Prepositions- Explained

IMPORTANCE OF PREPOSITIONS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGErn(http://engtuto.com/prepositions/) Prepositions can occasionally cause huge embarrassment to nonnative speakers of English—and for some local speakers too. Nobody pays heed to prepositions when you use them effectively. However, when you don't use them correctly, your composition may sound weird and its meaning becomes misty. One must always keep in mind that an important piece of writing or speech, in no way, should distract its readers/listeners from its content to its mistakes. rnHere are the examples of some common mistakes made in the usage of prepositions, and their solutions. 1.Preposition (at) to Indicate a specific or precise timernIncorrect : Session ends on 2.50 P.M.rnCorrect: Session ends at 2:50 P.M.rnIncorrect: In midnight, the next day begins.rnCorrect: At midnight, the next day begins.rnIncorrect: Laborers punch out for lunch at noon.rnCorrect: Laborers punch out for lunch at noon. 2.Preposition (by) to Indicate a time no later than the specified timernIncorrect: John will reach before 8:00.rnCorrect: John will reach by 8:00.rnIncorrect: I might be ready as early as 5:30 but certainly before 6:00.rnCorrect: I might be ready as early as 5:30 but certainly by 6:00. 3.Until a specific time (continuing up to that time)rnLast night, John studied until 11:00.rnWe won’t be able to meet until Monday. 4.In a specific time period (usually measured in hours, minutes, days,rnmonths, or years)rnIn two hours, I will be leaving.rnIn rains, you see fewer people on the streets.rnWe are planning to go on a leisure trip in January.rnin the morning, in the afternoon, or in the evening (but at night) 5.For a period of timernI have been a spokesperson for thirteen years.rnWe have been best friends for a long time. 6.Since a date or an hourrnThey have been a source of trouble to us since 1988rnNo one has eaten since 9.00 7.On a specific day or daternMost people party on Friday.rnI can meet you on June 12. 8.During a continuing time period (or within the time period)rnI was nervous during the whole match.rnWe’ll be away from the office during the next few hours. 9.Miscellaneous time expressionsrnon time (that is, promptly)rnin a whilernat the beginning (of the day, month, or year)rnin the middle (of a day, month, or year)rnat the end (of a day, month, or year)rnfrom time to time (that is, occasionally) Prepositions to Indicate Place 1. In a country, area, state, city, or neighborhoodrn in Indiarn in Canadarn in Francern in Italy 2. On a street or blockrn We live on MG Road, Mumbai. They work on highway no.8 3. At a specific addressrn We work at 30-C Naman Plaza, Kandivali-west, Mumbai. John lives at B-1001, Park Avenue, NY. 4. At an intersection of two streetsrn Let’s meet at (the corner of) MG Road and Link Road. Other Prepositions - For a reason or for someone who benefitsrnI went to the bar for a drink.rnI watered the plants for him.rnI bought a car for my father. 2. About a subject (or on a subject) We were talking about our plans for next week. I recently read an article about (or on) astrology. 3. Between two; among three or morern We shared the burger between the two of us. The five players of the team discussed it amongrn themselves. 4. From a starting point; to a destinationrn We drove from Delhi to Mumbai. 5. Toward (in the direction of) a placern I was walking towards the Juhu beach when I came cross John. 6. Into (entering) a place or spacernJohn went into his house through the back door. 7. In (inside of) a place or spacern He’s been working out in the gym: he hasn’t gone outside. 8. On a surfacern The book is on the table. The portrait is hanging on the wall. 9. Off a surfacern I took the plate off the kitchen platformrn I have nailed the painting deep into the wall; it’s not going to come off the wall any time soon now.