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The most common preposition to be used after a noun is "of". Of is used in many expressions of place, such as: at the top of, at the bottom of, at the side of, at the back of, in front of, in the centre of, in the middle of. Noun phrases are often associated with a particular verb. For example, if you are proud of your appearance, you take pride in it; if you visit someone, you make or pay a visit to them. |
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Compound prepositions are made of the pattern preposition-noun-preposition, for example: with reference to. They are sometimes used where a single preposition would be enough. I wish to talk to about (with respect to, in respect of, in connection with) your proposal. |
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With or without "the"? Sometimes, the meaning changes depending on whether "the" is used or not. Compare "in front of my house" and "in the front of the book (the front page or front part of the book). In most cases it is a matter of learning the expression as a whole. |
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The article "the" is used where the noun refers to something specific or known. Examples: behind the times - meaning the times we live in, on the menu - meaning the menu in the particular restaurant. He is in prison – means he is a prisoner. He is in the prison – means he is a visitor or a employee in a particular prison. |
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Sometimes the same noun can take different prepositions, with a change of meaning. For example, in time - not too late; on time - as scheduled. The preposition "on" can be used for several purposes. Time: on Friday morning. Place: on the train. Subject matter: The Director gave a talk on the pros and cons of e-commerce. |
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The preposition "under" can have several meanings. A lower position, especially vertically lower: hide under the bed, go under a bridge. Being short of, less than: a pair of trainers for under thirty dollars. In the reign, administration of: Things were better under the last government. |
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As most prepositions, "after" can refer to several meanings. Later in time: Let's meet after school. Behind in place: Why does B come after A in the alphabet? In honour of: Armstrong avenue is named after the first man to set foot on the moon. Following: I think Maria is after me. |
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As most prepositions, "over" can have several meanings. In a higher position, especially vertically higher: fly over the city, lean over the bridge. In authority: to reign over us. Value, quantity, number; It cost over ten million pesetas. To the other side: My friend lives over the road. |
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As most prepositions, "over" can have several meanings. A period of time: I'm going to be very busy over the next three months. On account of: She got very upset over her daughter's decision to drop out of school. Recovered from the effects of: I had a bad cold, but I am over it now. |
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The preposition "at" can refer to several meanings. Time: at ten o'clock. Space: at school, arrival at the airport. Reaction: surprised at, amazed at. Level of ability: good at games. Activity: He's at it again. Measurement: three at a time, priced at five pounds. |
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The preposition "by" can refer to several meanings. Time: by five, meaning not later than five. How something is made or done: go by car, leave by the back door, made by hand. Authorship: Macbeth is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. |
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Between or among? The word between comes from the same root as the word "two" and it refers strictly to two people, groups or things. Share the food equally between the boys and the girls. Among, or amongst, refers to more than two people. Talk amongst yourselves while I find the right page. |
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Off can refer to several meanings. Movement or rest away form a place: The glass rolled off the shelf; Keep off the grass. Opening out of: The dining room is just off the main corridor. Disengaged from: I'm still a member of the club, but I am off the committee. To have lost your appetite for something: The poor old dog is off his food. |
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In or into? In is the general word for movement or rest: Go in the house, stay in the classroom. Into refers to movement ans is more precise. Movement to a position where you will be in(side): We drove into Spain (meaning out of another country and into Spain). In contact or collision with: I swerved and ran into a lamppost. Enthusiasm for: I am really into computer games. |
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