Perplexing Prepositions The use of prepositions is difficult
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Perplexing Prepositions The use of prepositions is difficult to master because there aren’t many rules for how to use them. Mostly you learn them through listening and reading.
Phrasal Verbs �A phrasal verb consists of verb plus a particle (like a preposition). �The preposition can completely change the verb meaning. �Examples from your book include: turn on, turn in, turn over, turn down, turn out �Find a good source of phrasal verbs, such as the grammar books from Betty Azar (Fundamentals of English Grammar, Understanding and Using English Grammar)
Phrasal Verbs Continued… �Other examples: Call in, call out, call down. Get up (physically raise your body up and wake up), get down (dance, slang). �A preposition can change the meaning of a sentence. To look at someone (stare) is different than to look after (care for) someone. Care for (take care of) is different than care about (love).
Prepositions of Place, Time and Position �There are rules that govern some prepositions of place, time and position �They are located on page 258 in Writing Clearly. � Ex: “in” is used for month, year, but “on” is used for day of the week and date. �Ex: “in” is used for time of day, but “at” is used for specific time of day. �Study these rules to learn the basics.
Other Ways to Learn Prepositions �Memorize your phrasal verbs. �Memorize adjective-preposition combinations, such as “angry at, ” “disgusted with, ” “frustrated with. ” �Ask English speakers for advice. �Read and speak English – a lot! �Practice prepositions on the internet. http: //writing. umn. edu/docs/sws/quicktips/prepositi ons. pdf
Questions from Students �Which is correct? (Call off from work or call in for work? ) Neither is correct. Call in to work is correct. It means to call work and request something, such as time off. � Can I say: “I’m studying in the library” or “I’m studying at the library? ” Both can be correct. More common is “I’m studying at the library. ” I’m studying in the library is only used when you want to emphasize your physical location of inside, versus outside.
Watch this… �http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=L 4 j. IC 5 HLBd. M