PREPOSITIONS

Prepositions are very difficult for learners of English. Often, learners try to translate
from their language, but this is not possible. You need to learn and remember which
prepositions are used in different situations.

Perhaps in your language, you say "in" Monday. In English, we say "on Monday".
Here are some other common time prepositions:

Examples:

They got married in 1988.

They would like to go to Paris in the summer.

I can't sleep at night. It's too hot.

I will see you in three hours. Bye!

He worked as a pilot for fourteen years.

Other very important prepositions are prepositions of place - to describe where

something is. Sometimes the differences in these prepositions are very small. Think
of the difference between these sentences:

He put the box near the table.

He put the box next to the table.

He put the box in front of the table.

He put the box on the table.

He put the box under the table.

He put the box in the table. (Is this one possible? In the desk, perhaps....)

The other important thing when learning prepositions is to learn which ones go with
new verbs when you learn them.

For example, let's take the verb "to rise" (to go up).
Do prices "rise in 10%", "rise at 10%", "rise by 10%" or "rise on 10%"?

As you learn each new verb, ask your teacher "which preposition is this used with?"

The answer ? We say, for example, "Prices have risen by 10%". Here is some other

verb+ preposition examples:

That cat belongs to me.

We asked for some water.

What are you thinking about, John?

I'm very worried about Teresa. It's so late!

You also need to learn adjectives in the same way:

That car is identical to that one, isn't it?

Are you really afraid of the dark?

My parents were very impressed by my exam results.

Sharon is angry with Clara for telling everyone her secret.

And finally, even many nouns also come with prepositions.

What is the alternative to this plan?

Police said there is no connection between the two cases.

This medicine can have a negative effect on you.

Do you have a strong opinion about this, Carol?

For each space, write a preposition. Sometimes, there is no preposition
required - in these cases, just write a 'X' in the space.

1. I work ______a company that makes ice cream machines and sells them in
Europe.

2. Your aunt is always complaining that you never write to her. Just a quick letter will
make her feel ________very happy.

3. Nobody expected her to fall _____love with the new boss! Now they are getting
married!

4. I want you to look very carefully __________this picture. What do you think about
when you see it?

5. She married _____ a millionaire.

6. Now she works _____ his accountant.

7. I arrived in New York_______ 7 o'clock.

8. I stayed in the airport ______ two hours before the next flight.

9. I want to play tennis tomorrow with my sister but it depends _____ the weather.
They said it's going to rain all day.

10. If you lend money _______ Jon, be careful. Sometimes he forgets everything.

11. Opposite ____ the station, you will find a restaurant.

12. Here, you can eat very well and you don't pay_____ your drinks.