USE OF PREPOSITION
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.
“At”
Used to point out specific time:
- I will meet you at 14 p.m.
- The bus will stop here at 7:30 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 ahmadmr@gmail.com.
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, color, 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.
COMMON COMBINATION AND PREPOSITION
- Common Verb and Preposition Combinations
Verbs and prepositions are also used in common phrases. The verb generally goes in front of the preposition.
Do you agree to the new guidelines?
You get what you pay for.
It’s easy to fall in love with big, silly dogs.
I have no doubt about the outcome of the vote.
He delights in telling jokes about Texas and Texans.
That remark was in bad taste and I don’t intend to reply to it!
Miller is substituting for Brown in tomorrow’s game.
- Common Adjective and Preposition Combinations
Adjectives and prepositions are commonly used in phrases. The adjective usually goes before the preposition.
He was found guilty of fraud and tax evasion.
Students often get worried about writing exams.
Mary won’t have children; she is in love with her black lab.
The world felt sorry for the victims of the tsunami.
Jamila is good at songwriting and painting.
There are many health risks associated with smoking.
Chocolate and red wine are actually good for your heart!
REFERENCES:
http://www.talkenglish.com/grammar/prepositions-on-at-in.aspx
http://www.grammarly.com/handbook/grammar/prepositions/9/common-verb-and-preposition-combinations/
http://www.english4dummies.com/verb-prepositions-combinations-list-with-examples/
http://www.espressoenglish.net/common-adjective-preposition-combinations/
Ahmad Muchtar Roby 