CHAPTER VI PREPOSITIONS 231. List of Prepositions. We have learned (18) that a preposition is a word placed before a substantive to show its relation to some other word in the sentence. Some prepositions consist of a phrase instead of a single word; as, by means of, out of, etc. The following is a list of prepositions consisting of a single word: A few of the foregoing words - barring, concerning, excepting, pending, regarding, respecting, saving, and touching - were originally participles which have faded into prepositions. The same words are also used as participles. Note the following examples of the two uses: Preposition: Regarding (as to) the matter, you are wrong. Participle: Regarding me for a moment in silence, he then spoke. The use of onto as a single word is avoided by careful writers. We may use instead on, to, upon, or on to. EXERCISE 165 Write sentences to illustrate the use of the following prepositions: The follow 232. Substantives Used with Prepositions. ing kinds of substantives may be used with prepositions: (1) Nouns; as, This came from France. (2) Pronouns; as, They sent for you. (3) Adjectives; as, He went from bad to worse. (4) Adverbs; as, We shall start from here. (5) Infinitives; as, No way remains but (except) to go. (6) Gerunds; as, After seeing him, I came back. As we have learned, nouns and pronouns used with prepositions are in the objective case. EXERCISE 166 Point out and classify each substantive used with a preposition in the following sentences: 1. The father came on deck. 2. Not until then did I see him. 7. From what you say, I must be mistaken. 8. From now on we shall look out for ourselves. 9. A prize is offered to whoever writes the best story. 10. Instead of mingling with his tribe, he sat apart, a solitary being in a multitude. 233. Position of a Preposition. A preposition usually precedes its substantive; but sometimes, especially in poetry, the substantive precedes (18); thus, From peak to peak, the rattling crags among, In easy and informal language, a preposition used with an interrogative or relative word is often placed at the end of the clause or sentence even in the best usage. Compare the following sentences: Easy and Informal Order 234. Prepositional Phrases. Formal and Dignified Order A phrase consisting of a preposition and its substantive is called a prepositional phrase; as, Stand by your colors, men, A prepositional phrase generally has the use of an adjective or an adverb, but may also have the use of a Note these examples: noun. He is a man of his word. (Adjectival phrase.) (Adverbial phrase.) EXERCISE 167 (1) Point out the prepositional phrases in Exercises 33 and 166 and tell the use of each. (2) Write two sentences containing adjectival prepositional phrases, two containing adverbial, and two containing substantive. 235. Omission of the Preposition. After the words glad, sorry, sure, certain, resolved, and the like, a preposition is expressed with a substantive word but is omitted with a substantive clause; thus, I am glad of this; I am glad that you are here. I feel sure of his coming; I feel sure that he will come. In certain constructions a preposition is often omitted in colloquial language but is expressed in more exact and careful literary language: as, There is no use staying (of staying); He lives this side the river (on this side of the river). On the other hand, a preposition may be used needlessly; as, Where is he at? Say "Where is he?" 236. Prepositions Discriminated. Note the distinc tions as to the use of the following prepositions: (1) At, in.— At applies to towns or to cities spoken of as geographical points, in to cities: as, He lives at Concord; The station is located at New York; He was born in Boston. (2) Beside, besides.— Beside means "by the side of," besides "in addition to": as, I stood beside the stream; There were five besides me. (3) Between, among.Between applies to two, among to more than two: as, Divide it between you two; Divide it among all the girls. (4) Ere, save.- Ere and save belong to the language of poetry. In ordinary language we should use before and except (or but): as, He came before (not ere) noon; All were here but (not save) Henry. (5) From, to. After different and differently we should use from, not to or than: as, He is different from (not to) his father; It happened differently from (not than) what I had expected. (6) From, with. After differ meaning "to be unlike" we should use from; as, Men differ from brutes. After differ meaning "to disagree" we may use either from or with; as, I differ from (or with) you on this question. (7) In, during. In denotes a point of time; during, extent of time: as, He was born in June; We were away during August. (8) In, into.- In implies rest or sameness of place; into, motion or change of place: as, He is in the house; He ran into the house. (9) Of, with.—We should use of (or from) rather than with after certain expressions to denote cause; as, He died of (not with) fever. EXERCISE 168 Choose between the two expressions and give a reason for your choice: 1. Poe died at (in) Baltimore. 2. I fell in (into) the river. 3. Where do you live (live at)? 4. He was married during (in) July. 9. Hold on to (onto) the rope. 10. He died with (of) hunger. 11. Come ere (before) sunset. 5. What is the use going (of 13. We spent the summer at (in) going) so soon? 6. We live this side (on this side of) the street. 7. It turned out different to (from) what we had hoped. 8. When it is noon here, what time is it at (in) Chicago? Colorado Springs. 14. A dispute arose among (be tween) the three boys. 15. I have ten dollars besides (beside) this. 16. All have returned save (except) Martha, |