meanings and use
It is difficult to learn to use prepositions correctly in a foreign language. Most English prepositions have several different functions (for instance, one well- known dictionary lists eighteen main uses of at), and these may correspond to several different prepositions in another language. At the same time, different prepositions can have very similar uses (in the morning, on Monday morning, at night). Many nouns, verbs, and adjectives are normally used with particular prepositions: we say the reason for, arrive at, angry with somebody, on a bus. Often the correct preposition cannot be guessed, and one has to learn the expression as a whole. In some expressions English has no preposition where one may be used in another language; in other
expressions the opposite is true. For details of some difficult cases of prepositional usage, see prepositions 2: after particular words and expressions.
word order
In English, prepositions can come at the ends of clauses in certain structures, especially in an informal style. For details, see prepositions 5: at the ends of clauses.
What are you thinking about? She’s not very easy to talk to.
You’re just the person I was looking for. I hate being shouted at.
-ing forms
When we use verbs after prepositions, we use -ing forms, not infinitives. For details, see -ing forms 6: without breaking, see prepositions 7: -ing forms and infinitives.
She saved money by giving up cigarettes.
When “to” is a preposition, it is also followed by -ing forms, (see -ing forms 6: without breaking; before starting.2).
I look forward to seeing you soon.
prepositions before conjunctions
Prepositions are sometimes dropped before conjunctions and sometimes not. For details, see prepositions 6: before conjunctions.
I’m not certain (of) what I’m supposed to do.
The question (of) whether they should turn back was never discussed.
prepositions and adverb particles
Words like on, off, up, down can function both as prepositions and as adverb particles. For the difference, see adverb particles. For verbs with prepositions and particles, see two-part verbs 1: phrasal verbs, see two-part verbs 2: prepositional verbs.
She ran up the stairs, (preposition)
She rang me up. (adverb particle)
For more information consult a good dictionary like Langman, Oxford, Merriam Webster, or Collins.
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