Preposition
What is a preposition?
A
preposition is a word used to link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words within 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.
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 certain propositions must be used to make the relationships
between words in a sentence clear. Most prepositions are interchangeable but
only to a certain extent.
·
The
second rule for using prepositions is that these words must be followed by
nouns.
There
are more than 100 prepositions in the English language. In addition, there are
endless possibilities for creating prepositional phrases. 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.
I
prefer to read in the library.
He
climbed up the ladder to get into the attic.
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.
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.
Noun +
Preposition Combinations
English has many examples of prepositions coming after
nouns. In such cases, the prepositions are often followed by a phrase
containing a noun, as in example (a) below. They can also be followed by a
noun, as in example (b), or an -ing verb, as in example (c).
(a) Scientists at the research institute think they are close
to finding a solution to the problem.
(b) Everyone was surprised by his lack of concern.
(c) We need to call an expert at plumbing as soon as possible.
(b) Everyone was surprised by his lack of concern.
(c) We need to call an expert at plumbing as soon as possible.
Here are a few more nouns and prepositions which are used
together:
|
awareness
of
|
Cause
of
|
influence
on
|
evidence
of
|
|
advertisement
of
|
an increase
in
|
a
possibility of
|
danger
of
|
|
Change
in
|
a
reason for
|
a
supply of
|
a
method of
|
|
Change
to
|
course
in
|
the
cause of
|
difficulty
with
|
Verb + Preposition
Combinations
Many English prepositions also follow verbs. Sometimes they
introduce a phrase that contains a noun, as in example (a). They can also
introduce a noun, as in example (b), or an -ing verb, as in example (c).
(a) I don't know how long we can depend
on his
generosity. He has already done so much for us.
(b) Many of the town's residents relied on neighbours for help during the flood.
(c) She believes in helping people who are less fortunate than her.
(b) Many of the town's residents relied on neighbours for help during the flood.
(c) She believes in helping people who are less fortunate than her.
Here are some other verbs and prepositions that are used together:
|
I insist on . . .
|
He
can deal with . . .
|
|
This
can result in . . .
|
Do
you plan on . . .
|
|
We belong to . . .
|
This
could lead to . . .
|
|
My
answer will depend on . . .
|
You
can rely on . . .
|
|
They fight for . . .
|
We fight against . . .
|
|
We contribute to . . .
|
I believe in . . .
|
Adjective +
Preposition Combinations
English also has many instances of prepositions coming after
adjectives. In many cases, the prepositions precede phrases containing
nouns, as in example (a), or pronouns, as in example (b). It is also
possible for the prepositions to precede an -ing verb, as in (c).
(a) I was amazed at all the improvements.
(b) We were all shocked by his behaviour.
(c) Because the exam was more difficult than I expected, I'm worried about passing.
(b) We were all shocked by his behaviour.
(c) Because the exam was more difficult than I expected, I'm worried about passing.
Here are some more adjectives and prepositions that are used
together:
|
proud
of
|
identical
to
|
different
from
|
tired
of
|
|
related
to
|
opposed
to
|
satisfied
with
|
eager
for
|
|
based
on
|
famous
for
|
necessary
for
|
excited
about
|
http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/410/grammar/410-preposition-combinations.htm
