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Prepositions

A preposition is one of the eight parts of speech. Specifically, a preposition is a connector: its function is to connect a noun or pronoun (called the object of the preposition) to another word in a sentence. It also shows how that noun or pronoun (its object) is related to the other word. Consequently, a preposition can never stand alone:
  1. Simple prepositions
    About
    Below
    For
    Outside
    Unlike
    Above
    Beneath
    From
    Over
    Until
    Across
    Beside
    In
    Past
    Under
    After
    Between
    Into
    Per
    Up
    Against
    Beyond
    Like
    Round
    Upon
    Along
    But
    Near
    Since
    With
    Among
    By
    Next
    Through
    Within
    Around
    Concerning
    Of
    Throughout
    Without
    As
    Despite
    Off
    To
     
    At
    Down
    On
    Toward
     
    Before
    During
    Onto
    Under
     
    Behind
    Except
    Out
    Underneath
     

  2. Compound Prepositions
    According to
    in case of
    in front of
    In regard to
    for the purpose
    in a manner
    next to
    out of
    up to
    of
    similar to
    at that point in
    because of
    contrary to
    in terms of
    in the nature of
    time
    in lieu of
    in relation to
    with respect to
    ahead of
    in close
    prior to
    with a view to
    for the reason
    in accordance
    proximity with
    by means of
    due to
    that
    with
    on behalf of
    in light of
    in routine
    in the event that
    in as much as
    at this point in
    pursuant to
    fashion
    from the point of
    as far as
    time
    by reason of
    with reference
    view of
    in addition to
    in excess of
    in order to
    to
    in the immediate
    instead of
    on the basis of
    similar to
    during the
    vicinity of
    as opposed to
    back from
    by virtue of
    course of
     
    in back of
    in favour of
    in receipt of
    in spite of
     
    near to
    on top of
    subsequent to
    with regard to
     
    as to
    back to
    close to
     
     

  3. Common Preposition Errors
    Wrong
    Apologize about
    in search for
    puzzled on
    Bored of
    independent
    similar with
    Capable to
    interested about
    Concerned to, on
    outlook of life
    Correct
    Apologize for
    in search of
    puzzled at, by
    Bored with
    independent of
    similar to
    Capable of
    interested in, by
    Concerned about, for, with
    outlook on life

Usage of prepositions
The following sentences show how prepositions are used. The noun or pronoun following a preposition is called the object.

About
After
1. He looked about him.
1. They came after dinner.
2. I have heard about the matter.
2. We have had one problem after another.

3. I shall see you at about five o'clock.

3. The girl was named after her grandmother.
Against
1. It's no use hitting your head against a stone wall.
2. I did it against my wish.
3. He warned me against that danger.

At, Between
1. He is standing between the two trees.
2. The money was shared between the boy and his sister.
1. (place) He is at home, at Chennai, at sea, etc.
2. (Time) He came on Monday at 3 o'clock in the afternoon.
3. (Verb of motion) we arrived at station, (surprised at, astonished at, rejoice at)
4. These are sold at ten dollars each.
5. He came at once (at least, at ease, at leisure, to be at a loss, at work, at play)

By
For
1. (Place) Come and sit by the fire.
1. This is for me.
2. (Time) I shall have finished the work by Monday.
2. He has been waiting here for two hours,
3. Take him by the hand.
3. Go home for your book and look for it.
4. We sell fish by the kilo.
4. He was imprisoned for life.
5. They are paid by an hour.
5. He sold his house for Rs. 100000/-
6. I learnt it by heart.
6. Don’t translate word for word.

From

1. He has gone away from here.
2. She has declared it from top to bottom.
3. This is quite different from that.
4. She is never free from pain.

In
1. (Position) I am sitting in the room; in a bus; in London, etc.
2. The things were piled in a heap.
3. He is badly in debt, but is in good health.
4. His answer was in the negative.
5. This is his letter in reply to mine.
6. You have come just in time to help me.
7. This happened in the reign of Akbar.

Into
1. (To express motion) He walked into the room.
2. Throw this into the river.
3. Don't get into trouble.
4. She broke into tears.
5. The water changed into ice.

Of
1. He died of old age.
2. That is real work of art.
3. He gave me a piece of good advice.
4. That box is made of wood.
5. The whole of Greenland is covered with snow.
6. We visited the city of Calcutta.

To
With
1. (Motion towards) they walked to the town.
1. I had to talk with him.
2. (Time) He was punctual to the minute.
2. She is a girl with blue eyes.
3. It fell to the ground.
3. He filled the box with sand.
4. He pointed to the hill.
4. I did it with his help.
5. He is slow to anger.
5. He lived with his uncle.
6. To whom did you give it?
6. She went to town with her
friends.
7. Read it from beginning to end.
7. He killed the snake with a stick.
8. We were wet to the skin.
8. Don't fight with him.
9. I prefer reading to writing.
9. They were shaking with cold.
10. Her face was wet with tears.

At, In

'At' refers to a point of time; 'in' to a larger space of time. E.g. He came at 8 o'clock in the morning. Similarly, for a small place we use 'at' E.g. He lives at Adyar in Chennai.

Beside, Besides
'Beside' means 'by the side of. E.g. He sat beside his wife.
'Besides' means 'in addition to'. E.g. There are others here besides you.

By, With
'By' is generally used for the person; 'with' is used for the instrument.
E.g. He was killed with a knife by his enemy.

Between, Among
'Between' is used for two; 'among' for more than two.
E.g. the money was divided between the two boys.
The sweet were divided among the ten children.

Since, From
'Since' is used for a point of time, along with the present perfect tense; 'from' can be used in any tense except perfect tense
E.g. She has been ill since last Monday.
We have lived here since the last war.
She was ill from Monday to Friday.
He starts (will start) work from tomorrow.

For, Before
In a negative sentence, 'for' is used for a period of time; and 'before' for a point of time.
E.g. She will not be here for an hour yet.
She will not be here before five o'clock.

In, Within
When referring to time, 'in' denotes the close of a period; 'within' denoted a time less than the close of a period.
E.g. I shall return in a year's time. (After a year)
I shall return within a year. (Before a year has passed)

Prepositional Phrases
Following is a list of words followed by appropriate propositions.
Abide - in, at, with, for, by
Abide in a house.
Abide at a place.
Abide with a person.
Abide by the law.

Admit - to, into, of
I will admit you to the performance, (access)
He was admitted into the class.
His performance admits of his talents.

Abound - in, with
This land abounds in rivulets.
This sincere man abounded with blessings.

Abstain - from
Modern man cannot abstain from luxuries.

Accommodate - to, with
He accommodated himself to circumstances.
Rajiv accommodated Ashok with a loan.

Account - to, for
Take this money but account to the cashier.
You will have to account for your actions.

Accuse - of
The man accused of theft has been arrested.

Accustomed - to
He is accustomed to working hard.

Acquit - of
He has been acquitted of the charge.

Active - in, for, with, about
Active in work
Active in a cause
Active for an object
Active with a person
Active about something

Adapt - to
He adapted himself to the situation.

Agree - to, with, among, upon or on
Agree to a proposal.
Agree with a person.
Agree among themselves.
Agree on some subject.

Angry - with, at, for
Angry with a person.
Angry at an action.
Angry for doing something.

Answer - to, for
Answer to a person.
Answer for actions.

Apply - to, for, by, on
Apply to a person
Apply for something
Apply by a date
Apply on a paper

Approve - of
Do you approve of my plan?

Arrive - at, in
Arrive at a place.
Arrive in a car.

Attend - to, upon
Please attend to me. (pay attention)
The nurse is attending upon the patient, (serving)

Avail - of
He availed himself of the opportunity.

Banish - from
He was banished from the country.

Battle - of, between, for, against
Battle of Waterloo
Battle between armies
Battle for life
Battle against attackers

Bear - with, upon
Please bear with him, he’s only a child, (tolerate)
It will bear upon his health.

Beg - for
Beg for something

Believe - in
Believe him. (believe what he says).
Believe in him (have faith in him)

Because - of (something or someone)
I got into this mess because of him.
She got wet because of the rains.

Blind - to
He is blind to his defects.

Boast - of
He often boasts of his knowledge.

Break - into, out, away
Break into a house
Break out from prison
Break away from customs

Call - on or upon, for, about
Call on a person
Call for a thing
Call about a matter

Care - for, about, of
1 do not care for his remarks.
I do not care about your remarks
Take care of your pen.

Carry - on, off, out
Carry on with this trade. (Continue)
They carried off the trophy.
Orders must be carried out.

Clear - to, in, of
Clear to mind.
Clear in thinking.
Clear of annoyance.

Compare - to, with
'To' is used to compare different things,
'With' is used to compare similar things.

Compete - with, for
Compete with a person.
Compete for a prize.

Complain - of, to, against, for
Complain of headache
Complain to the manager
Complain against the peon
Complain for physical abuse

Congratulation - on, upon
I congratulate you on your success.

Consist - of, in
'Consist of means 'composed of
'Consist in' means to have as the main part.

Contrary - to
This is contrary to my proposal

Control - over
I have no control over his activities.

Converse - with, about
Converse with a person.
Converse about something.

Count - on
Count the money (to reckon)

Deal - in, with
'Deal in' means 'to have business'
'Deal out' (to distribute) playing cards.
'Deal with' (to tackle).

Differ - with, from
Differ with denotes disagreement.
Differ from means unlike.

Distinguish - between, from
Distinguish between two things.
Distinguish one thing from another.

Eager- for, in
Eager for favour.
Eager to pursue something.

Equal - to
You will have to be equal to the task.

Excel - in
He excels in every department of life.
Laugh with means share happiness

Listen - to
Listen to what one says

Long - for
He is longing for success, (desiring)

Look- for, at, into, after
Look for (searching)
Look at (to see)
Look after (to take of)
Look into (to investigate)

Familiar - with Object-to
Familiar with a subject (acquainted with). I object to this proposal.

Feed-on Part -with
This bird feeds on eggs. Part with a thing

Free - form, of Persist - in
I am free from social bondage. He persisted in saying so.

Glare -at
He glared at me in anger.

Grateful - to
I am grateful to you for this.

Hear - from
I have not heard from him.

Hinder - from
Hinder from doing something.

Indulge - in
Do not indulge in such actions.

Infer - from
What can you infer from this statement?

Involve - in
He is involved in this robbery.

Inquire - of, about, into
Inquire of a person about something
Inquire into a case, (investigate)

Laugh - at, with
Laugh at someone for his foolishness

Pity - for, on
Pity for means when we think of having pity.
Pity on mean when we have pity.

Plead - with, for
Plead with a person for something.

Plot - against
Plot against a person.

Pray - for, to
Pray for means to request.
Pray to God.

Prevail - over, on
Prevail over means to overcome
Prevail on means persuade

Prevent - from, by
He is prevented by circumstances from doing that Work

Prohibited - by, from
Prohibited for your children against a rainy day.

Quarrel - with, about
Quarrel with someone about something.

Recover -from
He has recovered from illness.

Rejoice - at
Rejoice at this success.

Rely - to
Give an early reply to y letter

Responsible - to, for
Responsible to a person for something.

Run - out, down, into
Run out means exhausted.
Run down means to condemn.
Run into means to collide.

Save - from
Save some one from trouble.

See - to, about, through
See to it. 
I can see through the trick.
See about a matter.

Side - with
Side with a person (favour)

Speak - to, for
Speak to means to converse.
Speak for means to represent.

Stand - against
I cannot stand against his attack.

Succeed - in, to
Succeed in an undertaking.
Succeed to property.

Sympathize - with
You should sympathize with him.

Talk - to, about, over
Talk to a person about something
Talk over means to discuss

Tired - of
Tired of means to feel disgusted with

Vote - for, against
Vote for means to support.
Vote against means to oppose.

Wait - for, at
wait at the table for a person.

Wish - for, at
Wish for something.

Yield -to
Yield to the request of someone.

Prepositional Phrases with Their Meanings



Phrases

Meanings

1
Act for
To Work in place of another
2
Act upon
Influence
3
Agree with
Adjust
4
Ask after
Enquire
5
Ask for
Demand
6
Back up
Support
7
Back Out
Not Keeping one’s word
8
Be off
Go Away
9
Bear down
To Suppress forcefully
10
Bear with
Tolerate
11
Beat off
To overcome after a struggle
12
Blow out
Put off
13
Blow Up
Explode
14
Break in
Initiate
15
Break Off
Stop Suddenly
16
Bring about
Cause
17
Bring up
Look after
18
Call at
Visit at home
19
Call for
Demand, ask for
20
Call off
Cancel
21
Call on
Visit
22
Care for
Like
23
Carry on
Continue
24
Catch on
Understand
25
Clear off
Run away
26
Clear out
Go out
27
Come about
Happen
28
Come along .
Accompany
29
Come out
Reveal
30
Come Through
Succeed
31
Come Upon
Meet
32
Cook up
To Create Artificially
33
Count on
Depend
34
Cut down
Reduce
35
Cut in
Interrupt
36
Cut off
To Stop Completely
37
Cut short
Interrupt, discontinue
38
Cut Up
To become very sad
39
Deal with
Handle
40
Die Down
End
41
Dip out
Take out
42
Dispose of
Get rid of
43
Draw back
With draw
44
Draw in
Bring in
45
Draw up
Make
46
Drop in
Visit without any purpose
47
Drop out
Stop, get rid of
48
Egg on
Prompt, encourage
49
Fall Flat
In effective
50
Fall in
Stand in a line
51
Fall off
Decrease
52
Fall on
Catch
53
Fall out
Quarrel
54
Feel for
Have sympathy
55
Figure out
Understand
56
Fix up
Repair
57
Flare up
To get angry very quickly
58
Fool around
Waste Time
59
Get about
Able to move
60
Get across
Understand
61
Get ahead
Progress
62
Get along
Adjust
63
Get around
Avoid
64
Get away
Escape
65
Get By
Manage
66
Get on
Continue
67
Get over
Recover
68
Get through
Finish
69
Give away
Distribute
70
Give up
Renounce
71
Go back
With draw
72
Go on
Continue
73
Go over
Remember, revise
74
Go through
Suffer
75
Go with
Suitable
76
Hand down
Pass judgement
77
Hand in
Give
78
Hand out
Distribute
79
Hand over
Give the responsibility to another
80
Hang up
Disconnect the phone
81
Hold together
Unite
82
Hunt for
Search
83
Issue from
Come out
84
Join with
Share
85
Join up
Join the army
86
Keep back
Hide
87
Keep off
Stand away
88
Keep on
Continue
89
Knock off
Stop working/copy
90
Knock out
Defeat completely
91
Lay off
Stop work
92
Leave out
Forget
93
Let off
To free
94
Let on
Tell
95
Look for
Search
96
Look out
To be cautions
97
Make clear
Describe
98
Make out
Understand
99
Make up
Form
100
Part with
Give away
101
Pass away
Die
102
Pass out
Faint
103
Pass over
Not considering
104
Pick on
Quarrel
105
Prevail over
Exist
106
Pull through
Saved
107
Pull up
Stop
108
Push on
Struggle
109
Put across
Make one understand
110
Put off
Post pone
111
Put on
Wear
112
Put out
Depressed
113
Reason with
Argue
114
Reflect on
Think
115
Resort to
Accept help
116
Rest on
Depend on
117
Run out
Finish
118
See through
Complete, realize the trick
119
See to
Become responsible
120
Seek out
Find out
121
Set about
Start
122
Set aside
Save, reserve
123
Set in
Start
124
Set out
Go
125
Show up
Be present
126
Sit out
Hear patiently
127
Stand by
Support
128
Stand for
Represent
129
Stand out
Noticeable
130
Step down
Give up a position
131
Step up
Increase
132
Stick by
Remain loyal
133
Strike up
Start Suddenly
134
Take After
Similar
135
Take down
Write
136
Take in
Cheat
137
Take place
Happen
138
Take to
Be attracted to
139
Take up
Start
140
Tell off
Scold
141
Think out
Plan well
142
Touch on
Briefly talk about
143
Try on
Wear
144
Turn out
Manufacture
145
Turn up
To appear unexpectedly
146
Used to
Familiar with
147
Wade into
Attack
148
Wait for
Expect
149
Wait on
Serve
150
Wind up
Stop

Assignment - 1
Choose the correct preposition from the ones in brackets:

  1. You must abide _ the regulations, (with, by)
  2. I found it difficult to cope _ the management, (in, with)
  3. His answer was _ the negative, (in, on, for)
  4. The girl was named _ her grandmother, (on, after)
  5. She is never free _ pain, (out, from, on)
  6. Gypsies have encroached _ his land, (over, in, on)
  7. The doctor advised him to abstain _ smoking, (from, on)
  8. Bear _ me and I will explain the matter fully, (by, with, on)
  9. No man should be a slave _ his passion, (to, of)
  10. This statement is different _ that he made last year, (than, from)

Assignment - 2
Choose the correct prepositional phrase:

  1. I decided to _ my wealth to the poor.(give away/give up)
  2. The match was _ due to rain, (called in/called off)
  3. She decided to _ her new dress, (put on/put across)
  4. The guard cautioned the tourists to _ for snakes, (look out/look away)
  5. The government decided to __ plans to improve sanitation in the villages, (dispose of/ draw up)
  6. Asha was _ about her role in the play, (worked off/worked up)
  7. I _ a good part of my income as savings, (set aside/set in)
  8. Rahul expected Shona to _ him all time, (wait on/ wait at)
  9. Arun was _ at work due to an emergency. ( held on/held up)
  10. Yesterday, my aunt __ my house, (called at/ called on)
Assignment- 3
Choose the correct preposition:

1. I found it difficult to cope _ mathematics, (with, by)
2. He was cautioned _ believing rumours, (for, against)
3 . Raju is fond __ tea. (with, of)
4. The dog jumped _ the fence, (in, over)
5. What are you looking _ ? (for, in)
6. The baby lay _ its mother, (along, beside)
7. Give me tea _ sugar, (without, within)
8. The doctor advised him to abstain _ smoking, (with, from)
9. Do not interfere _ the affairs of others, (in, with)
10. Your statement is not relevant _ our discussion, (for, to)

Answers

Assignment -1
1. by
2. With
3. In
4. After
5. From
6. on
7. From
8. With
9. To
10. From

Assignment - 2

1. Give away
2. Called off
3. Put on
4. Look out
5. Draw up
6. Worked up
7. Set aside
8. Wait on
9. Help up
10. Called at

Assignment - 3

1. with
2. Against
3. of
4. over
5. For
6. beside
7. Without
8. From
9. in
10. To

Assignment - 4
(ERROR SPOTTING)
1. There are many (A) /ways of which (B) /inflation can (C) /be measured. (D) No error (E)
2. This project is (A) / too big to (B) / undertake successfully at (C) / such a short notice. (D) No error. (E)
3 . In present the (A)/ prices of food grains (B)/ are high all (C)/ over the world. (D) No error (E)
4. The media has played(A) a key role in(B) the success of LOC Kargil which(C) reflecting a real picture of Kargil war.(D) No error.(E)
5 . Taken into consideration (A) / the advice of his (B) / colleagues he decided (C) / to stay in the Institute. (D) / No error (E)

Q

A

Remarks

1
B
"of' is wrong preposition, correct one is "in"
2
C
'be undertaken' is the correct expression
3
A
"In" is a wrong preposition, correct one is "at"
4
C
"by" should replace "which"
5
A
"Taking into consideration" is the correct compound preposition

Assignment - 5

SENTENCE CORRECTION
1. In our opinion Mr. Dayal's son has carry forward the business well in his absence.
(1) Carried through (2) been carried out (3) carried on (4) been carrying away (5) No correction required.

2. Absence of any guidelines, they are unwilling to take up the project.
(1) Absent of (2) In the absence of (3) Because of the absence (4) Without being absent (5) No correction required

3. The prayer is most likely to start at 6.00 am.
(l) be most likely stared by (2) is mostly liked to start at (3) is mostly like to starting at (4) is most likely start at (5) No correction required

4. Anil's friends have convinced him withdrawn his resignation.
(1) in withdrawing him (2) for withdrawal of (3) to withdraw from his (4) to withdraw his
(5) No correction required

5 . Many accidents at the factory are caused of workers do not read warning signs.
(1) is the cause of (2) are caused by (3) are caused because (4) are a cause of (5) No correction

Q
A
Remarks
1
3
"carried on"
2
2
'in the absence of is a correct expression
3
5
An adverb is qualifying another adverb
4
4
Infinitive verb 'to withdraw' is required
5
3
'because' explains the reason


Assignment - 6

SENTENCE CORRECTION
1. As a famous historian he has travelled around the world giving lectures on rare subjects.
(A) rarely to subjects
(B) of rare subject
(C) with rarest of subject
(D) in subjects rarely
(E) No correction required
 
2. He has received no other message than an urgent telegram asking him to rush village soon. (a) asked him to rush his village
(b) asking him to have to his village
(c) asking him to rush to his village
(d) asking him rushing at his village
(e) No correction required
3. It is not true that a person who is good into studies is necessarily intelligent.
1) is good into study
2) is good at studies
3) has best at study
4) has been good to studies
5) No Correction

4. This exercise is considerably difficult for all those who suffer with cough.
1) who suffer from
2) which suffer from
3) who suffers from 4
4) who were suffered from
5) No Correction Required

5. All the allegations levelled against him were found to be baseless.

(1) Levelled for
(2) level with
(3) level against
(4) Levelling with
(5) No correction required.


Q
A
Remarks
1
E
Adjective 'rare' is required with plural noun
2
C
"rush" is always followed by "to"
3
2
"good"+ "at" is the correct combination
4
1
"suffer" is followed by "from"
5
5
"levelled" is followed by "against"


Assignment - 7

SENTENCE CORRECTION

  1. The meeting was postponed due to lack of quorum.
    (A) Due
    (B) Because of
    (C) For
    (D) Against the
    (E) No correction
  2. Despite all my efforts I could not prevail him to attend next week's conference.
    (a) was unable to prevail
    (b) cannot prevail for
    (c) could not prevail on
    (d) am not able to prevail with
    (e) no correction
  3. Salaries in state owned enterprises today have to be in line on prevailing market rates in order to reduce turnover.
    (A) been online with
    (B) to be aligned on
    (C) been in line for
    (D) to be in line with
    (E) No correction
  4. Newspapers have great power because their enormous circulation.
    (A) on account
    (B) because of
    (C) as a result
    (D) owing
    (E) No correction required
  5. Attempts by both parties to reach for a consensus have not succeeded.
    (A) reach at
    (B) to reach
    (C) in reaching to
    (D) to reach upon
    (E) No correction required
  6. Police said that basis on secret information, a trap was laid and the criminal was arrested near the station.
    (A) as basis of
    (B) that based on
    (C) as base on
    (D) that base in
    (E) No correction
  7. With order to help outstation candidates planning to move to the city, a few colleges load their application forms online.
    (A) In order to
    (B) As order in
    (C) Along with order to
    (D) In ordering to
    (E) No correction
  8. The whole atmosphere was sweetly dominated with the fascinating perfume and soft western music.
    (A) from a fascinating perfume and
    (B) of a fascinating perfume and...
    (C) by a fascinating perfume and
    (D) Nearly fascinating perfume and
    (E) No correction required
  9. Girls from middle class become shy, withdrawn and lose confidence for themselves.
    (A) lose confidence to themselves
    (B) lose confidence in themselves
    (C) lose confidence of themselves
    (D) lose confidence about themselves
    (E) No correction required


Answers

Q
A
Remarks
1
C
Due to should be preceded by a be form
2
C
"prevail" takes the preposition "on"
3
D
“in line with" is the correct expression
4
B
"because" takes the preposition "of'
5
B
"reach" will not take a preposition
6
B
"based on" is the correct expression
7
A
"in order to" is the correct compound preposition
8
C
dominated will be followed by “by"
9
B
"lose confidence" + "in" is the correct expression
Prepared by,
IACE, Hyderbad.
Published date : 11 Jun 2015 11:57AM

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