object of a preposition.
Let's look at two examples:
 The bone was for the dog.
This is correct. The preposition for is followed by the noun "dog."
 The bone was for walked.
This is not correct. The preposition for is followed by a verb "walked." A verb
can never be the object of a preposition.
This rule may seem confusing at first; you may have seen words that look like
verbs following the preposition to. For example:
 I like to ski.
 These boots are for skiing.
However, in these examples, "ski" and "skiing" are not acting as verbs.
In the first example, to ski is part of the infinitive. An infinitive occurs when a verb
is used as a noun, adjective, or adverb. Here, to ski is a thing that the person likes
doing, not an action they are performing.
In the second example, skiing is a gerund. Although a gerund is created out of a
verb, it's actually a noun. Here, skiing is a thing that the boots are for. No one in
this sentence is performing the act of skiing.

3. Avoid Using Them at the End of Sentences

Because prepositions must be followed by a noun and have an object, they should
rarely be placed at the end of a sentence. For example, it's generally not correct to
say:
 The table is where I put my books on.
However, there are certain circumstances where it is acceptable to end a sentence
with a preposition. These exceptions exist where the preposition isn't extraneous.
In other words, the preposition needs to be there, and if it wasn't, the meaning of
the sentence would change.
In the above example, the use of the preposition "on" isn't necessary. We could
remove "on" and the meaning would be the same. Therefore, the preposition was
extraneous or unnecessary. That said, here's an example where it's perfectly
acceptable to use a preposition at the end of a sentence:
 I turned the TV on.
If you removed "on" from the end of this sentence, it would change the meaning.
Instead of switching on the set, you would be saying that you turned the TV itself.
Alternatively, this could be written as, "I turned on the TV."

4. Never Substitute "Have" for "Of"

Teachers, writers, and grammarians would cringe at this construct:
 I should of come over.
Eek. Although it sounds like we say this all the time; we don't really. We might say,
"I should've come over," but that's about it. Here's what the above sentence
should look like:
 I should have come over.
"Have" is an important helping verb. The preposition "of" does nothing here to link
or join ideas together, as every preposition should.

5. Don't Confuse "In" and "Into"

When you want to express motion toward something, use "into" rather than "in."
Reserve "in" for moments when you want to indicate a location. Here are some
examples:
1. I swam in the lake. (Indicating location)
2. I walked into the pub. (Expressing motion)
3. Look in the cupboard. (Indicating location)
4. She drove into the city. (Expressing motion)
6. Try Not to Interchange "Than" and "From"
We'll close with more of a suggestion than a hard and fast rule. It deals with the
word "different." Try to avoid this:
 You look different than your mother.
Instead, opt for:
 You look different from your mother.
While the first example isn't wrong, a grammarian would scoff at the pairing. Why
not go for the sure fire win over the potentially eyebrow-raising format?
Peaceful Prepositions
Sometimes, it seems like prepositions are the peacemakers of the English
language. They join it all together with cohesion and clarity. They maintain a
thought's fluidity. For more on these peacemakers, check out these preposition
games and preposition worksheets.
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List of Common Prepositions 4

Prepositions are relationship words. They link nouns, pronouns, verbs and
phrases together in a sentence. Without prepositions, it would be impossible to
communicate. For example, would you understand a sentence that read "I want
go the mall get a dress prom"? Perhaps you might be able to decipher it, but it
certainly wouldn't be fun.
The missing words in that example are prepositions (to, and, for) and
there are many more prepositions you can use too. Let's familiarize ourselves with
a list of common prepositions.
Understanding Prepositions
There are several hundred prepositions in the English language, all of which are
used to show a relationship between ideas. One way to remember prepositions is
to think about anywhere a mouse can run. A mouse can run up, over, down,
under, to, and from. Those are all prepositions.
While this rule doesn't catch every preposition, it certainly can help you identify a
few of them.
List of Prepositions with Example Sentences
This list of 74 prepositions will help you to understand how to find them and why
they are so important.
1. Aboard: You can't climb aboard without a preposition.
2. About: Tell me about the game last night.
3. Above: Go above and beyond the call of duty.
4. According to: According to mom, playing hooky is bad.
5. Across: Try not to sit across from your brother at Thanksgiving dinner.
6. After: Let's go out for dinner after the show.
7. Against: You'll have to agree with everything if you don't vote against anything.
8. Ahead of: His new haircut was ahead of its time.
9. Along: Set up the chairs along the far wall, please.
10. Alongside: You can sit alongside your best friend at lunch.
11. Amid: Amid all the chaos, he still loves her.
12. Amidst: Amidst the rubble, you might find some treasure.
13. Among: It's good to be among friends.
14. Anti: We're anti complaining in this house.
15. Around: Do you want to hang around the mall with us?
16. As: As long as prepositions exist, sentences will make sense.
17. As far as: As far as I'm concerned, you're lovely.
18. As well as: Understanding prepositions, as well as their meanings, is
important.
19. At: He'll be waiting for you at the front door.
20. Atop: Stand atop the mountain and sing to the heavens.
21. Before: Did she arrive before he did?
22. Behind: Falling behind on your schoolwork would be bad.
23. Below: The mouse ran below the basement door.
24. Between: There can be no more secrets between you and me.
25. But: Everyone went to Paris but Amy.
26. By: The coffee mugs are by the water glasses.
27. Considering: Considering the weather, we're staying in tonight.
28. Down: What goes up must come down.
29. During: Do not talk during meditation.
30. Except: I would take you home, except I'm running late.
31. Excluding: I like everyone, excluding him.
32. Following: Following French class, we go straight to English class.
33. For: If it wasn't for literature, the world would cease to exist.
34. From: Watching television is far from important.
35. In: I'll be there in five minutes.
36. In addition to: In addition to your brains, you also have beauty.
37. In case of: In case of emergency, you can always call me.
38. Inside: Put the paper inside the file.
39. Into: Don't you just love getting into trouble?
40. Like: She looks just like her grandmother at that age.
41. Mid: Why must he always interrupt her mid-sentence?
42. Near: He lives near me.
43. Next: Next, hold the power button to turn on your computer.
44. Next to: Please don't sit next to me.
45. Notwithstanding: We're in the lead, notwithstanding David's departure.
46. Of: You remind of someone else.
47. Off: Would someone please get this bug off me?
48. On: Let's go sit on that stone wall.
49. On account of: On account of your bad attitude, you can stay home today.
50. On behalf of: On behalf of everyone, I'd like to welcome you to the
company.
51. On top of: On top of everything else, I have tons of work to do.
52. Onto: Are you ready to move onto the next preposition?
53. Opposite: We are on opposite sides of the court.
54. Outside: Without prepositions, you could never think outside the box.
55. Outside of: You should never colour outside of the lines.
56. Over: My brothers were fighting over the car.
57. Owing to: Owing to her sunny disposition, she's always the life of the party.
58. Past: We need to walk past the library to get there.
59. Per: Per his instructions, we took the road less travelled.
60. Plus: You want me to take the dog plus the cat? They hate each other!
61. Prior to: Prior to this, I never knew "prior" was a preposition.
62. Regarding: I'd like to speak with you now regarding your misconduct.
63. Round: This conversation is going round in circles.
64. Save: No one, save my sister, knows where I hide my journal.
65. Since: Alka hasn't visited since last summer.
66. Than: There are few prepositions greater than "than."
67. Through: When Alka went through the looking glass, she used a preposition.
68. Throughout: Throughout history, we've been taught to value prepositions.
69. To: He's going to the store.
70. Until: Until you learn to read, you'll never be happy.
71. Up: "Up, up, and away!" is a cry you couldn't say without prepositions.
72. With: She lives with her husband and 4 cats.
73. Within: Within the confines of many sentences, you're likely to find
prepositions.
74. Without: Without the preposition "without," you'd be without a clue.
===================================================================
 Idioms That Begin with Prepositions 5
There are hundreds of idioms that begin with prepositions in English.
Idioms are phrases that, taken literally, would either make no sense at all or have
an entirely different meaning from the idiomatic definition. "On the other hand,"
for example, could literally mean that there is something sitting on your hand, but
as an idiom, it refers to an alternative. "At a loss," on the other hand, doesn't
make much sense at all if you try to explain it using the literal meaning of each
word; it only makes sense taken as a whole--as an idiom.
The following list is by no means an exhaustive list of idioms that begin with
prepositions. It is, however, a litany of very commonly used idiomatic phrases.
Idioms that Begin with Prepositions
At
 at any rate: whatever happens or is happening
 at one's disposal: available for one's use
 at fault: causing a problem or accident
 at first: in the beginning
 at last: finally, after some delay , a feeling of exhaustion after a long period of
waiting)
 at a loss: unsure of what to do or say; speechless
Behind
 behind the scenes: influencing events secretly; unseen
Beside
 beside the point: irrelevant
By
 by accident: not on purpose
 by all means: by any possible method
 by hand: without the use of machinery
 by heart: from memory
 by mistake: accidentally
 by oneself: alone
 by the way: incidentally (used to introduce a new, unrelated topic)
For
 for good: permanently
 for a living: as a profession
 for one thing: because of one reason (out of several)
 for sale: intended to be sold
 for sure: definitely
 for now/ for the time being: until some other arrangement/decision is made
 for a while: for a period of time
From
 from scratch: from raw ingredients/materials; without anything pre-made
 from time to time: occasionally
In
 in advance: before something begins; early
 in any case: whatever happens
 in charge: in command; responsible for
 in common: shared by two or more people
 in danger: likely to be harmed (opposite: out of danger/out of harm's way)
 in a daze: unable to think clearly; confused
 in debt: owing money (opposite: out of debt)
 in demand: wanted by many people
 in the end: after everything is finished (describes a final outcome)
 in fact: in reality; really
 in a hurry: doing something quickly
 in itself: without anything else

 in the long run: in the end; eventually

 in mint condition: perfect; as though brand-new
 in a minute/moment/second: soon; quickly (used to tell how much longer it
will be until something happens)
 in no time: very soon; very quickly (used to tell how quickly something
happened)
 in season: (fruit or vegetables) ripe and available for sale at that time of year
(opposite: out of season)
 in trouble: blamed or punished for doing something wrong; in a difficult
situation (opposite: out of trouble)
 in vain: without success
 in the wrong: responsible for an error; guilty
Inside
 inside out: with the inner side out
Of
 of course: certainly; as one would expect; as everyone knows
 Off
 off and on: (describes a situation that exists at some times, but not others, over
a period of time)
On
 on account of: because of
 on the air: in the process of broadcasting (on radio or television)
 on all fours: (people) on hands and knees; (animals) on all four feet
 on demand: when requested or demanded
 on fire: burning; in flames (not burning as in turning black from staying in the
oven too long)
 on hand: available; in stock
 on the lookout: watchful

 on the one hand: (used to introduce the first side of an argument)

 on one's own: alone; without assistance
 on the other hand: alternatively (used with "on the one hand" to introduce a
contrasting side of an argument)
 on purpose: deliberately
 on sale: being sold at a reduced price
 on second thought: after thinking further
 on a shoestring: with very little money
 on the spur of the moment: spontaneously; on a sudden impulse
 on time: at the correct time
 on the verge of: very close to (an achievement)
Out
 out of the blue: unexpectedly
 out of breath: panting from a shortage of oxygen (usually due to physical
exertion)
 out of character: different from a person's known character
 out of order: not functioning
 out of the ordinary: unusual
 out of practice: unable to do something as well as one once could because of
lack of recent practice
 out of the question: not to be considered; not an option
 out of shape: not in top physical condition because of lack of exercise
(opposite: in shape)
 out of sight: not able to be seen; hidden (opposite: in sight)
 out of town: not in the city/town where one normally resides (opposite: in
town)
 out of tune: (of music/musical instruments) not at the correct pitch (opposite:
in tune)
 out of work: unemployed
To
 to a certain extent: partly
Under
 under one's breath: in a whisper; not intending to be heard
 under the circumstances: because of the current situation/circumstance
 under control: able to be controlled or influenced (opposites: out of
control/out of hand)
 under fire: being shot at; being criticized
 under the impression that: having the idea/belief that
 under the influence of: affected by (usually alcohol or drugs)
Up
 up in the air: uncertain (with regard to the outcome of a situation)
With
 with the naked eye: without the use of a lens
 with regard/respect to: concerning; about
 with a vengeance: more than usual; angrily
Within
 within reason: that is reasonable
English is full of figurative language--phrasal verbs and idioms that
begin with prepositions, phrasal verbs and idioms that end with prepositions, and
idioms that do not include prepositions at all. The vast number of idioms in English
make it one of the most difficult languages to learn, but now that you know these,
you are on your way!
===================================================================
 Ending a Sentence with a Preposition 6
Is ending a sentence with a preposition a recipe for bad
grammar? If you must prepare letters, reports, proposals, or other written
materials on a daily basis, it's a good idea to have a firm grasp of the essential
rules of English grammar. However, the topic of ending a sentence with a
preposition is one that continues to inspire debate even among those who are
committed to promoting good writing.
What Is a Preposition?
Before discussing whether or not it's acceptable to end a sentence
with a preposition, it's helpful to clarify what this term actually means. Essentially,
a preposition is a word that is used to create a relationship between other words.
In many cases, prepositions deal with concepts relating to location and time, such
as "under," "around," or "after." You'll also encounter multi-word prepositions
that serve the same kind of purpose, like "along with," "on top of," and "except
for."
Download Your Dictionary's list of common preposition words and
phrases within the English language to help you remember them.
View & Download PDF
Is Ending a Sentence with a Preposition Acceptable?
At one time, schoolchildren were taught that a sentence should
never end with a preposition. However, this is a rule from Latin grammar that was
applied to English. While many aspects of Latin have made their way into the
English language, this particular grammar rule is not suited for modern English
usage.
There are times when trying to avoid ending a sentence with a preposition creates
unnecessary and awkward phrasing.
 Winston Churchill once allegedly exclaimed, "That is the sort of thing up with
which I will not put!" to mock someone who criticized him for ending a
sentence with a preposition.
 "Who is he going to the movies with?" is much more natural and casual than
"With whom is he going to the movies?"
 Similarly, "Where are you coming from?" is much less formal than rearranging
the sentence to avoid ending in a preposition: "From where are you coming?"
Since the purpose of writing is to clearly communicate your thoughts and
ideas, it's perfectly acceptable to end a sentence with a preposition if the
alternative would create confusion or sound unnatural.
Clear and Communicative
However, it may still be worth revising your sentences to avoid ending
them with a preposition whenever possible if you wish to reduce the risk of
controversy.
Since there are still a number of people who believe ending a
sentence with a preposition is incorrect, considering your audience's thoughts on
the issue is a wise idea-particularly when you're trying to gain a new client or land
an important job interview. For example, "Which department is she in?" could
simply be rewritten to read as "She is in which department?" without influencing
clarity or comprehension.
===================================================================

Preposition Games 7
Prepositions are one of the eight major parts of speech. They are a
fairly important part of speech, as they help to determine the relationship
between all of the other words in a sentence. Prepositions are often referred to as
relationship word or direction words, since they dictate how
the nouns, pronouns and phrases relate to each other or together in a sentence.
Without prepositions, it would be very difficult to communicate meaning. For
example, a sentence that says, "the book is the table" has very little meaning; but,
a sentence that says "the book is on the table" suddenly makes a lot more sense
with the addition of the word "on." A great way to teach prepositions is with the
use of games.
Fun and Easy Preposition Games
Teaching prepositions can be both fun and easy with the help of some simple
preposition games.
Name That Preposition
The first preposition game can simply involve helping students to brainstorm as
many prepositions that they can think of. There are over 100 different
prepositions in the English language; so, students can have a lot of fun with this
game and can play for a long time.
Simply define a preposition for students, and then ask them to list as many as they
can. You can have them write their lists on a piece of paper and the student who
has the most prepositions wins the game.
Alternatively, you can have them go around the room and each student must
come up with a new preposition. As the students list the prepositions, you can
write them up on the board or on poster board that can be hung up and referred
back to later.
Preposition Scavenger Hunt
Once children have made a long list of prepositions, you can then do a
preposition scavenger hunt.
Have one student step out of the room for a moment and hide something in the
classroom, such as a piece of candy or some other desirable object. When the
student returns, the other students can direct him to the hidden object using only
prepositions.
For example, they can tell the student that the hidden object is "up, down,
around, against, aside, by, under" and so on. Ensure they use prepositions only
until the student finds the hidden object.
Prepositions in Context
Once students have gotten comfortable using prepositions, have them try to
recognize prepositions in the context of sentences or books.
Provide a worksheet or page in a book that has a long list of prepositions. Ask the
students to write out all of the prepositions they can find within the book. The first
student to find all the prepositions wins the game.
You can make this a bit easier by telling them just how many prepositions are
found within the context of the book; or, if you want to make the game a bit more
challenging, you can just let them keep looking until they think they have found
them all.
Prepositional Idioms
Once students have a general idea about prepositions and can use them in basic
sentences, you can take the lessons and activities a step further by explaining the
relationship between idiomatic rules and prepositions.
In the English language, certain words must be followed by certain prepositions.
For example, in English it is incorrect to say that you are "prohibited for" doing
something, or "capable to" do something. Instead, you are "prohibited from" or
"capable of."
These expressions are comfortable for most native English speakers simply
because students have heard the words often enough that the right preposition
simply flows. However, for non-native English speakers this can be challenging.
To help ensure that all of your students have a good grasp of the correct
preposition to use according to idiomatic rules, you can:
 Make a long list of words that must be followed by certain prepositions. Then,
go around the room and ask students to name the correct preposition that
accompanies each word.
 Provide a list on which some of these words are followed by the incorrect
preposition.
Challenge the students to find all of the words that violate idiomatic rules by using
the wrong preposition after the word.
===================================================================

Prepositional Phrases 8
Prepositional phrases modify nouns and verbs while indicating
various relationships between subjects and verbs. They are used to colour and
inform sentences in powerful ways.
Parts of a Prepositional Phrase
In simplest terms, prepositional phrases consist of a preposition and an
object of a preposition. Prepositions are indeclinable words that introduce the
object of a prepositional phrase. Indeclinable words are words that have only one
possible form. For example, below is a preposition, but belows or belowing are not
possible forms of below.
The noun phrase or pronoun that follows the preposition is called the
subject of the preposition. For example, behind the couch is a prepositional phrase
where behind is the preposition and the noun phrase the couch acts as the subject
of the preposition. Sometimes adjectives are used to further modify the subject of
the preposition, as in behind the big old smelly green couch.
Formal Functions of Prepositions
Prepositions perform three formal functions in sentences. They can act
as an adjective modifying a noun, as an adverb modifying a verb, or as a nominal
when used in conjunction with the verb form to be.
Prepositions Functioning as Adjectives
In the following sentences, prepositional phrases perform the function
of modifying the nouns boat, pen, and truck:
Look at the boat with the blue sail. Please hand me the pen next to the
telephone. Have him move the truck with the trailer.
Prepositions Functioning as Adverbs
In these examples, notice how the prepositional phrases perform adverbial
functions by modifying the verbs after, stalled, and won:
The coyote runs after the rabbit. The car stalled despite the tune-up. The team
won without the starting quarterback.
Prepositions Functioning as Nominal
In English, sometimes words function as nouns but aren't themselves
nouns. These words are called nominal. Prepositions sometimes perform this
important function in sentences when they are used in conjunction with the
verb to be. For example:
The park is next to the hospital. The student is between an A and a B. The fight
scene is before the second act.
Semantic Properties of Prepositions
In semantic terms, the preposition functions to illustrate a logical,
temporal, or spatial relationship between the object of the prepositional phrase
and the other components of the sentence. Consider the following examples:
The dog is asleep on his bed.
In this example, the prepositional phrase on his bed indicates a spatial
relationship between the subject dog and the object bed. If the preposition on was
replaced with under or beneath the spatial relationship would be altered.
The town hasn't been the same since the war.
In this sentence, the prepositional phrase since the war indicates a
temporal relationship between the verb phrase hasn't been the same and the
object war.
The family survived despite the accident.
The prepositional phrase despite the accident in this sentence indicates
a logical relationship between the survival of the family and the accident.
List of Common Prepositions
The following chart lists the most commonly used prepositions in English:
View & Download PDF
Responsible Use
There are no rules that govern how much nouns and verbs can be
modified in English. Often writers employ prepositional phrases excessively,
creating an almost comical effect in an attempt at over clarification. The following
sentence implements a string of propositional phrases to modify the verb stood.
The old farmhouse stood for years, after the revolution, by the fork in the road,
beyond the orange grove, over the wooden bridge, at the farthest edge of the
family's land, toward the great basin, down in the valley, under the old mining
town, outside the city's limits, and past the end of the county maintained road.
Prepositional phrases, in theory, can modify sentences infinitely.
Therefore, it is important for writers to understand their form and function in
order to make appropriate stylistic choices.
===================================================================

Prepositional Phrase Examples 9

Prepositions are connectors. They link nouns (and pronouns) to
verbs or adjectives. For example, "Matthew walked to the farmers' market."
In addition to being connectors, prepositions can also act as
information-givers when they form prepositional phrases. An example of a
prepositional phrase is, "With a reusable tote in hand, Matthew walked to the
farmer's market."
Every prepositional phrase is a series of words consisting of a
preposition and its object. In the example above, "with" is the preposition and
"reusable tote" is the object. In a prepositional phrase, the object may be a noun,
pronoun, gerund, or clause. A prepositional phrase can function as
an adjective or adverb. Let's explore several prepositional phrase examples to see
them shift into each of these roles.
Commonly Used Prepositional Phrases
There are certain prepositions that we use more often than others. They
pop up in our daily speech and writing. Let's take a look at some of them in the
context of prepositional phrases:
 According to the weather forecast
 Across many deserts
 After many tries
 Amid the confusion
 Around the world
 Before we start the meeting
 Between a rock and a hard place
 By the light of the moon
 Like a beautiful swan
 Near the ocean
 Of my boss
 Off the top
 Out the door
 Through the looking glass
 Throughout the thick forest
 To the amusement park
For more, enjoy this list of common prepositions.
Prepositional Phrases as Adjectives
Adjectives modify nouns, pronouns, and other adjectives. They can be
simple words that provide more detail. For example, "The old book sounded so
intriguing." However, prepositional phrases can also act as adjectives, providing
additional detail about nouns. Take a look at the manner in which they can tell us
more about the nearby noun (indicated in italics):
 The book with the tattered cover has been read many times.
 All the passengers aboard the runaway train were frightened.
 The present inside the big box is mine.
 Our boss put out a memo regarding the new rule.
 The clues within the first few chapters will lead to the murderer.
 His is only one voice among many, but it will be heard.
 The extra blanket is in the box under the bed.
 Shailesh, unlike many others, will remain there.
 The car beside the red one is the one I want to buy.
 The area outside the boundary is dangerous to cross.
 All rooms below deck are for sleeping.
 Tell me the story about the dragon slayer.
Prepositional Phrases as Adverbs
While adjectives modify nouns, adverbs modify verbs and other
adverbs. They, too, can be simple words. For example, "She frantically raced for
the door." Prepositional phrases can also act as adverbs, providing additional
detail about verbs (indicated in italics). Here are some examples:
 Racing toward the finish line, Alka realized she just might win.
 My shopping list needs to be put into my purse.
 The balloon drifted up the stairs.
 Put the fresh flowers on a high shelf.
 Our team won against all odds.
 The tiger crept over the grass.
 We will order pizza during halftime.
 I will climb up the highest mountain tomorrow.
 I love to take my truck off the road.
 The baby cried well into the night.
Powerful Prepositional Phrases
Prepositional phrases are built upon tiny little words like "of," "at,"
"to," and "in." And, yet, they take on so many roles. They provide us with more
information, act as adjectives, and stand in as adverbs. Now that you're familiar
with prepositional phrases, take a quick look through these Rules for
Prepositions to make sure you always use them with precision. And, when you're
ready, enjoy these Preposition Worksheets.
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Prepositions: Correct Usage of In and On 10

Look at how tiny these prepositions are: in and on. Yet, their stature
doesn't mean a thing. These two-letter words often trip English speakers up. Let's
take a look at prepositions and the correct usage of in and on. We'll start with
basic definitions and then explore several examples of each.
Using "In"
"In" is defined as inside an area, moving from a point outside to a point inside.
 We might say, "The dog is in her bed," or, "She moved in with her boyfriend
this weekend." In each example, we have someone or something that's moving
from the outside, in. In this function, "in" typically denotes something is resting
at a specific place. You could also say, "He lives in England."
 "In" is also used to note a specific occupation or function. So, we might say,
"She works in the Department of Justice," or, "He works in nanotechnology.."
 "In" is also used to indicate a moment in time. You'll see it used to indicate
times of the day, months, years, and even seasons. For example, we might say,
"I love to journal in the morning." Or, gardeners will say, "The yellow roses will
bloom in April."
In Summary: "In" is used when you want to indicate a position within a limited
space, but in a more general sense. It's best suited when you want to say
something is contained within something else or inside something else.
Using "On"
"On" is used to indicate position, usually indicating that something is on top of
something else.
 We might say, "My journal is on the desk." In this function, "on" typically
denotes proximity or position. Another example would be, "He sat on the stone
wall."
 Here's the fine point. "On" is used to indicate a position atop a surface or just
above or outside a given area. So, you could also say, "Steven got a
tattoo on his chest," or, "She placed the star on the tree."
 "On" is also used to indicate more specific days and dates. So, we have "in" for
select, general moments in time and "on" for particular days and dates. For
example, "He left on the morning of May 18," or, "We look forward to your
gifts on Christmas Eve."
In Summary: "On" is generally used when you want to indicate a position above or
atop a space.
A Bit About "At"
"At" is another tricky preposition. It's used to indicate what an action is referring
to. Or, it's used to show a condition or something that's happening.
 "She is pointing her finger at him." In this example, her action (pointing) is in
the direction of "him."
 "He is looking at the sculpture." In this example, his action (looking) is directed
toward something (the sculpture).
 You could also say "at" is generally used to describe a static position. It's
replaced with "in" or "on" when a more precise indication of location is
needed. So, we might say, "He's at work," but then we'd also say, "He's in the
office," when it's time to be more precise.
The reason prepositions become tricky is because they're all connectors.
So, they have the same function, but they work in very different ways. Here's
further discussion about at and how it is used.
In Summary: "At" is used when you want to escape specificities and indicate a
general location. Alternatively, it's also used to show a condition or something
that's happening, as in, "He's looking at her."
What About "Into" Too?
"Into" is defined as moving from the outside to the inside. Sound familiar? That's
the exact same definition as "in." An example of "into" would be, "He
walked into the ballroom."
Even though their definition is the same, we've come to use the two
words differently. Here's how to differentiate between the two and make sure
your grammar/usage is always on point. When you find yourself torn between "in"
and "into," ask yourself this: Is someone or something moving from one place to
another? If so, the correct choice is "into." So, we'd say, "He's moving out of the
old apartment and into his new home today."
In Summary: "Into" is used when you want to indicate that someone or something
is moving from one place to another, not just moving into a limited or specific
space.
Preposition Practice
It's safe to say prepositions are one of the least-liked parts of
speech. They're tricky and they come with a slew of rules. Since they're so easily
tangled, it can be frustrating when precision is key. Fear not. Just remember their
root value: they're connectors. Then, you can commit some of these nattier and
grittier rules to memory over time.
Study on with this list of common prepositions. Then, see how familiar you are
with these common rules for prepositions.
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 PREPOSITIONS
Prepositions are words which begin prepositional phrases.

A prepositional phrase is a group of words containing a preposition,

a noun or pronoun object of the preposition, and any modifiers of the object.

A preposition sits in front of (is “pre-positioned” before) its object.

The following words are the most commonly used prepositions:

about below excepting off toward

above beneath for on under

across beside(s) from onto underneath

after between in out until

against beyond in front of outside up

along but inside over upon

among by in spite of past up to

around concerning instead of regarding with

at despite into since within

because of down like through without

before during near throughout with regard to

behind except of to with respect to

It is useful to locate prepositional phrases in sentences since any noun or pronoun
within the prepositional phrase must be the preposition’s object and, therefore,
cannot be misidentified as a verb’s direct object.

To the store is a prepositional phrase.

Store is the object of the preposition to, not the direct object of the verb drove.

Car is the direct object of the verb drove.

To the grocery store is a prepositional phrase.

 NOTE:

A word that looks like a preposition but is actually part of a verb is called
a particle.

Held up is a verb meaning “to rob.”

Therefore, up is not a preposition, and bank is not the object of a preposition.

Instead, bank is the direct object of the verb held up.

To avoid confusing prepositions with particles, test by moving the word (up) and
words following it to the front of the sentence:

Up the bank four armed men held.

If the resulting sentence does not make sense, then the word belongs with the
verb and is a particle, not a preposition.

Note the difference:

The resulting sentence makes sense. Therefore, up is a preposition.

The resulting sentence does not make sense. Therefore, up is a particle in this
sentence.
 The following examples illustrate the difference between prepositions and
particles:

Some other examples of particles:

give in turn in pull through wore out broke up

go in for put in for bring up found out blow up
look up make up look over
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 Examples of Prepositional Phrases 1
What Is a Prepositional Phrase?
You may wonder what a preposition is. It is a word that
connects two phrases or ideas in a sentence. The usage of prepositions is for
specifying when, how, why and where. The most basic form of a prepositional
phrase includes a preposition and its object. They can both be a single word or
a group of words that can express a single idea. The true purpose of using a
prepositional phrase is to give some additional information about a noun, verb,
adjective, or adverb.

There are some that say there are more than 150 prepositions in
total, but one does not need to memorize all the prepositions in order to
identify one in a sentence. Because prepositional phrases are here to provide
extra information about a clause.

Examples of Prepositional Phrases

Here are some examples of prepositional phrases. The prepositions
are in bold. And the 2nd sentence is for what the sentences look like without
the use of prepositional phrases.

Examples:

 This second is the first second of the minute. The first day is part of the month.

 I take my coffee with no milk or sugar. My coffee does not include sugar or
milk.

 Last year, we met in May. When we met was in May.

 He likes all dogs except for bulldogs. All dogs does not include bulldogs.

Parts of a Prepositional Phrase

Every prepositional phrase consists of one or more prepositions and
one or more objects.

a. Preposition
As mentioned earlier, prepositions are used to specify when, where,
how, and why. A preposition links a part of a sentence with that of another.
 Examples:

to, for, with, by, at, on, in, of, and many more.

 by the book

 inside my small intestine

 on the glove

b. Objects
The 2nd part of a prepositional phrase would be called the object of a
preposition. The object of a preposition is also the word or phrase that gives a
preposition its meaning. It tells us something about the time, place, manner, or
intention of the idea or phrase it modifies.

It went to the moon.

The full prepositional phrase is “to the moon.” The preposition in this
sentence is to, the object of the preposition is the moon, and the modified
phrase is it went.

c. Multiple Prepositions
There are times when a prepositional phrase begins with more than
one preposition. A combination of two or more prepositions would express a
different meaning than their individual parts. Here are some examples:

Examples:

 I ate a piece off of the apple.

 He appeared out of nowhere.

 He climbed out of the car.

 The book is made out of leaves.

Types of Prepositional Phrases

Prepositional phrases can also be used to provide all sorts of
information about a noun, pronoun, or verb. But most of the prepositional
phrases would usually fall into these following categories.

a. Who?
 There are some prepositional phrases that tell us who did something or who
got something.

Examples:

 Tina was scarred by the spider. Who did it.

 Bina gave the present to Geeta. Who received it.

b. With..?
Then there are other prepositional phrases that tell us what is used in
order to complete an action.

Examples:

 Alan washed his dad’s horse with a bucket. What was used.

 Arnold bought new shows with his Amazon account. What was used.

c. When?
A particular way of expressing when an event happens is with the use
of a prepositional phrase.

Examples:

 They can start investigating it in the afternoon. When generally.

 The playoffs will begin at exactly one o’clock. When exactly

 My dream will start after I fall asleep. When

d. Where?
There are also times where we specify exactly where something is, so
we almost always use prepositional phrases.

Examples:

 The roof is above the house.

 The car is at the dealers.

 The pill is in the drawer.

e. Why?
 Reasons for activities can also be expressed using prepositional phrases.

Examples:

 I went to London to scout some upcoming talent. What for.

 Shailesh fought all night for the safety of tomorrow. Why.

How to Avoid Mistakes with Prepositional Phrases

a. Phrasal Verbs are not Prepositional Phrases
Some verbs seem to have a specific meaning especially when they are
combined with certain prepositions. These multi-word verbs are called phrasal
verbs. The two are quite similar, but phrasal verbs shouldn’t be confused with
prepositional phrases. Below are some examples of phrasal verbs:

 The rivals entered into a temporary truce.

 It’s always better to tell the truth than to make up a lie you can’t defend.

 He and I never get along at all.

There have been many overlaps between phrasal verbs and

prepositional phrases that sometimes it is almost impossible to tell them apart
from each other. For instance, if a verb were to change its meaning completely
when it is combined with a certain preposition, it can be considered a phrasal
verb. When a verb and a preposition both maintain their original meaning, the
combination is likely to be a prepositional phrase.

b. Infinitives are not Prepositional Phrases

Infinitives and prepositional phrases most often seem to be
quite identical. However, an infinitive is practically the basic form of a verb that
is not have a connection to the subject of a sentence. Infinitives are formed by
combining the word to and the stem of a verb. For example:

It’s easy to kill a puppy.

In this example, to kill does not have a subject. An infinitive is usually a

process or activity. So, even though there is a preposition (to), there is no
prepositional phrase present.

Examples:
 He wanted to blow dry his hair for his school yearbook.

 Don’t tell us when you’re ready to go because we always forget.

 I like to play ball in the court in winter.

To has many uses especially in different situations and as different

parts of speech. Although to is often used as a preposition, it can also be used
to form infinitives.

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Preposition Sentences Examples 2
Communication is part of our day-to-day lives. When we
communicate, it is our aim to make the people we’re communicating with to
understand the message we relay to them. Correct grammar is important to the
structure of the sentences, even the ordinary phrases, we say because this
makes the message we deliver cohesive and comprehensive. There are eight
parts of speech that contribute a lot to make our messages cohesive and
comprehensive, namely: verbs, nouns, pronouns, adverbs, adjectives,
conjunctions, interjections, and commonly used prepositions. These parts of
speech define the use and function of a word within a sentence construction. It
is important to understand the parts of speech because a word can have one
more function and the parts of speech can help in determining the definition
and the way words are used in a sentence construction. In this article, we
would discuss one of the parts of speech — preposition.

 Examples of Prepositional Phrases

 Creative Examples of Idioms

What is a Preposition?

A preposition, like the other parts of speech, is important especially in the

English grammar since it provides information to the receivers of the message
such as the place, time, and date of an event and even in describing something
or someone. Prepositions are usually placed before a noun or pronoun to
express the relationship between another noun used in the sentence
construction. Prepositions are also used to introduce information to the
receiver of the message. Information such as place, time, date, and even
descriptive information. You may also see the Assonance and Consonance.
There are around 80 to 100 prepositions used in the English language.

Types of Prepositions
There are six types of prepositions:

1. Prepositions of Time
The prepositions of time indicate, as the terms suggest, time.

The prepositions of time include in, on, and at.

In

Sentence example using the preposition in:

1. I will have a tour in 2019.

2. I will meet you in the 3rd week of January.

3. I used to hang out in the past.

On

Sentence example using the preposition on:

1. She will have a concert tour on Monday.

2. She will have her birthday on the 11th of August.

3. I will have a break on Independence Day.

At

Sentence example using the preposition at:

1. He will open the concert at 6:00 PM.

2. He will meet you at night.

3. I will leave at lunchtime.

2. Prepositions of Place
The aforementioned prepositions in, on, and at, can also be used to indicate
places

In
Sentence example using the preposition in:

1. I live in the United States of America.

2. I hang out in a library.

3. I like to keep my pets in a room.

On

Sentence example using the preposition on:

1. She left the music box on the table.

2. She wrote a message for me on the blackboard.

3. I scribbled a note on the map.

At

Sentence example using the preposition at:

1. He will tell her to meet at the bus stop.

2. He is currently at the entrance gate.

3. I will hang out tonight at the edge of the cliff.

3. Prepositions for Direction

These prepositions, namely into, to, through, and towards

Sentences using the preposition for direction:

1. The students are heading to the ground.

2. The dog was running towards the field.

3. The participants were walking through the forest.

4. The woman was walking into the woods.

4. Prepositions of Agent
These prepositions, namely by and with, are used to show a causal relationship
between the doer of the action or the noun and the action.

By
Sentence example using the preposition of agent:

1. A drink was mixed by the bartender.

2. The machine was invented by the students.

3. A lot of eggs was broken by the bagger.

5. Prepositions of Instrument, Devices or Machine

These prepositions, namely on, by, and with, are used to join the subject of the
sentence or the noun to other words used in the sentence.
Sentence examples using the prepositions of an instrument, devices, or
machine:

1. She arrived home by bus.

2. The canned good cannot be opened with the knife.

3. She baked the cupcakes with a Crockpot.

Kinds of Prepositions
If there are types of preposition, there are also kinds of preposition:

1. Simple Preposition
The simple prepositions, the short, one-worded ones used in simple sentences.
Here are some simple prepositions:

1. at
2. by
3. for
4. from
5. in
6. into
7. of
8. off
9. on
10. out
11. over
 12. till
13. to
14. up
15. upon
16. with
17. under
18. down
Examples of sentences with simple preposition:

1. I am heading to the airport.

2. He is from the neighbouring town.
3. She fell into the water.
4. We stood by the riverbank.
5. They bought the roasted pig for tomorrow’s celebration.
6. Compound Preposition
 Compound prepositions are formed by adding preposition before introducing
the noun, an adjective or an adverb. It is when we join nouns, pronouns, and
phrases that we can form or create compound prepositions. You may also see
the Kid Friendly Idioms.

Some Compound Prepositions:

1. about
2. across
3. among
4. beside
5. before
6. without
7. inside
8. outside
Examples of sentences with compound prepositions:

1. The girl is sleeping beside her mother and her father.

2. She left before he arrived.
3. He always talks about her.
 4. I just live across the street.
5. She could not live without her dog.
2. Double Preposition
Double prepositions are two prepositions joined together to make a connection
between the nouns, pronouns, and phrases in a sentence which is joined
together to connect nouns, pronouns, and phases with other words in a
sentence.

Here are some of the common double prepositions:

1. outside of
2. out of
3. from behind
4. up to
5. next to
6. because of
7. according to
Examples of sentences with a compound preposition:

1. A cute cat emerged from behind the post.

2. The event was cancelled because of the rain.
3. Next to writing, my favourite hobby is drawing.
3. Participle Preposition
The participle preposition is formed when you would add -ing to the verbs but
it does not act as verbs but as participle which functions similar to that of an
adjective.

Here are some of the common participle preposition:

1. considering
2. during
3. following
4. including
Examples of sentences with compound prepositions:

1. Considering the given situation, the teacher should have understood our
side,
 2. He was a heroic icon during the war.
3. Following the death of her parents, their son inherited the mansion.
4. No one should be exempted from the incident including the class officers.
Formal Functions of Prepositions
Prepositions have three formal functions, namely:

1. as an adjective modifying a noun

2. as an adverb modifying verb; and,
3. as a nominal when it used in conjunction and along with the verb form “to
be”.
What is a Prepositional Phrase?
Learning about prepositions, you might also hear about the prepositional
phrase. Prepositions are always a part of a prepositional phrase. A
prepositional phrase functions either as an adjective or an adverb. Alliteration
Examples and Samples For Kids

Functions of a Prepositional Phrase

As previously mentioned, there are two functions of a prepositional phrase,
namely as an adjective and as an adverb.

A prepositional phrase that acts as an adjective, answers the question “which

one?”.

Examples:

1. The lamp on the bedside table is broken from overheating.

Which lamp (one)? The one on the bedside table.

The prepositional phrase “on the bedside table” acts as an adjective to “the
lamp”.

2. The ham sandwiches in the refrigerator are all green with mould.

Which ham sandwiches (one)? The one in the refrigerator.

The prepositional phrase “in the refrigerator” acts as an adjective to “the

lamp”.

3. The letter from the principal indicated that he has been suspended.
Which letter (one)? The one from the principal.

The prepositional phrase “from the principal” acts as an adjective to “the

letter”.

A prepositional phrase that acts as an adverb answers the questions “How?”

“When?”, and “Where?”.

Examples:

1. In the evening, he would wash the dishes.

When does he wash the dishes? In the evening.

The prepositional phrase “in the evening” acts as an adverb of time.

2. On the topmost table, you can find the goods.

Where can you find the goods? On the topmost table.

The prepositional phrase “on the topmost table” acts as an adverb of place.

3. By standing straight, he manages to balance.

How did he manage to balance? By standing straight.

The prepositional phrase “by standing straight” acts as an adverb of manner.

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 Prepositions "On," "At," and "In"
A preposition is a word that links a noun, pronoun, or noun
phrase to some other part of the sentence. Prepositions can be tricky for English
learners. There is no definite rule or formula for choosing a preposition. In the
beginning stage of learning the language, you should try to identify a preposition
when reading or listening in English and recognize its usage.

 to the office
 at the desk
 on the table
 in an hour
 about myself

A preposition is used to show direction, location, or time, or to

introduce an object. Here are a few common prepositions and examples.

On

Used to express a surface of something:

 I put an egg on the kitchen table.

 The paper is on my desk.

Used to specify days and dates:

 The garbage truck comes on Wednesdays.

 I was born on the 12th day of February in 1975.

Used to indicate a device or machine, such as a phone or computer:

 He is on the phone right now.

 She has been on the computer since this morning.
 My favourite movie will be on TV tonight.

Used to indicate a part of the body:

 The stick hit me on my shoulder.

 She kissed me on my cheek.
 I wear a ring on my finger.
Used to indicate the state of something:

 Everything in this store is on sale.

 The building is on fire.

At

Used to point out specific time:

 I will meet you at 12 p.m.

 The bus will stop here at 5:45 p.m.

Used to indicate a place:

 There is a party at the club house.

 There were hundreds of people at the park.
 We saw a baseball game at the stadium.

Used to indicate an email address:

 Please email me at [email protected]

Used to indicate an activity:

 He laughed at my acting.
 I am good at drawing a portrait.

In

Used for unspecific times during a day, month, season, year:

 She always reads newspapers in the morning.

 In the summer, we have a rainy season for three weeks.
 The new semester will start in June.

Used to indicate a location or place:

 She looked me directly in the eyes.

 I am currently staying in a hotel.
 My hometown is Los Angeles, which is in California.

Used to indicate a shape, colour, or size:

  This painting is mostly in blue.
 The students stood in a circle.
 This jacket comes in four different sizes.

Used to express while doing something:

 In preparing for the final report, we revised the tone three times.
 A catch phrase needs to be impressive in marketing a product.

Used to indicate a belief, opinion, interest, or feeling:

 I believe in the next life.

 We are not interested in gambling.

[Quiz 22.1]
Identify all prepositions in the following sentences.

After flying for many hours, we finally got off the airplane. We walked out the exit
and went to the baggage claim area. There were hundreds of different bags on the
conveyer belt. I almost picked up the wrong one because it looked like mine.
[Quiz 22.2]
Choose a correct preposition in the sentence.
(1) I want to lose 5 kilogram (on, at, in) one month.
(2) Could you get me this pants (on, at, in) a larger size?
(3) She seems to be interested (on, at, in) Psychology.
(4) I will come to pick you up (on, at, in) 2 pm tomorrow.
(5) This class will be held (on, at, in) Mondays.
Answers
[22.1]
After flying for many hours, we finally got off the airplane. We walked out the exit
and went to the baggage claim area. There were hundreds of different bags on the
conveyer belt. I almost picked up the wrong one because it looked like mine.
[22.2]
(1) in (2) in (3) in (4) at (5) on
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NO. 1073 sentences
1 A collar goes about the neck.
2 Ahmedabad is not near Bombay.
3 Bombay is more than four hundred kilometres from Ahmedabad.
4 Does he live close to his office ?
5 Don't plant flowers close to that tree.
6 Don't stand far from the table.
7 He gathered his family about him.
8 He has a bruise just below his right eye.
9 He has mud on his shoes.
10 He is at school.
11 He jumped off the horse.
12 He lives in the first building across the bridge.
13 He lives on the floor below us.
14 He pulled his chair close to the table.
15 He rubbed his eyes and looked about himself.
16 He sat among all his grand-children.
17 He sat between his two sons.
18 I always prefer to stay in a hotel near the station.
19 I can't see anything beyond that tree.
20 I have a house in the city.
21 I have always lived in a bungalow.
22 I lost my purse somewhere between the bank and the station.
23 I sat against the lamp-post.
24 I saw him at the book-store.
25 I went along the river bank.
26 I will meet you at the station.
27 In winter I prefer to sit by the fire.
28 Is Navsari far from here ?
29 Is the bank far from your office ?
30 Kanu lives near his friend Shirish.
31 Manu is sitting between Rama and Maya.
32 Mayur is sitting by the window.
33 Mina is sitting by me.
34 Mira was standing among the other girls.
35 My brother is at home now.
36 My house is across the river.
37 My house is near the school.
38 My house is next to the Model Cinema.
39 My house is not far from the city limits.
40 My house is very close to the main road.
41 My new house is beyond the bridge.
42 Nirav is sitting on the sofa.
43 No, it's not far from my office.
44 None knows what is beyond the horizon.
45 Park the car off the road.
46 People stood along the main road to see the prime minister.
47 Please hang this mirror on the wall.
48 Please keep off the grass.
49 Please take the newspaper off the floor.
50 Please walk on the foot-path.
51 Put the chair against the door, so that it can remain open.
52 Put these magazines on the shelf below the books.
53 Shall I sign above the line or below ?
54 She had a gold chain about her neck.
55 She has a scarf around her neck.
56 She sat close to her mother.
57 The bank is between the hotel and the hospital.
58 The book fell off the table.
59 The book is on the desk.
60 The book is on the table.
61 The bookcase is against the wall.
62 The dog is lying on the ground.
63 The handle has come off.
64 The heel came off her chappal.
65 The ladder was placed against the tree.
66 The lid is off the pan.
67 The lid is on the pan.
68 The lift does not go above the third floor.
69 The little boy sat beside his mother.
70 The paint is wet. Don't lean against the door.
71 The papers are in the drawer .
72 The patient could not walk beyond the gate.
73 The police made a search throughout the house.
74 The post office is by the bank.
75 The post office is just across the road.
76 The post office is just off the main road.
77 The rumour of his death spread throughout the country.
78 The school is not far from here.
79 The shade is off the lamp.
80 The sky is above the heads.
81 The temple is close to the main market.
82 The theatre is next to the post office.
83 Their house is off Sardar Patel Road.
84 There is a toy in the box.
85 There is an old building beside the stream.
86 There is open fields beyond my town.
87 There was a drought throughout the district.
 88 They live in a flat above the clouds.
89 They planted flowers along the path.
90 They stood around him, while he spoke.
91 We looked for shells along the shore.
92 We stayed at home.
93 We walked along the road.
94 What did you eat at the hotel ?
95 Who is at the door ?
96 Who is in the room ?
97 Who stays on the floor above you ?
98 Wind blew through the trees.
99 You will find an orange in the refrigerator.
100 You will find many road-signs along the highway.
101 B comes before C.
102 Come after 3 o' clock, not earlier than that.
103 Come by four o' clock.
104 Don't sit in front of the door.
105 Don't stand before me.
106 Don't take any action till June.
107 During the summer holidays, we stayed at Mahabaleshwar.
108 He bowed before the minister.
109 He held the umbrella over the prime minister.
110 He hid behind the table.
111 He hung the picture over the platform.
112 He may check your papers in a fortnight.
113 He may check your papers in five weeks.
114 He may check your papers in two days.
115 He may return your books in a year.
116 He may return your books in four months.
117 He stood behind the tree.
118 He was absent throughout June.
119 He was born in 1975.
120 He was standing ahead of me in the queue at the theatre.
121 He was walking in front of the procession.
122 He went to Bombay on Monday.
123 He will be here till next Monday.
124 He will call you in the afternoon.
125 He will call you in the evening.
126 He will call you in the morning.
127 He will not come here till the seventh.
128 Her birthday falls in July.
129 I don't think the old man will live through the night.
130 I have been living in Amreli since 2002.
131 I have been working since one o' clock.
132 I have been working since one o' clock.
133 I have lived here since 2002.
134 I may return at dawn.
135 I may return at day-break.
136 I may return at dinner time.
137 I may return at noon.
138 I may return at sunset.
139 I shall be free after two weeks.
140 I was born on the 12th February 1975.
141 I was sleeping throughout the lecture.
142 I was wide awake throughout the night.
143 I will go to Bombay on the tenth.
144 I will return the book by the first of next month.
145 India can be super power in two centuries.
146 It is five minutes past twelve. (12:05)
147 It is five minutes to twelve. (11:55)
148 It is ten minutes past four. (04:10)
149 It is twenty to five.(04:40)
150 It rained during the morning.
151 It rained throughout the night.
152 My kite trapped in the telegraph wires over the streets.
153 Please collect your ticket before 7:30.
154 Please come at two o'clock.
155 She might call you at bath time.
156 She might call you at bed time.
157 She might call you at bed time.
158 She might call you at supper time.
159 She might call you at tea time.
160 She works all through the day.
161 The aeroplane flew over the town.
162 The bell had rung before I reached the school.
163 The box is under the table.
164 The buses leave on the hour.
165 The cat is sitting on the mat.
166 The children are playing in front of the house.
167 The computer may respond in a minute.
168 The computer may respond in a second.
169 The computer may respond in an hour.
170 The computer may respond in five seconds.
171 The express train was ahead of the local train.
172 The man ahead of me was walking very slowly.
173 The meeting will begin at 1:30 pm.
174 The patient was restless all through the morning.
175 The show starts at half past seven.
 176 The sky is over our heads.
177 The sun always shines brightly in summer.
178 The sun shines over the earth.
179 The thief must have entered the house during the night.
180 There are many trees in front of his bungalow.
181 There is a big bridge over the river.
182 There is a crack in the wall over the window.
183 There is a crack in the wall under the window.
184 There is a small garden behind the bungalow.
185 There is a table-cloth over the table.
186 There was a big crowd in front of the Town Hall.
187 They have fixed a small cabinet over the sink.
188 They have given your name before mine on the list.
189 This city can't be cleaned in a decade.
190 Until her father's death, she had worked in my office.
191 Uttarayana falls in January.
192 We became free in 1947.
193 We can hear the croaking frogs in monsoon.
194 We waited for you until 3.30.
195 We wear warm cloths in winter.
196 We will go to Diu on the new year's day.
197 When I was a student, I used to work till eleven every night.
198 Who is standing behind you ?
199 Will you please go ahead ?
200 You must finish the work by Monday.
201 A lot of planes go over the city.
202 Come to me, please.
203 Dhara forgot the I-card in a hurry.
204 Did the children run out of the house.
205 Did you see the person passing by our shop ?
206 Don't behave like a mad man.
207 Don't run across the road.
208 Generally, we play cricket during winter.
209 He came out of the house.
210 He came straight from the school.
211 He drove up the road.
212 He eats like a pig.
213 He fell down from the first floor.
214 He goes around the city to sell his goods.
215 He has gone to the bank.
216 He is going to travel from Delhi to Calcutta.
217 He jumped into the river.
218 He left her home in despair.
219 He looked at us in surprise.
220 He passed by me without speaking to me.
221 He put his arm around my neck.
222 He put the money into his pocket.
223 He roams about the city doing nothing.
224 He roared like a lion.
225 He saw me twice during his stay here.
226 He sent the message by wire.
227 He slapped her in a rage.
228 He speaks English like an American.
229 He spoke more in jest than in anger.
230 He spoke more in joke than in anger.
231 He spoke more in sorrow than in anger.
232 He swam across the river.
233 He was walking towards his office , but suddenly went back to his home.
234 He worked for the whole night.
235 I am going to Delhi tomorrow.
236 I have just received a letter by sea-mail.
237 I have just received a letter by surface-mail.
238 I have not seen him for a month.
239 I only said it in fun.
240 I pass by your house every day.
241 I saw some bees going from flower to flower.
242 I started my journey from Navsari.
243 I want to send this letter by a messenger.
244 Instead of opening the gate, he climbed over it.
245 It rained continuously for twenty-four hours.
246 Jack and Jill went up the hill.
247 Send him to the school.
248 Send this letter only by air-mail.
249 She added more salt in the dish in revenge.
250 She confessed her guilt in tears.
251 She is pointing to the picture.
252 She passed by the saree shop without peeping into it.
253 She picked up the letters in grief.
254 She pulled a saree out of the bag.
255 She walked by me but didn't say hello.
256 She walks like a queen.
257 She watched the crying girl in mercy.
258 She went from shop to shop to get the thing she wanted.
259 Shilpa ran into the house as fast as she could.
260 Sujata saw her child in sorrow.
261 Take the radio off the table.
262 The actor walked onto the stage.
263 The baby fell off the bed.
264 The baby fell out of its cot.
265 The baby ran across the room.
266 The ball fell onto the table.
267 The ball rolled off the chair.
268 The beggar died like a dog.
269 The boy jumped over the wall.
270 The boy was walking aimlessly around the streets.
271 The car went off the road.
272 The cat jumped onto the table.
273 The child fell down the cot.
274 The children ran from the house to the garden.
275 The children were running around the tree.
276 The cook took the dishes off the table.
277 The Gujarat Express leaves from the third platform.
278 The policeman pulled the thief into the custody room.
279 The ship sailed around the island.
280 The stranger came towards me.
281 The train goes over the bridge.
282 The train goes to Chennai from Delhi.
283 The train runs towards Delhi.
284 The train starts from Delhi.
285 The ward-boys brought the patient into the operation theatre.
286 They took a short cut across the fields.
287 This way leads to Surat.
288 Turn to the left, please.
289 Vidisha watched the computer in wonder.
290 We always go to Matheran during summer holidays.
291 We helped the blind man to walk across the road.
292 We waited for her for twenty minutes.
293 We walked around the town looking at all sights.
294 We went Diu by car.
295 When did he return from school ?
296 When I saw him, he was walking towards the sea.
297 Where shall we go from here ?
298 Will you please climb up the tree ?
299 Will you please take your things into your room ?
300 You must do like this.
301 Do you know that girl with long black hair.
302 Have you seen a porter with a bedding on his head ?
303 He has been in insurance since 1972.
304 He is living at Pal.
305 He is staying at the Ritz Hotel.
306 He is with Ramesh & Co.
307 He is working on a farm.
308 He is working on a tea plantation.
309 He is working on an estate.
310 He is working on the railway.
311 He is working on the station.
312 He lives at 13, Park Street.
313 He lives at 13, Park Street.
314 He lives in a bungalow.
315 He lives in a cottage.
316 He lives in a flat.
317 He lives in a hotel.
318 He lives in a mansion.
319 He lives in Asia.
320 He lives in Gandhi Street. (BrE)
321 He lives in Gujarat.
322 He lives in India.
323 He lives in Mumbai.
324 He lives on Gandhi Street. (AmE)
325 He lives on the third floor .
326 Her brother is in furniture.
327 Her brother is in plastics.
328 Her brother is in politics.
329 Her brother is in the law.
330 Her brother is in the medical profession.
331 Her brother is in the navy.
332 His father works in a bank.
333 His father works in a book shop.
334 His father works in a factory.
335 His father works in a hotel.
336 His father works in a post office.
337 His father works in an office.
338 How much have you paid for this radio ?
339 I bought pencils at Rs.22.50 for a box of ten.
340 I bought a hundred pencils at ten rupees a dozen.
341 I cannot buy at such a price.
342 I got an interview call by post.
343 I have lived in Pal for two years.
344 I have paid fifty rupees for this book.
345 I received only ten rupees for this book.
346 I saw a girl in a frock.
347 I saw a girl in a pearl necklace.
348 I saw a leader in national dress.
349 I saw a man in a white suit.
350 I saw a peasant in worn out shoes.
351 I saw a pupil in uniform.
352 I saw a soldier in armour.
353 I saw a woman in gold ear-rings.
354 I saw a woman in rags.
355 Look at that person with an umbrella.
356 Milk is sold by the dozen.
357 My father is in business.
358 My sister works at Café Mysore.
359 My sister works at Macmillan & Co.
360 My sister works at the G.P.O..
361 My sister works at the main telegraph office.
362 My sister works at the Mental Hospital.
363 My sister works at the municipality.
364 My sister works at the public library.
365 My sister works at the railway station.
366 My sister works in the furniture department of Gita Department Store.
367 My sister works in the octroi department at the municipality.
368 My sister works in the reference section of the Vidyapith Library.
369 She bought the frock for two hundred rupees.
370 She is staying at the Manilal Mansion.
371 She was in slacks yesterday.
372 Some people earn money by unfair means.
373 Sugar is available at twenty rupees a kilo.
374 Sujata dislikes a man of hot temper.
375 Sujata likes a boy of good habits.
376 Sujata likes a man of fifty-three.
377 Sujata likes an old man of wide experience.
378 Suresh likes a girl of most attractive looks.
379 Suresh likes a girl of seventeen.
380 Suresh likes a man of common sense.
381 Suresh likes a man with common sense.
382 Suresh likes a woman of great wealth.
383 That young boy with a broken leg is her brother.
384 The principal dislikes a clerk with limited ability.
385 These pencils are twenty rupees for twelve.
386 They are selling at hundred rupees a pair.
387 Vidisha saw a boy with a shopping basket.
388 Vidisha saw a boy with a limp.
389 Vidisha saw a child with a dirty face.
390 Vidisha saw a gardener with a spade.
391 Vidisha saw a gentleman with a black dog.
392 Vidisha saw a girl with an ever-smiling face.
393 Vidisha saw a lady with a black hand bag.
394 Vidisha saw a man with a bald head.
395 Vidisha saw a man with a long beard.
396 Vidisha saw a man with only one arm.
397 Vidisha saw a person with a large fortune.
398 Vidisha saw an old man with grey hair.
399 We sell it at twenty rupees a metre.
400 Who is that girl in the red saree ?
401 A fruit cake is made with fruits.
402 A glass jug is made out of glass.
403 Bananas are available by the dozen in Ahmedabad ,but they are sold by weight in Vadodara.
404 Can you stay without your father ?
405 Chocolates are made from cocoa.
406 Chocolates are made with cocoa.
407 Cloth is sold by the metre.
408 Coal is sold by the ton.
409 Did you come by air or by land ?
410 Did you come by bus or by train ?
411 Do you want a shirt in cotton or in terrene ?
412 Don't go out without your umbrella.
413 Don't write in pencil; write in ink.
414 Don't write with a pencil; write with a pen.
415 Due to the newspaper strike, we have not seen a paper for a month.
416 Due to the weather, the meeting was cancelled.
417 Eggs are sold by the dozen.
418 He beat his son with a stick.
419 He came to the class without his glasses.
420 He can quarrel with anybody about anything.
421 He failed due to his laziness.
422 He gave a lecture on Pakistan.
423 He has written a book on India.
424 He has written on Indian history.
425 He is busy with the manager.
426 He is staying with his mother.
427 He is teaching me about our culture.
428 He opened the door with a key.
429 He stirred his coffee with a spoon.
430 He told us a story about three fairies.
431 He was absent from the class due to illness.
432 He was killed by a piece of falling rock.
433 He will argue on any subject for hours and hours.
434 He works as a salesman.
435 I am writing a book about our country.
436 I bought a bungalow with a big garden.
437 I came here by car.
438 I came in a car.
439 I could see the bottom of the basket.
440 I have read many books by Kalidas.
441 I prefer to draw in water colour.
442 I rested at the back of the chair.
443 I saw a building without a roof.
444 I saw a portrait in charcoal.
445 I shall go by/on the 1 : 30 train.
446 I shave with an electric razor.
447 I would like to go there in a car.
448 I would like to go there in a taxi.
449 I would like to go there in his own aero plane.
450 I would like to go there in my car.
451 I would like to go there on bicycle.
452 I would like to go there on camel back.
453 I would like to go there on foot.
454 I would like to go there on horse back.
455 Mina is very much like her mother.
456 Mina went to the cinema without her mother.
457 Mina went with her mother.
458 Mumbai is not like Delhi.
459 My neighbour never speaks about his son.
460 My tenant quarrelled with me about the rent.
461 Neither I came in a taxi.
462 Now don't argue about it.
463 Paper is made from wood-pulp.
464 She can give a lecture on any subject.
465 She fell down on the floor of the room.
466 She has got a job as a filing clerk.
467 She painted her picture in chalk.
468 She painted her picture in oil.
469 She was very famous as an actress.
470 Some people make ghee from butter at home.
471 The burning match-stick fell on the sleeve of the coat.
472 The buses are not running due to the strike.
473 The dog was hit by a car.
474 The insect was on the ceiling of the room.
475 The lecturer spoke on his trip to the U.S.A.
476 The monkey was on the roof of the house.
477 The quarrel was due to misunderstanding.
478 The thief stabbed the policeman with a knife.
479 These shoes are not machine made, they are made by hand.
480 This building has been designed by my friend.
481 This business was started by my father.
482 This is a leg of the chair.
483 This is a story about our leaders.
484 This ring is made of gold.
485 This shirt is made of terrene.
486 We don't want to go without her.
487 We make butter from cream by churning.
488 We make chapattis with oil.
489 We make toys out of plastic material.
490 What are you reading about ?
491 What are you writing about ?
492 What can I do without money ?
493 What will you buy with this money ?
494 Will you come with me ?
495 Will you go Diu by sea ?
496 Will you go Dubai by ship ?
497 Wine is made from grapes.
498 You can get this type of shirt in silk also.
499 You can't cut it with the scissors.
500 Your pen is like mine.
501 A beggar was standing before of the gate.
502 A beggar was standing in front of the gate.
503 A dog was lying in front of the chair.
504 A tree stands before the door of the house.
505 Because of his old age, he did not get the job.
506 Come here for a minute, please.
507 Don't stand before me.
508 Don't write in chalk.
509 Don't write in charcoal.
510 Don't write in crayon.
511 Don't write in pencil.
512 Don't write in red ink.
513 Don't write with a chalk-stick.
514 Don't write with a crayon.
515 Don't write with a pen.
516 Don't write with a pencil.
517 Give me the red pencil instead of the green one.
518 Harish asked about you.
519 Have you got any books besides these ones ?
520 He ate my apple , besides his own.
521 He began studying English from the age of seven.
522 He begins studying English from today.
523 He came after five o ' clock.
524 He died after a few days.
525 He has been here since Monday last.
526 He has been working since one o ' clock.
527 He has got a government scholarship for further studies.
528 He has worked here for three months.
529 He held his hands above his head.
530 He held his hands over his head.
531 He is always at my office during the after noon.
532 He is happy in spite of his poverty.
533 He is not fit for this work.
534 He is very weak because of his recent illness.
535 He owns three houses besides the one he lives in.
536 He passed in the first class in spite of his laziness.
537 He stayed with us during his vacation.
538 He was always careful about his papers.
539 He was here during July.
540 He was here for the month of July.
541 He went to the U.S.A. instead of the U.K.
542 He will attend the meeting instead of his brother.
543 He will begin studying English from tomorrow.
544 He will come after five o ' clock.
545 He will come at six o' clock.
546 He will come by six o' clock.
547 He will come in a few days.
548 He worked for the whole day in spite of his illness.
549 He worked in the bank for thirty years.
550 I didn't buy it because of the price.
551 I don't know much about her.
552 I have a good news for you.
553 I have been busy since 8 ' clock.
554 I have bought a present for my sister.
555 I have lived in Mumbai for seven years.
556 I have lived in Mumbai since 2001.
557 I have never met such a person during my lifetime.
558 I have not watched TV since February.
559 I shall do it at no time.
560 I shall do it in no time.
561 I shall go to Delhi some time during the next year.
562 I shall speak to me.
563 I shall speak with him.
564 I sleep every day in the after noon for an hour.
565 I will go by plane instead of by train.
566 I will take tea instead of coffee.
567 Is this house for sale ?
568 It is time for school.
569 Mr Joshi has served our firm for five years.
570 Mr Joshi has taught us English since 1991.
571 Robinson Crusoe was marooned on a desert island.
572 She will stay with me for two weeks.
573 Tell me everything about a faithful dog.
574 The aeroplane flew above the clouds.
575 The aeroplane flew over the city.
576 The boy hit upon the dog.
577 The doctor leaned over the patient's body.
578 The dog sprang upon the mouse.
579 The mouse was on the table.
580 The peon held the umbrella over the minister's head.
581 The poor man has eaten nothing since yesterday.
582 The servant is here for the day .
583 The sky is over our heads.
584 The thief could not enter the bungalow because of the dog.
585 There are some trees in front of the house.
586 There were many persons besides us.
587 These clothes are for Ramesh.
588 These pictures are on sale.
589 They live in a flat above the shop.
590 This book is for you.
591 This medicine is very good for cold.
592 We are going to Matheran for a week.
593 We postponed the picnic because of the rain.
594 We reached Rangpur at the same time.
595 We reached Rangpur in the same time.
596 We sat in the grass.
597 We sat on the grass.
598 We shall stay there for the winter.
599 What have you done for your brother ?
600 Why do you go out in spite of the rain ?
601 Behave with me as like brother.
602 Behave with me as your brother.
603 Bread is made from floor.
604 Do you believe in ghosts ?
605 Doctors must care for the sick.
606 Don't compare your big bungalow with my small house.
607 Don't throw stones at me.
608 Go by this road and you will find the temple on the right.
609 Have you sent for the servant ?
610 He cares about nobody but himself.
611 He did not drive in the city.
612 He did not drive into the city.
613 He differs from you.
614 He differs with you in this matter.
615 He differs with you.
616 He is always talking at me.
617 He is at the desk.
618 He is at the meeting.
619 He is at the theatre.
620 He is competing with my brother.
621 He is in the theatre.
622 He is running after a thief.
623 He is well-known as a writer.
624 He jumped away from the falling wall.
625 He jumped from the falling wall.
626 He shouted at me.
627 He shouted to me.
628 He shut the door against me.
629 He shut the door upon me.
630 He treats his brother like a dog.
631 He was stabbed by a knife.
632 He was stabbed with a knife.
633 He works as a waiter.
634 He works in an office by day and drives a rickshaw by night.
635 He works like a waiter.
636 I am tired of listening to your complaints.
637 I am tired of writing.
638 I am tired of your stupid conversation.
639 I am tired with climbing this steep.
640 I am tired with writing.
641 I believe in God.
642 I believe in my friends.
643 I believe in you.
644 I can finish this work in a day.
645 I cannot sleep at night.
646 I could not distinguish Ramesh from his brother.
647 I differ from you in nature.
648 I don't care about the price.
649 I don't like to work as a clerk.
650 I don't want to argue with you.
651 I don't want to quarrel with you.
652 I fully agree with you.
653 I have much work in hand.
654 I have much work on hand.
655 I have two hundred rupees on hand.
656 I never quarrel with anybody.
657 I prefer to travel by day , not by night.
658 I shall finish the work on Monday.
659 I was in the right in opposing his proposal.
660 I woke up twice in the night.
661 It's no use quarrelling with them.
662 Keep the light on at night.
663 Please return before Monday.
664 Please return by Monday.
665 Please throw the ball to me.
666 Ratan ran at his brother.
667 Ratan ran to his brother.
668 Shakespeare has compared the world to a stage.
669 She is at school.
670 She is running after a ball.
671 She is running after a bus.
672 She is running after a kite.
673 She liked a blanket made of wool.
674 She liked a necklace made of pearls.
675 The cat can see in the day as well as in the night.
676 The dog barked at the thief.
677 The dog is running after him.
678 The dog is running behind him.
679 The police are after him.
680 The speaker compared anger to fire.
681 The speaker compared Aurangzeb with Akbar.
682 The window is broken by a stone.
683 The window is broken with a stone.
684 the work is in hand , but not finished.
685 They are arguing among themselves.
686 They are arguing with each other.
687 They are at church.
688 They are competing among themselves.
689 They are pleased by your gift.
690 They are pleased with your gift.
691 This box is made of sandal-wood.
692 This is done by him, not by me.
693 This shirt is made of silk.
694 Turn on the right.
695 We now agree among ourselves.
696 We now agree with each other.
697 What hotel are you staying at ?
698 Why are you quarrelling with your brother ?
699 You don't really care about your health.
700 You don't really care for your health.
701 A football team consists of eleven players.
702 Are you attending to what I am saying ?
703 Beware of the dog.
704 Beware of pick-picketers.
705 Did you ask about the trains for Delhi ?
706 Do it , I beg of you.
707 Do not brood over your past follies.
708 Do not deprive me of my due share.
709 Do you agree to my proposal ?
710 English people are always complaining about the weather.
711 Go away from here.
712 Has he gone to the hospital ?
713 He appealed against the sentence.
714 He appealed to me for my help.
715 He begged a few rupees of us.
716 He begged for money from the people in street.
717 He begged me for the favour.
718 He does not answer to the description of the missing man that appeared in the newspaper.
719 He has applied to the manager for the post of a clerk.
720 He has asked his father for advice.
721 He jumped away from the tree.
722 He jumped from the tree.
723 He put the money in his pocket.
724 He put the money into his pocket.
725 He started for London two days ago.
726 He very much depends on me for my help.
727 He went to London two days ago.
728 He will return in an hour.
729 He will return within an hour.
730 How do you account for the loss ?
731 I am craving for a cup of tea.
732 I am sorry I can't accede to your proposal.
733 I am sorry I can't agree with you on this point.
734 I apologize to you for stepping on your foot.
735 I beg a favour of you.
736 I cannot approve of your action.
737 I congratulate you on your success.
738 I don't care for tea ; in fact , I prefer coffee.
739 I find it difficult to cope with this type of work.
740 I had to beg money from my friend.
741 I have decided on a new car.
742 I heard a lecture on Kavi Nanalal.
743 I like to read a book on Gandhiji.
744 I like to read an article on space travel.
745 I never like to argue about politics with strangers.
746 I promise to abide by your decision.
747 I promise you to pay the amount on demand.
748 I read an essay on the pleasure of travelling.
749 I want a good book about horses.
750 Is this the 12 : 30 train for Mumbai ?
751 It is difficult for me to comply with your request.
752 It is difficult to deal with dishonest people.
753 Jayesh has gone to London.
754 May ask a favour of you ?
755 May I entrust my bag to you ?
756 May I count upon your help ?
757 Oil is great in demand these days.
758 On hearing the crash , he rushed out of the house.
759 On receiving the letter , he got ready for the station.
760 People who refuse to comply with the law will be punished.
761 Please deliver this letter to my brother.
762 Ramesh sailed for London last week.
763 Several students absented themselves from the lecture.
764 She always complains of headache.
765 She always complains of his rude behaviour.
766 She always complains of ill treatment.
767 She always complains of stomach-ache.
768 She always complains of the cold.
769 She always boasts of her wealth.
770 She is always complaining about her neighbours.
771 She should not have gone away from home.
772 Suresh went to Mumbai last night.
773 That book belongs to me.
774 The boy was admitted to the fifth standard.
775 The building was on fire , and all the people ran away from it.
776 The dishonest milkman added water to milk.
777 The facts admit of no other explanation.
778 The hunter aimed at the deer.
779 The patient complains of a pain in the back.
780 The police accused him of murder.
781 The thief got away from crowds.
782 There is no demand for your novels now.
783 They begged a favour of me.
784 This is a book about India.
785 This is a book on India.
786 This medicine will cure you of your cold.
787 This ship sails for Mombassa on Sunday.
788 We adhere to our principle.
789 We deal in woollen goods.
790 We should devote more time to this problem.
791 What have you decided about the meeting ?
792 When are you sailing for London ?
793 When do you intend to go to London ?
794 When I was in hospital , two nurses were attending on me.
795 Why are you blaming me for his fault ?
796 Why did you complain to the head-master against me ?
797 You are asking too much of me.
798 You must keep away from the fire.
799 You should abstain from smoking.
800 You will have to answer for wasting money.
801 Ashok succeeded to his father's throne.
802 Can you lend me two thousand rupees to tide me over my present difficulties ?
803 Can you suggest me any remedy for a cold ?
804 Do not indulge in such idle talks.
805 Don't eat now. Lunch will be ready in ten minutes.
806 Don't laugh at other people's follies.
807 Everyone seeks for happiness.
808 For its spelling , please refer to the dictionary.
809 He can be a good match for his boss.
810 He did not respond to my suggestion.
811 He excels all of us in tennis.
812 He has a wife and three children to provide for.
813 He has no regard for my feelings.
814 He is accustomed to hard work.
815 He is always quarrelling with his brother.
816 He is entirely absorbed in business.
817 He is lacking in common sense.
818 He is lacking in courage.
819 He is lacking in intelligence.
820 He is the only heir to his father's vast property.
821 He is very miserly. He will not part with his money.
822 He knocked me down and robbed me of my watch.
823 He prevented me from entering the hall.
824 He robbed me of ten rupees.
825 He sided with his brother against their father.
826 He was accused of murder.
827 He was very angry with me at my suggestion.
828 His opinions are based on his brother's advice.
829 I am anxious for my brother's getting the job.
830 I am not acquainted with his parents.
831 I didn't get the opportunity of meeting him.
832 I don't believe in the influence of stars on us.
833 I don't want to enter into discussion with you.
834 I fully sympathise with you in your difficulty.
835 I have a liking for sweets.
836 I have always yearned for anything in life.
837 I have faith in God.
838 I have great esteem for her father.
839 I have no acquaintance with his father.
840 I have no objection to this proposal.
841 I have stayed here for fifteen days. Now I long for my home.
842 I have succeeded in getting his approval.
843 I inquired of him what he wanted.
844 I insisted on going by train.
845 I introduced my brother to my boss.
846 I may come tomorrow , but don't rely upon me.
847 I parted from my family in 1999.
848 I prefer tea to coffee.
849 I shall never yield to your pressure.
850 I shall wait for you at the station.
851 I take a strong objection to your words.
852 I want to buy a key to ' Exercises in Grammar '.
853 I want to subscribe to ' Safari '.
854 I was never aware of his presence.
855 It is lacking in taste.
856 Let us hope for the better.
857 May I entrust you with my bag ?
858 May I remind you of your promise ?
859 Mr Joshi inquired after you.
860 My sister excels all the girls in music.
861 My sons have great affection for me.
862 Nobody was prepared to preside over the meeting.
863 Please pay attention to your work.
864 She has a fondness for flowers.
865 She has a genius for mathematics.
866 She has a strange influence over her husband.
867 She has little regard for her father.
868 She resorted to stealing when she had no more money.
869 She was not aware of how I felt.
870 Some one was inquiring for you at the gate.
871 That man is addicted to gambling.
872 That will spoil your appetite for lunch.
873 The dairy supplies milk to its customers.
874 The husband and wife are quarrelling with each other.
875 The only access to the temple is this narrow lane.
876 The police will definitely inquire into the case.
877 Their proposal was not acceptable to me.
878 There is no cause for worry.
879 There is no need to quarrel about such a small matter.
880 They all will vote for the Congress.
881 They will provide you with free quarters.
882 They yielded to the enemy.
883 This is a great opportunity for research.
884 This stamp does not stick to the envelope.
885 Two persons have voted against the proposal.
886 We are building a new access road to the station.
887 We must provide against bad days.
888 We must stick to our plans.
889 We must supply them with food.
890 We waited on our guests till they left.
891 Were you absent from school yesterday ?
892 What are you seeking for ?
893 What is the cause of his illness ?
894 When he lost his wife , he resorted to drinking.
895 Who informed you of my going to the U.S.A. ?
896 Who is not afraid of death ?
897 Why are you quarrelling among yourselves ?
898 Will you have a glance at these papers ?
899 You look astonished at the news.
900 You ought to be ashamed of your behaviour.
901 A servant should be faithful to his master.
902 According to great saints, all the religions lead to one god.
903 According to some doctors, some persons get heart attacks because of their heavy weight.
904 Anupam left his studies owing to his poor economic condition.
905 Are you sure of his address ?
906 Be careful of your health.
907 Because of the shortage of water, hundreds of men and animals shifted themselves to other
places.
908 City buses hardly ply according to the time table.
909 Cover this dish with a piece of cloth and keep it free from dirt.
910 Despite all the due care, the doctor could not save the patient.
911 Entry is free of charge.
912 He has always been indifferent to my problems.
913 He is busy with some important work.
914 He is capable of playing any mischief.
915 He is competent in all branches of mathematics.
916 He is deaf in the left ear.
917 He is envious of my success.
918 He is lame in the left leg.
919 He is popular among poor people.
920 He is wanting in common sense.
921 He is worthy of our help.
922 He was blind in one eye.
923 He was deaf to all my requests.
924 He was found to be guilty of the theft.
925 He was good at photography.
926 He was not faithful to his master.
927 He was proud of his parents.
928 I am conscious of my faults.
929 I am convinced of your honesty.
930 I am disgusted with your conduct.
931 I am grateful to you for the loan.
932 I am hopeful of his success.
933 I am not familiar with this part of the city.
934 I am obliged for your timely help.
935 I am obliged to you.
936 I am proud of my country.
937 I am responsible to the manager for the petty cash.
938 I am tired of your foolish arguments.
939 I got the book free of cost.
940 I was eligible for the post.
941 In spite of all her best efforts, she could not get through the C.A. examination.
942 In spite of severe headache, I had to go on with my work.
943 Is she suitable for the job ?
944 Light clothes are preferable to heavy ones in summer.
945 Lincoln was born of poor parents.
946 Manali's failure in the examination was due to her being careless.
947 Mansi could not win the prize on account of her poor performance.
948 Many malpractices took place in the last election in spite of the strict implementation the
code of conduct.
949 Mr Parikh's absence in this meeting is due to his sudden illness.
950 My brother is confident of success this time.
951 My sister is quick at picking up a language.
952 Nila is famous for her fine acting.
953 On account of heavy rain, they cancelled their tour.
954 On account of his being ill, he had to leave the States.
955 Our house is close to the post-office.
956 Our servant is bent on going home.
957 Our teacher is very popular with his pupils.
958 Owing to some pain in my stomach, I could not attend my office yesterday.
959 Please make me free from this pain.
960 Please make me free from this trouble.
961 Prepare the journal according to your teacher's instructions.
962 Shailesh wanted to start his dispensary in the slum area with a view to serving the poor.
963 She has always been desirous of fame.
964 She has always been good to me.
965 She is competent for this job.
966 She is now free from danger.
967 Some people are blind to their own faults.
 968 Sometimes we feel greatly tired on account of our monotonous work.
969 Sonal is proud of his beauty.
970 Surat is famous for ghari.
971 That goods was not free of duty.
972 The doctor is not hopeful about him.
973 The engine of our motor car stopped working because of some mechanical defect.
974 The father was pleased with me when I confessed my guilt.
975 The late arrivals of the trains were due to the heavy rain.
976 The manager was disgusted with his clerk.
977 The match could not be played further owing to insufficient light.
978 The old man is dependent on his daughter.
979 The poor are deprived of many necessities.
980 The 'sensex' will have crossed 8000 points by next April according to some leading share-
brokers.
981 The use of this word is peculiar to Bhavnagar.
982 Thin clothes are not suitable for winter.
983 This box is full of useless papers.
984 This boy is capable of hard work.
985 This girl is quick of understanding.
986 This is contrary to our policy.
987 This oil is good for hair.
988 This part of the city is not familiar to me.
989 This report is different from the earlier one.
990 This speech is not suitable to the occasion.
991 This story is almost similar to mine.
992 Water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen.
993 We are ignorant of his plans.
994 We are indebted to him for his timely help.
995 We are still short of funds.
996 Who is responsible for breaking this window ?
997 Why are you jealous of my success ?
998 You are always welcome to my home.
999 You can download this software free of cost.
1000 Your donation would be free of income-tax.
1001 A keen athlete takes regular exercise with a view to keeping himself fit.
1002 A keen student should refer to the textbook often in order to score more marks in the annual
test.
1003 A thief broke into the house in order to steal ornaments but he could not succeed.
1004 According to Nehru, thought without action is abortion.
1005 According to Robert Frost, duty is more important than beauty.
1006 According to the advice of the elders, I should not disobey the rules of my religion.
1007 Because of his behaving rudely, he was dismissed from the job.
1008 Because of tensions, we fall victims to certain serious diseases.
1009 Beggars do not get enough food to eat despite their going from house to house.
1010 Charles Lindbergh reduced the speed of his plane on account of poor visibility.
1011 Despite their illiteracy, the Russian farmers have made many experiments on farming.
1012 Do you like whipped cream in your coffee?
1013 Hazlitt wrote a letter to his son with a view to advising him for his conduct in life.
1014 He has started jogging with a view to reducing his weight.
1015 He’s been posting messages again at ESL/EFL forums on the internet.
1016 His nervousness was due to his severe illness.
1017 How long have you been working on this project ?
1018 How much sugar do you put in your coffee?
1019 I bought a couple of really good shirts. They were on sale at a good price.
1020 I heard a song .I like on the radio.
1021 I like salt in soup, but not too much.
1022 I read about it in an article on the internet.
1023 I recorded my voice on a small cassette player so they could hear it a few times.
1024 I started working on this quiz at seven o’clock.
1025 I think you should take an umbrella in case it rains.
1026 I’m going to my cousin’s house on Saturday.
1027 Ila's absence at the function was due to her sickness.
1028 In spite of all the facilities , some students cannot study brightly.
1029 In spite of being efficient, Bharati could not make a good impression on the interviewers.
1030 In spite of her poverty, Ya-toe donated some money.
1031 In spite of his being hardworking, he gets no job.
1032 In spite of his blindness, he can cross the road easily.
1033 In spite of his working honestly, he was not promoted.
1034 In the winter we have to be careful not to slip on the ice and fall on the ground.
1035 It’s not a good idea to stand up in a canoe.
1036 John is in the hospital.
1037 Krupa wished to open a dispensary in the slum area with a view to treating the poor people.
1038 Mr Kalyani's application for transfer was rejected on account of his false ground of
unhealthiness of the place.
1039 Mr Lia decided to move to the court in order to get justice in the matter of their joint
property.
1040 Mr Trivedi purchased an unabridged dictionary in order to know the usages of words.
1041 Nirmal made up his mind to prepare for the S.S.C.E. according to his self-prepared time-
table.
1042 On account of her rude behaviour, she was dismissed from the school.
1043 Parul's reaching late to the railway station was due to her slow walking.
1044 Politicians often play foul games with a view to winning elections.
1045 Roshni's not joining the tour was due to her father's refusing her to give permission.
1046 She hasn’t spoken to him in a few days. She said she’d call in a couple days.
1047 Shruti joined the MBA course with a view to making a bright career for herself.
1048 Suleman had to roam in Gir with a view to clicking the photograph of lions.
1049 Terrorists kidnap young men with a view to forcing them to join their activities.
1050 The meeting is on Tuesday at nine in the morning.
1051 The Pancholi family could not move out of the house on account of the stormy evening.
1052 The principal called an urgent meeting in order to discuss the problem of indiscipline among
the students.
1053 The teacher should prepare every unit well with a view to making his teaching interesting.
1054 The whales stayed on the surface for a while.
1055 There have to be other forms of intelligent life on other planets in the universe.
1056 There’s a lot of life at the bottom of the sea.
1057 They went fishing on the lake.
1058 They’re sick in the head.
1059 We are sitting at a table on some comfortable chairs.
1060 We bought some books at a good price. We put the books in a box on the shelf.
1061 We get on the bus every morning in seven and go to work.
1062 We live in a small city in the northeastern part of the country.
1063 We thought we were going to be late, but we got there just in time.
1064 We thought we were going to be late, but we got there on time.
1065 We were in a boat when we saw some whales.
1066 We were sitting on the bed talking for a little while.
1067 We were walking on the beach when we decided to go in the water.
1068 We’ll be back at about nine in the evening.
1069 We’re going for a ride in the country on Sunday morning.
1070 We’re leaving early in the morning, and we’ll be back late at night.
1071 What do you have in your mind?
1072 Where’s Joe? Joe’s in the post office.
1073 With a view to finding a solution to a quiz, I referred to an encyclopaedia.
 Old English Definition
æfter after; along, through, during; according to, by means of; about.
ǽr before
æt at, to, before, next, with, in, for, against; unto, as far as.
and against, before, on.
andlang along
bæftan after, behind; without.
by, near to, to, at, in, on, upon, about, with; of, from, about,
touching, concerning; for, because of, after, by, through, according
be, bí to; beside, out of.
befóran before.
begeondan beyond.
behindan behind.
beinnan in, within.
beneoðan beneath.
betweonum,
betweox,
etc. betwixt, between, among, amid, in the midst.
bírihte near.
búfan above.
bútan out of, against; without, except.
eác with, in addition to, besides.
for for, on account of, because of, with, by; according to; instead of.
fór, fóre before.
fram from; concerning, about, of.
gemang among
geond through, throughout, over, as far as, among, in, after, beyond.
in in, on; into, to.
innan in, into, within, from within.
intó into
mid with, against
neáh near
nefne except
of of, from, out of, off.
ofer above, over; upon, on; throughout; beyond, more than
on on; in, at;
onbútan about
ongeagn, etc. opposite, against; towards; in reply to.
onuppan upon, on.
oþ to, unto, up to, as far as.
samod with, at.
tó to, at.
tóeácan in addition to, besides.
tóforan before.
tógeagnes towards, against.
tómiddes in the midst of, amidst.
tóweard toward.
þurh through
ufenan above, besides.
under under.
underneoþan underneath.
uppan upon, on.
útan without, outside of
wið towards, to; with, against; opposite to; by, near.
wiðæftan behind.
wiðer against.
wiðinnan within.
wiðforan before.
wiðoutan without, outside of.
ymb about, by.
ymbútan about, around; concerning.

prepositions
one word………..
1 aboard
2 about
3 above
4 across
5 after
6 against
7 along
8 alongside
9 amid
10 amidst
11 among
12 amongst
13 around
14 as
15 aside
16 at
17 athwart
18 atop
19 barring
20 before
21 behind
22 below
23 beneath
24 beside
25 besides
26 between
27 beyond
28 but
29 by
30 circa
31 concerning
32 despite
33 down
34 during
35 except
36 failing
37 following
38 for
39 from
40 in
41 inside
42 into
43 like
44 mid (from "amid". Usually used poetically.)
45 minus
46 near
47 next
48 notwithstanding (also used postpositionally)
49 of
50 off
51 on
52 onto
53 opposite
54 out
55 outside
56 over
57 pace
58 past
59 per
60 plus
61 regarding
62 round
63 save
64 since
65 than
66 through
67 throughout
68 till
69 times
70 to
71 toward
72 towards
73 under
74 underneath
75 unlike
76 until
77 up
78 upon
79 versus
80 via
81 with
82 within
83 without
84 worth

two words…….Phrase prepositions

1 according to
2 ahead of
3 aside from
 4 because of
5 close to
6 due to
7 except for
8 far from
9 in to (contracted as into)
10 in lieu of
11 inside of (note that inside out is an adjective, not a preposition)
12 instead of
13 near to
14 next to
15 on to (contracted as onto)
16 out from
17 out of
18 outside of
19 owing to
20 prior to
21 pursuant to
22 regardless of
23 subsequent to
24 that of
Three words…....Phrase prepositions
1 as far as
2 as well as
3 by means of
4 in accordance with
5 in addition to
6 in case of
7 in front of
8 in lieu of
9 in place of
10 in spite of
11 on account of
12 on behalf of
13 on top of
Archaic or infrequently used
1 anent
2 anti (loan word)
3 behither
 4 betwixt
5 cum (loan word)
6 ere
7 fornenst
8 fornent
9 outwith
10 pro (loan word)
11 qua (loan word)
12 re (loan word)
13 sans (loan word)
unto (largely supplanted by to; used in some formal, religious, and/or
14 archaic contexts)
15 vis-à-vis (loan word)
Not fully grammaticalised
1 concerning
2 considering
3 regarding
Preposition-like modifiers of quantified noun phrases
1 apart by
2 but
3 except
4 plus
5 save
postpositions
one word………..
 ago as in "five years ago", sometimes (wrongly) considered an adverb
rather than a postposition
 apart as in "this apart", also used prepositionally ("apart from this")
 aside as in "such examples aside", also used prepositionally ("aside
from such examples")
 away as in "five light years away", sometimes (wrongly) considered an
adverb or an adjective rather than a postposition
 hence as in "five years hence", sometimes considered an adverb rather
than a postposition
 notwithstanding also used prepositionally
 on as in "five years on", also used prepositionally
 through as in "the whole night through", also used prepositionally
 withal archaic as a postposition meaning with
 Ending sentences with prepositions
Were you taught that a preposition should never be placed at the end of a
sentence? There are times when it would be rather awkward to organize a
sentence in a way that would avoid doing this, for example:

 in some passive expressions:

√ The dress had not even been paid for.
X Paid for the dress had not even been.
√ The match was rained off.
X Rained off was the match.

 in relative clauses and questions that include verbs with linked adverbs or
prepositions:
√ What did you put that there for?
X For what [reason] did you put that there?
√ They must be convinced of the commitment they are taking on.
X Of the commitment they are taking on they must be convinced.
There’s no necessity to ban prepositions from the end of sentences.
Ending a sentence with a preposition is a perfectly natural part of the structure of
modern English.
You can read more about ending sentences with a preposition on the
Oxford Dictionaries blog. Here you will find more information about prepositions
and their relationship with other elements.

When To Use The Preposition “In”

Use “in” with months of the year:
I was born in May.
She left for school in June.
John will fly to Istanbul in August.
With seasons:
I like swimming in summer.
He writes poems in spring.
We take a vacation in summer.
With countries:
He lives in Turkey.
The company is located in Germany.
She went to school in Thailand.
With city or town names:
He has a house in Paris.
I was born in Seattle.
He works in Brazil.
With times of the day:
You wake up early in the morning.
He goes to school in the afternoon.
Elise sometimes plays tennis in the evening.

Important exception!
’in the morning’, ‘in the afternoon’, ‘in the evening’ but not ‘in the night’ we
say ‘at the night’
Use at with night:
He arrived at night.
She likes to go out at night.

When To Use The Preposition “On”

Use “on” with specific days of the week or year:
They will meet on Sunday.
What do you do on New Year’s Day?
She played tennis on June 5th.

American English – “on the weekend & on weekends”

When To Use “At”
Use “at” with specific times of the day:
Let’s meet at 9 o’clock.
She has a meeting at 9.15.
He went to a picnic at night.
Use “at” with specific places in a city:
They met at school.
Let’s meet him at the library.
She works at a shop.
British English – “at the weekend & at weekends”
When To Use The Preposition “To”
Use “to” with verbs which show movement such as go and come.
She goes to home.
He returned to the school.
They are going to restaurant.
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