Busy Prepositions

Definition:• A preposition shows the relationship of a noun or pronoun to another word.

Examples:•The ant is…

on the basket.

by the dog.

in the soda.

In formal writing:• Avoid ending a sentence with a

preposition.

No--Please find something to write with.

Yes—Please find something with which to write.

But…

• In casual writing and conversation it is becoming more acceptable to use preps improperly.

Examples:

•Who are you talking to?

Prep Phrases• Begin with a preposition

on the basket.

by the dog.

in the soda.

Prep Phrases•End with an object

on the basket.

by the dog.

in the soda.

Objects of preps:•The ant is…

on the basket.

by the dog.

in the soda.

Objects:The ant is under the basket.

under = preposition

basket = object of preposition

Objects• The ant is by the dog.

by = preposition

dog = object

For your success:

• You must memorize the 53 most common prepositions. This will help you in all areas of grammar study!

Why?

There are no subjects or verbs in prepositional phrases.

Prepositions about along

above amid

across among

after around

against at

atop

Prepositionsbefore beyond

behind but (except)

below by

beneath

beside

between

Prepositionsconcerning

down

during

except in

for inside

from into

Prepositions like on

near onto

out

of outside

off over

Prepositionspast toward

regarding

since

through

throughout

to

Prepositionsunder with

underneath within

until without

up

upon

Page 60: Exercise 11

1. With Peary, on every expedition, except the first one

2. For a long time, for his role

3. As an assistant, on a trip, to Nicaragua

4. Through the jungle

5. As a result, in the photograph, on this page