The Meanings of Prepositions
The Meanings of Prepositions :
We have seen that a preposition is a word which is used to show the way in which other words are connected. Preposition may be single words, such as by, from, over & under or they may be more complex and composed of several words such as apart from, in front of, in spite of & instead of.
Prepositions are usually followed by a noun or pronoun, a verb ING-form or who - clause.
In the following sentence IN is a preposition.
1. Write your name in the note book.
2. The tea is too sweet! There is too much sugar in it.
3. There is no point in complaining.
4. I am very much interested in what you have said.
Prepositions are not used in front of infinitives or clauses beginning with THAT.
1. I was not astonished at the news.
2. I was astonished by the news.
3. I was astonished to hear the news.
4. I was surprised to hear what she said.
5. I was astonished by the fact.
6. I was astonished that she had left her husband.
7. I was astonished by the fact that she had left her husband.
English Language makes frequent use of prepositions to express basic relationship between words. Relationships of time and place, for example, are usually expressed by the use of a preposition.
1. I can see you on Monday.
2. I will meet you in August.
3. The function is at 8 p.m.
4. I can wait only for half an hour.
5. They have important engagements during holidays.
6. The boys and girls meet at school everyday.
7. I will be in Rome next week.
8. The shop is on the comer-road.
9. Lovers meet outside the cinema.
10. The porters wait under the station clock.
Prepositions are also used to express many other relationships of different kinds.
REASON :
1. I married the girl because of my father.
2. This present is for my mother.
3. I did it out of my duty for the nation.
MANNER :
1. She spoke with a smile to her lover.
2. The man gives harsh rulings in soft voice.
3. The Prime Minister came by bus.
4. The president trekked the distance on foot.
5. I move in the city always in a taxi.
REACTION :
1. The father was surprised at his son's attitude towards him.
2. I was stunned by his refusal.
A particular preposition can often be used to express more than one kind of relationship.
TIME :
1. The matter can be taken up only by next week.
PLACE :
1. I stand by the window to look at the rising sun.
MEANS :
1. I know her by sight.
2. One can succeed by working very hard.
The Meanings of Prepositions
The Grammar Index
