Prepositions
Linguistically speaking, a preposition is a word that can describe either where, (time) when, or (manner) how. For instance, "by the fridge", "at 2:00", or "with chopsticks".
Prepositional phrases are groups of words containing a preposition, a noun or pronoun object of the preposition, and any modifiers of the object.
The most commonly used prepositions are:
about,
below,
excepting,
of,
toward,
above,
beneath,
for,
on,
under,
across,
beside(s),
from,
onto,
underneath,
after,
between,
in,
out,
until,
against,
beyond,
in front of,
outside,
up,
along,
but,
inside,
over,
upon,
among,
by,
in spite of,
past,
up to,
around,
concerning,
instead of,
regarding,
with,
at,
despite,
into,
since,
within,
because of,
down,
like,
through,
without,
before,
during,
near,
throughout,
with regard to,
behind,
except,
of,
to, and
with respect to.
Examples:
In this sentence the preposition indicates the location of the object, which in this example is the book.
The book is beneath the magazine.
Here the preposition "under" introduces the prepositional phrase "under the porch," which acts as an adverb modifying the compound verb "is hiding."
The dog is hiding under the table because it knows it will be in trouble for chewing the pillow.
There are two prepositional phrases in the following sentence. The first is "After many hours" and the second prepositional phrase is "for the car".
After many hours, we found the key for the car.
Prepositional Rules
A preposition is a part of speech introducing a prepositional phrase.
Joseph M. Williams, in the text Style: Toward Clarity and Grace, and E.B. White, and William Strunk Jr.in their work The Elements of Style have many basic rules about prepositions. The Elements of Style is quite strict when it comes to prepositions. Strunk and White agree that "improper" use of prepositions makes for sloppy unclear writing. Style: Toward Clarity and Grace is more liberal regarding the rules, and offers more exceptions and leeway; more focused upon clarity than correctness, Williams allows for breaking of the "rules" if the idea of the sentence is still clear.
1.1 Williams notes that you may have heard to avoid excessive prepositional phrases. This is a general rule, but to make your writing more clear, use verbs as opposed to abstract nouns and you will notice less prepositional phrases (24).
- A thorough examination by a professor will allow students to see how well they have been progressing.
V.S.
- The professor will examine the students showing them how well they have progressed.
"Prepositions are very light" (Williams 157). Avoid over usage because you want your sentences to have strength.
1.2 "Always use whom as the object of a verb or a preposition" (Williams 186). If you are using the word as a subject, use who (Strunk 21).
- Ben Kweller is the artist who we think will win. (SUBJECT)
- Ben Kweller is the artist whom we hope to see. (OBJECT)
Be cautious with this rule: using whom when you should use who is even worse than the other way. If in doubt- avoid using who/whom altogether.
"Ending a sentence in a preposition is something up with which I will not put." - Winston Churchill
1.3 Williams, Strunk and White are in agreement about the following rule: Never end a sentence with a preposition. While it is a basic rule for good form in writing, they all agree that it can be broken. In moving the preposition before its object, you make your writing more formal. See the following:
- Rebecca is the girl who I want to go with.
VS.
- Rebecca is the girl with whom I wish to go.
Though the later is correct, it is also more formal. All three authors agree that you should write naturally: if you are writing in a formal manner and it does not suit your needs, write more colloquially (Strunk 101). A careful reader will take note that your alleged "errors" are purposeful, and fit your chosen style (Williams 186-187). Do note that "only the writer whose ear is reliable is in a position to use bad grammar deliberately" (White 112).
1.4 Words require certain prepositions. When using compound composition, use the proper preposition for each word (Strunk 44). See the following:
- I want you to know that I am disappointed with and saddened by your behavior.
