Preposition Rules

Introduction 

Prepositions are important structural identifiers in sentences, expressing specific relationships between persons, objects, and places. As a result, we should consider how we include prepositions into our learning and, more importantly, how we grasp the rules of prepositions. 

What is a preposition?

A preposition is a term that binds pronouns, nouns and phrases in a sentence to other words. They link persons, objects, time, and places in a statement. Prepositions are short words that go before nouns. Prepositions may appear in front of gerund verbs in some instances.

Prepositions can be thought of as the “glue” that holds sentences together. They do so by indicating position and movement, possession, time, and the manner in which an action is carried out. 

Prepositions include words such as – of, to, for, with, on, and at, which are among the most commonly used in English. Prepositions may appear difficult to explain, but they are a regular element of language that most of us use without even realising it.

It’s worth noting that prepositions are considered a “closed class” of words in the English language. This indicates that, unlike verbs and nouns, this category does not change its form. It reflects their status as the sentence’s functional workhorse in several ways. They are quiet and unobtrusive, but they are critical to the language’s meaning.

Examples of Prepositions

Examples of prepositions have been underlined in the following sentences. Consider how substituting various prepositions or even different types of prepositions for the examples might alter the relationship between the rest of the words in the phrase as you read.

• She prefers to read in the library.
• I climbed up the ladder to get onto the terrace.
• We ran across the field.
• Take your sister with you.

The types of Prepositions

Prepositions are divided into three categories: time prepositions, place prepositions, and direction prepositions.

Time prepositions include phrases like before, after, during, and until; place prepositions include phrases like around, between, and against; and direction prepositions include phrases like across, up, and down. Each preposition has its own significance.

Rules Of Preposition

Prepositions are a tiny but crucial word group. We use prepositions all the time. To, of, on, in, for, with, at, by, and form are all among the top 25 terms in the English language. It will substantially increase your fluency if you can grasp and use prepositions appropriately. And keep in mind that there aren’t many prepositions. There are just 150 prepositions in the English language, and we only use roughly 70 of them on a regular basis. The instructions below will help you comprehend and effectively use prepositions.

An object is required for a preposition.

Every preposition has an object. If a “preposition” doesn’t have an object, it’s most likely an adverb. A preposition is always followed by an object. There is no object in an adverb. Take a look at these examples:

• She is in the living room. ( in preposition has object i.e. the kitchen)

Please come in. (in is an adverb, as it has no object; it qualifies come)

• I will talk after work. ( after preposition has an object; work)

We talked soon after. ( after- adverb, has no object and it qualifies talked)

Pre-position denotes place before

A preposition (generally) comes before something (its object), as indicated by its name:

• I stuffed it in the box.

Even if a preposition does not precede its object, it is nonetheless strongly associated with it:

• Whom did she speak with? / He talked to Jane.

Preposition forms

Prepositions don’t have a specific shape. The bulk of prepositions are one-word prepositions, however, complex prepositions are two- or three-word phrases:

• complex prepositions (on, before, into)
• one-word prepositions ( but for, on account of, in spite of, according to)

To infinitive and to preposition are not the same

The infinitive particle “to” (to sing, to live) should not be confused with the preposition “to” (to India, to me).

To as a preposition

• I look forward to dinner.
• She looks forward to seeing you.
• I am committed to the initiative.
• I am dedicated to keeping the pricing low.
• I am used to driving bikes
• She is used to walking.

To as an infinitive particle

• We used to live in India.
• She loves to dance.

When a preposition is followed by a pronoun, it should be in object form.

A ‘prepositional object’ is a noun or pronoun that comes after a preposition. If it’s a pronoun, use the objective form (me, her, them) rather than the subjective form (I, she, they):

• This is from my brother and me.
• That’s between me and him.
• Shlok gave it to her.

• Golden Preposition rule

A “noun” comes after a preposition and a verb is never used after it.

When it comes to prepositions, there is only one easy guideline to follow. And, unlike other regulations, there are no exceptions to this one.

Note: A preposition is always followed by a “noun.” A verb is never used after it.

By “noun” it means:

• noun group (my first job)
• noun (love, money, cat)
• gerund (swimming)
• proper noun (name) (Paris, Rohan)
• pronoun (her, them, you)

A verb can never come after a preposition. If we wish to employ a verb to follow a preposition, we must use the “-ing” form, which is actually a verb in noun form or a gerund.

Conclusion

Prepositions play a crucial role in the English language. Prepositions show how other words in a sentence are related. A preposition is a word or a combination of words that precedes a noun, pronoun, direction, time, place, location, relationships, or an object to introduce it. In addition, questions and answers on prepositions are always posed in the General English section of competitive tests. As a result, a student should be well-versed in prepositions. While prepositions are few in number, they are crucial because they serve as structural markers in sentences, indicating particular relationships between people, objects, and places. One should have proper knowledge of how to use a preposition and learn about the rules of prepositions.