Prepositions

Topic - 4

PREPOSITIONS

INTRODUCTION

A preposition is one of the parts of speech which describes or gives the relationship between two words. Preposition is preposed i.e. it comes before the noun or pronoun to govern it. For instance, one cannot try to find out the meaning of the preposition when it comes alone. Even we can say we cannot get meaning as preposition get the meaning when it is combined with other words.

Examples

Examine the following sentences

I drink coffee without milk. 

Water is split on the floor. 

Soldiers die for their country.

The word 'without’ precedes the noun ‘milk’ and also indicated the relationship between 'coffee' and 'milk’. Similarly 'on' shows the relation between the 'floor' and 'water'. So also ‘for’ expresses the relation of purpose between 'country' and ‘dies’. The words – ‘withouť, 'on' and 'for’ are prepositions. They are of either a single word or two-word structure. 

Classification of Prepositions

Prepositions can be classified into five forms. They are

1. Simple Preposition

2. Double Preposition

3. Compound Preposition 

4. Participle Preposition 

5. Phrase Preposition

1. Simple Preposition

Preposition which are not formed by any method and common to a language are known as Simple Preposition.

(at, by, for, from, in, of, off, out, on, with, through, till, up, down, to, after, over, under, but, round, past, since, than, per, via.)

Example

He is preparing the tender for getting the project. 

2. Double Preposition

Preposition which contains two words are known as Double Preposition.

(out of, according to, from within, near to, next to, owing to, close to, opposite to, due to, inclusive of, exclusive of, instead of, inspite of, as regards.)

Example

Inspite of being poor, he cannot buy a cycle. 

3. Compound Preposition

Prepositions which are formed by prefixing are known as Compound Preposition. 

(across, along, besides, towards, amid, beside, inside, outside, upon, alongside, within, without, throughout, abroad, around)

Example

Man sent electro magnetic waves across the space. 

4. Participle Preposition

Present Participles which are used as Prepositions are known as Participle Preposition.

(concerning, excepting, following, touching, considering, according, regarding, barring pending, during, respecting, including.)

Example

Students are advised to attend Training and Placement classes during summer vacation.

5. Phrase Preposition

Groups of words which are used as preposition are known as Phrase Prepositions.

(according to, away from, along with, because of, inspite of, infront of, by way of, in accordance with, on behalf of, in comparison to, in order to, in the event of, in addition of, in case of, by means of, for the sake of, with reference to, on account of.)

Example

Subha welcomes the Chief Guest on behalf of the management.

Prepositions in Common Use

1. Prepositions of Time

2. Prepositions of Place

3. Prepositions of Travel and Movement

Some Chief Relations Indicated by Prepositions

1. Beside / Besides

Beside - by the side of, next to, at the side of 

Besides – in addition, more, including

Examples

We found a picnic area down beside the river.

I have read all the books on the list and a few others besides.

2. Since / For

Since is used for point of time.

For is used for period of time.

Examples

He has been working here Since 1987. 

He has worked here for two years.

3. Among / Between

Among is used for a group 

Between is used for two persons or things.

Examples

Most important among the country's problems is the lack of health facilities.

Hold the needle between your finger and thumb. 

4. By / With

By is used for agent. 

With is used for instrument.

Examples

The lift is operated by electricity. 

Raju usually take notes with a pencil.

5. In / At

In is used for large places. 

At is used for small town and villages.

Examples

He was born in England. 

He is residing at Pulur in Karur.

6. In / Into

In is used for things or persons in rest position. 

Into is used for things or persons in motion.

Examples

Stars sparkle in the night. 

Sam jumped into the river.

7. On / Upon

On is used for things at rest. 

Upon is used for things in motion.

Examples

John was on the stage. 

Christmas is almost upon us again.

8. In / Within

In is used after the end of or at the end of 

Within is used before the end of

Examples

I shall pay you the money in a week. 

I shall complete the project within three months.

Prepositions with Nouns, Adjectives, and Verbs

Prepositions are sometimes so firmly joined to other words that they have practically become one word. This occurs in three categories: nouns, adjectives, and verbs.

1. Nouns and Prepositions

2. Adjectives and Prepositions

3. Verbs and Prepositions

Practice Exercises

I. Choose the appropriate preposition to complete the sentence:

1. Don't loiter __________ the street.

a. about

b. in

c. at

2. The driver jumped ___________ the car.

a. from 

b. off

c. on

3. He rules ___________ a vast empire.

a. in

b. over

c. on

4. She sat ___________ the fire.

a. before

b. by

c. at

5. A number of rocks came ___________ her head.

a. above

b. over

c. under

6. They labour ___________ almost dark.

a. till

b. to

c. on

7. He swore ___________ the Gods. 

a. by 

b. on

c. at

8. I tried to reason him ___________ of his fears.

a. out 

b. from

c. off

9. There is no meaning ____________ what you say.

a. in

b. to

c. at

10. This work is __________ his capacity.

a. beyond

b. above 

c. under

11. It is cool __________ the month of May.

a. with

b. for

c. at

12. He was left __________ dead in the field.

a. for

b. as 

c. in

13. The lifeboat made straight ____________ the sinking ship.

a. for 

b. to

c. on

14. I shall do my duty ____________ him.

a. for 

b. by

c. at

15. Nothing will come __________ nothing.

a. of 

b. from

c. on

16. Inspite __________ all his faults, I like him.

a. by

b. of 

c. for

17. The pilgrims went _________ foot to the temple.

a. by 

b. on

c. at

18. I'll go _______ the 10.30. train.

a. on

b. by

c. at

19. India teems _____ natural wealth.

a. with

b. in

c. on

20. Jack with his intellect proved a match _____ the giant.

a. for 

b.with

c. of

21. Camels are adapted _____ life in the desert

a. with 

b. to

c. at

22. Everyone was present _____ the exception of Mr.Ashok.

a. with 

b. from

c. by

23. The painting _____ the Madonna was remarkable for its enigmatic smile.

a. of

b. for

c. by

24. The people became impatient under the burden _____ heavy taxation

a. in 

b. to

c. of

25. I am not concerned _____ his affairs.

a. about 

b. in

c. at

26. I am not concerned _____ that business.

a. with 

b. in

c. about

27. He was much concerned _____ hearing the news.

a. about 

b. to

c. in

28. His parent are naturally concerned _____ his safety.

a. about 

b. for 

c. in 

29. He acted out _____ fear.

a. from 

b. of 

c. upon 

30. He acted _____ my suggestion.

a. from 

b. under 

c. on

31. He acted _________ compulsion

a. from

b. under 

c. upon

32. He succeeded _________ the throne.

a. to

b. in

c. on

33. He succeeded _________ his object.

a. to

b. in

c. on

34. He agreed _________ my proposal.

a. among

b. to 

c. with

35. He agreed _________ me on that question.

a. among

b. to 

c. with

36. They could not agree _________ themselves.

a. among 

b. to

c. with

37. The patient is now free _______ danger.

a. from 

b. of

c. with

38. He is free _______ his money. 

a. from

b. of 

c. with

39. The goods were passed free ________ duty.

a. from 

b. of 

c. with

40. The city is well-provided ________ corn.

a. against 

b. for

c. with

41. We should provide ________ risk of fire by insuring our goods.

a. against 

b. for

c. with

42. He has provided ________ his children.

a. against 

b. for

c. with

43. There is no exception ________ this rule.

a. against 

b. to

c. with

44. He took action ________ corruption.

c. with

a. against

b. to

45. The creditors became impatient ________ payment.

a. at 

b. about 

c. for

46. Impatient _________ delay, he knocked at the door rather loudly. 

a. at

b. of

c. for

47. Let us talk _________ something else for a while. 

a. of

b. about 

c. on

48. They talked _______ politics.

a. of

b. to

c. on

49. I want to talk to my son ________ any means. 

a. by 

b. to

c. on

50. There are some diseases that proceed ______ dirt.

a. to

b. with 

c. from

II. Complete the sentences with appropriate prepositions.

1. What is the table made ______?

2. Who are you referring ______?

3. He is always made fun _______.

4. This is a very good place to work ______.

5. The desk I am sitting. ______is new.

6. She has few problems to worry ______.

7. Where is the box she keeps her money ______?

8. Is this the umbrella you were searching ______?

9. What is the name of the illness he has recovered ______?

10. I saw him ______ the station this morning.

11. The accident happened ______ Monday night. 

12. I'll finish the work ______ half an hour. 

13. We were _______Ancy's house yesterday.

14. You can see the number ______ the bottom of the page.

15. She's ______ the university.

16. They first met ______ a dance.

17. They came _______car.

18. He came ______ a taxi.

19. Political activities are not allowed ______ the campus.

20. She was sitting ______ an armchair.

21. I read the story _______ a book

22. There's no money ______ my pocket.

23. They live ________ the third floor.

24. I had a call ______ my wife.

25. Mother was ______ the kitchen.

26. Aren't you ashamed ______ your conduct?

27. You must account ______ the delay.

28. They were sitting ______ the back of the car.

29. We were surprised ______ the news.

30. Is she afraid ______ dogs?

31. Jose is uninterested ______ politics.

32. He's now working ______ a new book.

33. He may not help us; don't count ______ him.

34. He has been cured _______ his illness.

35. We assured him ______ our support.

36. She died _______cancer.

37. You can draw the money ______ the bank.

38. We must be tolerant _______other religions. 

39. The patient has begun to respond ______ the treatment. 

40. Please apply ______ the secretary 

41. Why don't you apply ______ a loan? 

42. Did you reply ______ the letters? 

43. This is a quotation ______ the Bible. 

44. She was absent ______ the maths class yesterday.

45. I have great admiration ______ Sonia.

46. Jawaharlal Nehru had great affection ______ children.

47. Are you angry ______ me?

48. Why don't you attend _______ the work?

49. He's angry ______ the delay.

50. What's wrong ________ your brother?

51. I have an aversion ______ such things.

52. Would you care ______ a cup of tea? 

53. He has a strong bias ______ socialism. 

54. The project calls _______ our sincere efforts. 

55. We complained ______ the police ______ the noise. 

56. There is no use brooding ______ your difficulties.

57. You seem to delight ______ teasing me.

58. He has brought discredit _______ his institution.

59. I'm grateful ______ you ________ your service.

60. The teacher was pleased _______ the boy. 

61. He was exempted _______military service.

62. He's well known _______ his devotion ______ the country. 

63. Don't make a fuss _______ silly things.

64. Poverty is a hindrance________real progress.

65. These young men are desirous ______ change.

66. He was ignorant ______ the whole thing. 

67. They're trying to instil harmful ideas ______ the minds of young people. 

68. Do you have a grudge ______ your brother? 

69. Don't try to impose your stupid ideas ____others. 

70. Winston Churchill inspired the English nation ______ courage. 

71. We're going to Chennai ____ the weekend. 

72. She did the work _______care.

73. He listened ______ me___a long time.

74. Some boys are addicted ______ computer games. 

75. You must try to adjust _______life here.

76. The teacher advised me ______ wasting my time. 

77. Please concentrate all your attention ________ this work. 

78. Several people were ineligible _______ pension. 

79. Some people mistake me ______ my brother

80. He has been nominated ______ the job.

81. You could have notified the police _______the accident.

82. Are you opposed ______ this policy?

83. His action offends ______ morality.

84. He's fully occupied _______ politics.

85. Don't withhold the information _______ the police.

86. Are you not concerned _______ the children?

87. The boy's skill ________ computer games is remarkable.

88. God will shield you _______ all harm.

89. Don't side _______ the enemy _______ your computer.

90. They reminisced _______ their school days.

91. _______ the end of the programme there was a tea party.

92. _______ the end we decided not to go.

93. His answer _______ the question was clear.

94. Your attitude _______ the poor should change.

95. We must deal _______ this issue immediately.

96. They deal _______ computer accessories.

97. Most people strive _______ worldly success.

98. He was scornful _______ my suggestion.

99. Is the house suitable _______ a large family?

100. He was prejudiced ________ the minorities.

III. Rewrite the sentences after correction.

1. She was neither ashamed nor sorry for her misbehavior.

2. She neither objected nor approved of it.

3. Ram has no interest and passion for cricket.

4. We must prevent damage and theft of public property.

5. Please listen and reflect on this topic afterwards.

6. He asked from her a silly question.

7. The police investigated into the case.

8. Ram resembles to his father.

9. She resigned from his post.

10. Ram signed to the agreement.

11. The poet described about the nature.

12. She must love to her children.

13. We have discussed on the merits of the issue.

14. In this article the author has described about poverty.

15. She criticized upon my action without logic.

16. A meeting was held on Hope Circus yesterday.

17. In the heart of every Indian, Gandhiji is held with great respect.

18. I was fascinated at her manners and looks.

19. I entrusted him by my camera.

20. The police will inquire in the cause of death.

21. You are liable to the death of your wife.

22. On hearing the news of sudden death of his wife, all moved in tears.

23. Why are you vexed at your wife?

Iceland 24. His salary was reduced with four thousands rupees only.

25. He succeeded for his uncle's empire.